Toronto, Jan. 6, 2014 – Michael Maynard joins Seneca as the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Art and Design beginning today.
“Michael brings extensive experience as a graphic designer, educator and academic leader to this role,” said Seneca’s Vice President Academic Joy McKinnon. “His corporate communication design projects, brand identity and art direction have been recognized with awards in North America and Asia. This makes him a perfect fit for our prestigious Faculty of Communication, Art and Design which includes our Animation Arts Centre that is ranked amongst the best in the world.”
Michael has taught graphic design at Georgian College and Sheridan College and he was the founding director of the School of Design at George Brown College. Most recently, Michael was the Director of the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. His terms as a senior administrator have been associated with curriculum renewal and program development, facility expansion, international and Aboriginal initiatives, and enrolment growth.
Michael has served as President of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada and the Canadian Craft Federation. He is a published author and lectures regularly on design and the creative economy. As a member of provincial working groups, he has helped develop postsecondary standards in Ontario and cultural policy in New Brunswick.
Michael is a graduate of the Boston Museum School and Tufts University. He earned his MFA at York University and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of New Brunswick.
Seneca’s Faculty of Communication, Art and Design includes study options in Animation, Communications and Public Administration, and Media and Design. Seneca’s award-winning animation programs, with international partnerships and connections with industry leaders, open worlds of career possibilities in the entertainment universe that will help students succeed in this creative field. Students also have the opportunity to work with industry on Oscar®-winning films through the Seneca Summer Animation Institute. The Corporate Communications, Government Relations and Technical Communications programs prepare students to succeed in this fast-paced world, gaining professional knowledge, access to field experience, and links to master’s degree programs at partner universities. Seneca’s Media and Design programs in fields like art, journalism, graphic design, photography and fashion, give students the hands-on experience they need to graduate job-ready – the professors are industry experts and the equipment is professional grade.
With campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca offers degrees, diplomas and certificates renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Combining the highest academic standards with practical, hands-on learning, expert teaching faculty and the latest technology ensures Seneca graduates are career-ready.