December 8, 2000

New instructor shares knowledge of fine arts and graphic design with students

by Selena Spece, A'01, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

Debra Woodfork is a part-time instructor in the Department of Communications teaching Intro to Layout and Design, and she is also manager of the Shawn M. Donnelley Center computer lab. A native New Orleanian, she is committed to sharing with her students her vast knowledge of graphic design. "This is my first teaching experience, and I enjoy the idea of helping others as well as learning from the ideas of others," Woodfork says.

Woodfork exudes a certain excitement when you talk to her about her passion for graphic design. It all began when she attended high school at St. Mary's Academy. There she was taught by Bill Watkins and Concepcion Tregre who first introduced her to the idea of expressing her ideas visually.

Then she went on to Xavier University and received her bachelor of arts degree in art in 1996. "Teachers at Xavier helped me to mold my artistic abilities in fine arts, and later graphic design," Woodfork says. She worked closely with the instructors to decide in which direction she wanted to go.

After graduating from Xavier, Woodfork took two years off from school to work as an art director for a small publishing company and hold a part-time job at the Xavier University yearbook office. "These experiences helped to heighten my interest in graphic design, but I knew that there was much more that I needed and wanted to know," Woodfork says.

Woodfork then decided to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, and is currently finishing her thesis paper to complete her master of fine arts degree in graphic design. Her thesis is a comparison between the fields of fine art and graphic design.

Woodfork was hired in August by Professor Teri Henley, who notes, "I saw her portfolio and her previous experience and knew we had to have her at Loyola." Henley also believes that Woodfork is a wonderful asset to the communications department. "Her students rave about what they are learning from her," Henley adds, "She has taken their work to a new level."

So far Woodfork has had a positive experience working here at Loyola, and hopes to make a positive influence on those around her. "The faculty and staff here in the communications department have been more than helpful to me as I adjust to my position," Woodfork says.

Woodfork is very optimistic about her future. Because she is 26 and has had such an inspiring educational experience, Woodfork believes that she has not even begun to learn all that she wants to know. She finds it easy to relate to her students and spark their creativity.

Woodfork says that the Shawn M. Donnelley Center has plenty of potential to grow. She plans to add more projects for nonprofit organizations, update hardware and software, and hold seminars for students to learn how to properly use the equipment.