Exploring the Realm of Artistic Creation, Embracing a Creative Lifestyle, and Passing on Hard-Earned Wisdom
Dr. Meryl Epstein: A Multifaceted Leader in Education and Art
Dr. Meryl Epstein, a renowned figure in the realms of education and art, has embarked on a new journey at a yet-to-be-named institution. Her passion for teaching was kindled during her time as a teaching assistant for an introductory photography course in graduate school, and it has been burning bright ever since.
After earning her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Epstein went on to pursue an MFA in Fine Arts (Photography) from Arizona State University, Tempe. Her artistic journey was enriched by the guidance of C. W. Riggs, a professor who inspired her to push boundaries and shared that he did not find his stride as an artist until his sixties.
Dr. Epstein's professional journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She worked as a designer during the day and taught at community colleges at night after graduate school. The privilege of learning from Carl Regehr, an award-winning designer who entered teaching after battling cancer, left an indelible mark on her.
Dr. Epstein's contributions extend beyond the realm of academia. She has been instrumental in the opening of several museums in the Phoenix area, including the Arizona Historical Society (AHS), Arizona Science Center (ASC), and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). Her artistic works, inspired by water and its movement, reflection, obscuration, and transformation, can be found on her website, b-presentnow.com.
In the field of education, Dr. Epstein's research on student success in online education is noteworthy. She believes that key ingredients for success include a student, a faculty member, quality course content, effective communication/collaboration, and a desire to expand one's point of view.
Dr. Epstein's dedication to her craft and her commitment to work/life balance have earned her the distinction of AIGA Fellow. She values mindfulness and appreciation of each moment, a philosophy that has served her well in her various roles, including her tenure as the Dean of the Art Institute of Phoenix from 2006 to 2014.
Now, Dr. Epstein is eager to leverage her experience and expertise to support the vision and mission of the new institution. She is relishing her experience there and looks forward to learning from and collaborating with the faculty.
For more information about the faculty and degree programmes at the new institution, visit their website.
- Dr. Meryl Epstein's diverse portfolio includes a passion for graphic design, as she earned a BFA in this field from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, demonstrating her commitment to the discipline even beyond academia.
- In her new role at the yet-to-be-named institution, Dr. Epstein is excited to collaborate with faculty in diverse fields such as fashion-and-beauty, travel, and food-and-drink, showcasing her openness to multidisciplinary endeavors.
- Dr. Epstein's lifelong dedication to art and education can be seen in her gathering experiences at various institutions and her continuous pursuit of balance, applying her learned principles to foster a lifestyle that values modern art, social connection, and personal growth as reflected in her work at the Arizona Historical Society (AHS), Arizona Science Center (ASC), and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA).
