Gardner-Webb student taking photograph

The Communication, Art & Design Department offers students a curriculum taught by faculty members with real-world experience in fields such as photography, public relations, journalism, graphic design, and visual art.  Students in this department are equipped with experience-based preparation for work in media-related professions and in visual art.

Students in each of these areas are offered countless opportunities to develop their job portfolios. Whether capturing images of campus life as a member of the student photo team, recording and producing a podcast for wgwg.org, Gardner-Webb’s radio station, or developing one’s own voice and technique as a studio artist, students can apply concepts from each class to the career they seek after graduation.

The department provides a comprehensive art studio and art history program offering two undergraduate degree options, along with two art minor offerings. Concentrated studio class tracks of study in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media are available through the department, including in-depth study opportunities in painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking. Students of all skill levels are welcomed into the foundation program. A low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that we can devote individual attention toward the development of our student artists.

The Department of Communication, Art & Design offers three majors with several different concentrations: Communication Studies with concentrations in Video/Film, Photography, and Public Relations, Graphic Design, and Journalism with concentrations in News-Editorial (print and web), Photojournalism (still, video, and multimedia), and Broadcast (in front of the camera). Art with options for Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

  • kortni-alston-lemon

    Dr. Kortni Alston

    Assoc. Prof of Journalism & Communications & Chair of the Dept. of Communication Art, & Design

    (704) 406-3803

Selected
The excellent liberal arts education I received has helped me transition into the working world. I feel comfortable managing multiple projects at once, and I feel as though I can provide a unique perspective and opinions about the future of higher education thanks to my undergraduate experience.”
Selected
I chose photojournalism, because I have always been extremely passionate about the outdoors and traveling. Photojournalism was the perfect way to combine these two loves.”
Selected
As a student, I enjoyed the connections I could make with my coaches, classmates, professors and faculty members. You’re not going to receive that level of connection just anywhere. During my time at Gardner-Webb, I felt as if I really grew into who I was meant to be.”