In January, we saw how Dr. George Glisan makes an impact, both with his affiliation with the SGP Program and in the classroom at Appalachian State University. This month, we will take a look at how he drives his passion for a sustainable future through his new role as president of the Accredited Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC).
ACCGC's focus is on the certification of graphic communication programs in higher education institutions. This independent organization is comprised of both industry and educational professionals devoted to promoting excellence in graphic communications education. Dr. Glisan finds that the combination of members has a positive impact on the organization, and keeps educators grounded when it comes to how best to serve the needs of their students.
When asked how he plans to make an impact in his role as president, he replied, “I see my new position as an opportunity to bring attention to sustainability’s role in graphic communications, and specifically how ACCGC’s education standards and accreditation criteria can, and should, support this role. Graphic communication students need to be equipped to understand the challenges of sustainability and know how best to respond.” ACCGC board members are forward thinkers and have been supportive of Dr. Glisan’s advocacy for sustainability. Inspired by SGP’s proven certification program, he plans to collectively develop criteria that supports the inclusion of sustainability in the curricula standards for accreditation.
When it comes to including sustainability in the criteria for accreditation, the ACCGC board will face challenges. Any standards developed need to consider specificity as well as representative of the resources and mission of each individual college program. For example, not all colleges will be able to support a class that focuses exclusively on sustainability in graphic communications. Dr. Glisan explained that the focus should be based on the specific desired outcomes, that students are able to make choices based on the most sustainable results. The SGP certification program, which the printing industry has been adopting for over a decade, has vetted sustainability criteria and it is available to be integrated into college programs. By incorporating sustainability into pre-existing classes, innovation conversation will be sparked.
Dr. Glisan anticipates an outstanding year. He commented, “There are three areas that I am looking forward to in 2020. First, I am excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the discipline of Graphic Communications through my role on the board of ACCGC. I believe there is potential for long term impact on the field if we have students who are educated with the knowledge required to lead our industry into the future sustainable. Second, I am looking to extend opportunities before me to share knowledge about the subject of sustainability to members of the graphic communications community. Finally, I am hopeful that an assessment tool that I am developing can become a mechanism to spur education on sustainability among multiple age groups, including elementary age children!”
One thing is for certain, 2020 is bright for Dr. George Glisan and the board members and students that he is inspiring with his passion for sustainability.
