I serve as a guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage, fostering active participation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
With over 30 years of experience as a practicing design and marketing professional and more than 15 years as an adjunct educator, I have dedicated my career to exploring the intersection of creativity, branding, and strategic communication. My professional journey has been enriched through roles at Miami University, and the University of Louisville, as well as the University of Cincinnati, where I have developed and taught courses that bridge theory with real-world application. Holding a BFA in Graphic Design from Bowling Green State University and an MDes from the University of Cincinnati, I have consistently sought opportunities to advance the role of creativity within academia and industry.
My academic contributions include chairing the university-wide Faculty Innovation Council at UC, coordinating faculty-driven innovation initiatives, and co-instructing multidisciplinary undergraduate courses within the University Honors Program. Currently, I am teaching DMC2150: Design Skills and DMC3101: Media and Business of Creativity, both with the School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies (SCFMS) Digital Media Collaborative (DMC). Additionally, I coordinate the undergraduate internship programs for DMC, as well as FMS.
At University of Louisville, I restructured the advanced packaging design curriculum to emphasize consumer needs, strategic branding, and marketplace competition. At Miami University, I instructed courses such as Introduction to Design, Image Making, Business of Design, and Senior Thesis, while also organizing interdisciplinary panel discussions to connect students with practicing professionals in design, marketing, and business. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to enhancing higher education by integrating branding and design strategies into interdisciplinary curricula.
Beyond academia, I have actively contributed to initiatives that elevate diverse communities through design and advocacy.
My rebranding work for Colorado Parents for Quality Education supported an African-American grassroots initiative that empowers parents to advocate for their children’s educational rights. Additionally, I created a pro bono social media campaign for 7 Hillz Productions Foundation, supporting a scholarship initiative for film and media students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
I have also served as a judge for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference and contributed to Kiwanis International’s mission of improving children’s lives worldwide. Furthermore, I acted as the event emcee for the 1N5 fundraising event, which aims to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness. This event featured then-University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono and successfully raised over $115,000 for the nonprofit.
Each of these experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of media and storytelling in shaping societal narratives.
My engagement in social responsibility training—covering topics such as bias management, accessibility compliance, and harassment prevention—further informs my approach to education and professional development. I strongly believe that interdisciplinary programs incorporating design, branding, and media studies can foster new areas of academic research, while also creating professional growth opportunities through executive learning, faculty development, and continuing education.
In addition to these experiences, I bring over 30 years of professional practice, including design roles at Interbrand, Scoppechio Advertising, PepsiCo Frito-Lay and Procter & Gamble. I currently lead Gilmore Branding & Design, a consultancy I founded in 2008, which focuses on brand development, marketing strategy, and creative direction.
Making an emotive connection with people—by leveraging strategy and design—is at the heart of my work.
This dual perspective—as both practitioner and educator—enables me to provide students with a robust and contemporary understanding of the design industry. I believe strongly in empowering visual learners by contextualizing business theory through practical application, industry case studies, and portfolio-driven projects. My teaching philosophy is grounded in relevance, accessibility, and mentorship—helping students cultivate both strategic thinking and professional confidence.
