Commitment to Real Learning for Real Life focuses on preparing students to offer a complete portfolio
The importance of a college degree has never been greater, and students seeking a career in graphic design need to show prospective employers their work as proof of their skillset as well. Bellevue University professor Bob Hankin, a self proclaimed "non-academic academic," incorporates those needs into the Graphic Design program so that graduates are ready to enter the competitive market.
This year, he brought in 4 local design professionals to portfolio review, so that students would have their feedback as well. As a graphic design professional, Bob can provide feedback so students can continue to grow, but the input of others lends to a broader perspective. He has also been able to secure speakers in the field for some classes, furthering the exposure to what it is like to work as a designer. Students from the Graphic Design program have won local awards, presented at daOMA’s Pecha Kucha events, attended national design conferences and recently helped the university re-design the Student Handbook.
Bob embodies the University’s Real Learning for Real Life commitment. He has been a graphic designer since 1994,
teaching since 2000, and at Bellevue University since 2002. To stay current on his profession, he has served on the
AIGA Nebraska board of directors as president and director of education, he sharpens his mind and craft with
freelance projects and attends events in the local creative scene. His free time is spent longboarding,
experimenting with graffiti and hunting for his next pair of sneakers. That eclectic background enables him to
design course work that is reflective of what students will encounter when they begin working as a designer.
In recent years, the University has made several changes to the graphic design programs, including the introduction of online courses and a cluster format. Bob is proud to voice his opinions, and make sure that even as the delivery changes, students continue to learn the fundamentals of design that will make them successful- regardless of current trends and technology.
Bellevue University offers 2 graphic design degrees:
