Chowan University and the School of Business & Design are excited to welcome Jason Fowler as Assistant Professor in Graphic Design. Jason officially began his position this month, already prepared for spring courses as he started developing spring courses and making plans for the Graphic Design program upon acceptance of the position. 

Jason first realized his passion for design when working summers in Virginia Beach at his uncle’s sign company. “I fell in love with the process and using the programs,” Jason explains, “It’s an artistic career but it is also a technical career, and it lit a fire under me.” When Jason returned in the fall to Christopher Newport University for his senior year, he switched his major from English to Studio Art with a Graphic Design Concentration. His fervor for design led him to continue his education, later earning a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

After graduation, he began working as a Graphic Designer at Lumber Liquidators, where he edited and produced copy for marketing materials, including consumer catalogs, web graphics, and national billboards. In this position, Jason had the opportunity to brand the historic Yankee Stadium when he worked on a team that designed 30 x 80 foot banners to hang across the side panels of the stadium. After Lumber Liquidators, Jason became the Senior Graphic Designer at Architectural Graphics, Inc. In this position, he was the lead graphic designer over a staff of five in-house graphic designers. One of his most memorable and exciting tasks was when he was involved in the nationwide rebranding of Starbucks. The rebranding effort included updating the logo, new signage, and improving the drive-through experience.

Since April 2015, Jason has worked as the Marketing Art Director for The Glass Baron, Inc., a company that offers pressed and blown glass products. Jason’s responsibilities in this role included the coordination of all marketing design and production with production staff in the US and China and serving as the Creative Lead for all marketing collateral produced by the Glass Baron, Inc. Although his original teaching career took a different path, Jason says he feels as if his career has “come full circle.” He feels fortunate to teach in the career that he loves and inspire his students to achieve their goals. Jason has taught Graphic Design courses at both Old Dominion University and Coastal Carolina University. He describes his classes as “lively and full of ideas” and a place to foster creativity and growth. “Classrooms do not have to be boring or lacking in excitement,” he says. Jason’s energetic attitude and enthusiasm for the subject will undoubtedly transfer to the students, as they will enjoy learning and developing their skills in the collaborative environment he creates.

When he is not working, Jason enjoys traveling with his wife, Delia, and his six children: Isaiah (10), Matthew (8), Liliana (6), Christopher (4), Jason (4) and Rubi (1). He and his wife are also expecting, so he is looking forward to adding another member to the family. He also enjoys sports, especially basketball and football, and has coached soccer in his community. In addition, he loves video games and is a self-proclaimed “tech nerd”. He and his wife are also active in their church, Community Church in Chesapeake, VA.

Welcome to the Chowan family, Jason!