Runnells returns to lead ݮƵDepartment of Art
Contact: Christie McNeal
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A longtime university educator, illustrator and designer is the new head of Mississippi State’s Department of Art.
Jamie Runnells, who taught at ݮƵfrom 2002-2013, returns after serving a stint as coordinator of Jacksonville State University’s Master of Fine Arts program, where she also held the title of distinguished professor of visual communication.
Runnells began her new role in the College of Architecture, Art and Design Tuesday [July 1], succeeding Professor Critz Campbell, who stepped down from his leadership role to focus on full-time teaching in the department.
CAAD Dean and Graduate School Interim Dean Angi Elsea Bourgeois said she is excited about the department’s future under Runnells’ direction.
“I am confident that Jamie will draw together her knowledge, talents and leadership experience to maximize our strengths and multiply opportunities for the department as we move into the future,” she said.
Runnells has taught for more than 20 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Augusta State University and master’s degree in graphic design from Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland. She said she is honored to lead the department and is grateful for the opportunity to champion its outstanding faculty, staff and students.
“The Department of Art has a strong legacy at the local, regional and national levels and has done a great job of connecting current students with alumni,” she said. “I am eager to deepen those relationships with alumni and create further opportunities for our students.”
Runnells said she hopes to develop campus and community partnerships in support of research, teaching and learning and is encouraged by their future growth potential.
“I look forward to stewarding the recent investments in infrastructure for the department,” she said, “as well as the advancement and development of new directions in departmental curricula.”
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