Faculty Profile: Christine Shanks

Christine Shanks was a tenured faculty member at an art college in a major city. But the constraints of working at a for-profit institution left her wanting more, both for herself and for her students.

“I believe in the mission of community colleges to provide exceptional education and support for a reasonable cost to their students, so I began a robust job search,” said Shanks. “I chose Tompkins Cortland because I felt I could make the greatest impact here.”

Shanks was brought to TC3 to revive a program with a long history, but one that was in need of a revitalization. “When I was hired the Graphic Design program was a blank slate,” said Shanks. “I was eager to redevelop the program to meet the job requirements of the graphic design field and continue to ensure that the program stayed relevant and up-to-date so students could learn the latest skills in a career-focused program.”

That is exactly what she has done. Almost from the moment she set foot on campus as a faculty member, Shanks has gone about modernizing the graphic design program, giving students authentic experiences and realistic preparations for working in the field. Collaborating with colleagues in the writing department, Ke’lab, TC3’s first literary and visual arts journal, was created. Ke’lab lets students work on a real publication, giving them experience and a portfolio for when they graduate. 

It quickly became a shining example of interdisciplinary work at the College. Moreover, it’s a prime illustration of how Shanks has transformed the program by focusing on what students need to succeed in the evolving world of graphic design.

Christine Shanks, Professor of Graphic Design
Towson University, B.S. (Visual Communications); University of Delaware, MFA (Photography)

In her own words
What do you like best about working at TC3?  
The wonderful college community is what I like the most about working at TC3. I especially enjoy collaborating with colleagues on special projects that benefit our students and help them gain professional experience, such as our ALEX210 publication course for Ke’lab (The Arts Publication of Tompkins Cortland CC) and the art department’s annual Art Sales. I also enjoy knowing I work for a college that is student focused.

How would you describe your best students - what characteristics do they share?
A graphic designer needs a wide array of traits and skills to be successful, some of which are; exceptional communication skills, persistence, adaptability, excellent collaboration and people skills, an eagerness to always be learning, innovation and creativity, a love of technology, critical thinking, the ability to master a variety of media, and a deep understanding of empathy. The students that stand out the most are the ones that are always working on improving and developing these traits and skills.

What have you learned from your students?
My students have contributed greatly to my growth as an educator, professional, and creative. They have taught me about empathy, inclusion, and communication. They keep me up to date on current pop culture, show me new perspectives, and share their experiences, which helps me develop the program’s curriculum and my teaching to ensure they evolve to help my students reach their goals and stay motivated.