Dean of Academic Affairs

Melinda Lester is an accomplished designer with almost 30 years of industry experience. She currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at The Art Institute of California-Orange County. Previously, Melinda served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, as Academic Director of Graphic Design and as an instructor at The Art Institute.

She began her career as a Graphic Designer for Ray Engle & Associates and quickly worked her way to Art Director for such companies as Boylhart, Lovett & Dean, Lovenduski, Robertson & Kinsey, Cochrane Chase, Livingston & Company and Foote, Cone & Belding where she worked for such notable clients as Mazda, Samsung, Epson, and Carl's Jr.

Operating a freelance art direction and graphic design business since 1987, Melinda has worked for clients such as AST Research, Inc., Bozell Healthcare Advertising, Balboa Insurance, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, Pacific Communications, Century 21 Real Estate and Cochrane Chase.

Her previous teaching experiences include serving as Director of Art and teaching 5th and 6th grade art classes for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in San Clemente, Calif. where she was responsible for developing art curriculum, organizing a supplemental music/arts program and showcasing student art and talent via the yearly arts festival she organized. She has also taught graphic design and production at Brooks College and graphic design and portfolio courses at Golden West College. She holds Bachelor's and Master's of Art degrees from California State University-Fullerton.