WCU’s School of Art and Design faculty members are dedicated, talented, and passionate
educators who have practiced in professional and academic settings. They bring a wealth
of scholastic, corporate, and organizational experiences to the classroom and encourage
students to think critically, communicate effectively, and make the connection between
their studies and professional aspirations.
All faculty members have demonstrated expertise in the specific discipline of their
teaching assignment and they are practioners in the subject matter being presented.
Here at WCU, studio art faculty are artists with M.F.A. degrees. Art history faculty
hold Ph.D.s. Art education faculty hold either a Ph.D. or M.F.A. degree. Interior
Design faculty members are expected to hold at least the M.A. in interior design and
to be practicing professional designers.
Full-time Faculty
| Name |
Role |
| Erin Tapley |
M.F.A., Ph.D., Director, School of Art and Design; Professor, Art Education |
| Erin Adams |
M.S., Associate Professor, Interior Design, Program Coordinator |
| Tom Ashcraft |
M.F.A., Endowed Professor of Visual Arts, MFA Director |
| Heather Mae Erickson |
M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Ceramics, Program Coordinator |
| Shelby Hicks |
M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Interior Design |
| Jane Hughes |
M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Interior Design |
| Jon Jicha |
M.F.A., Professor, Graphic Design |
| Justin Morgan Kennedy |
M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Sculpture |
| Kevin Kirkpatrick |
M.F.A., Studio Tech/Instructor |
| Ron Laboray |
M.F.A., Professor, Painting and Drawing |
| Mary Anna LaFratta |
M.F.A., Associate Professor, Graphic Design |
| Matt Liddle |
M.F.A., Professor, Printmaking and Book Arts |
| Seth J. McCormick |
Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Art History |
| Nikki Owens |
M.F.A., Assistant Professor, Interior Design |
| Richard Tichich |
M.F.A., Professor, Photography |
Staff
Beth Moore, Administrative Support Associate
School of Art and Design Main Office, BAC 155
828.227.7210
bethmoore@wcu.edu
Adjunct Faculty
Jillian Echlin iranceramicarts.org
Jenny Fisher
Ben Hamburger benhamburgerart.com
Susan Martin susanaltamartin.com
Galen May
Martha Neaves marthaneaves.com
Nathan Perry nathanellisperry.com
Zach Rogers lumberzachstudios.com
Laura Sellers laurasellersart.com
David Skinner
Cherry Stone
