Lee Hackett

Director of Visual Communication and Assistant Professor

Lee Hackett teaches undergraduate electronic media, screen printing, senior exit studio, special topics, and an internship class. She works with the A&M-Commerce Visual Communication (VisCom) graduate program, instructing the design writing class and performing thesis committee work. She also leads a bi-annual summer course in London, focusing on wayfinding and the art of the poster.

Lee also directs the award-winning VisCom program at A&M-Commerce. During her tenure, the program has adopted successful processes that give students an edge in the job market, including portfolio development and curated course rotations. The VisCom program stays current by employing evaluation standards that are consistent with industry expectations. Students regularly participate in and receive honors at national and international juried shows.

Screen printing is Lee's research medium. As she travels the world, she gathers inspiration from everyday patterns to create original designs. Her studio contains a 96” by 60” vacuum table to accommodate the large patterns for her silkscreen prints.

Lee holds a BFA in Commercial Art from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Art-New Media from A&M-Commerce and an MFA in Visual Communication from Texas State University.

A Conversation with Lee

Why do you like teaching?

While it might sound cliché, almost nothing can compare to witnessing the proverbial lightbulb moment when a student grasps a new concept. It is such a privilege to play a part in a student's life by building conceptual understanding and enabling professional opportunities. My passion for teaching never dims.

Why would you encourage a student to attend A&M-Commerce?

The A&M Commerce Visual Communication program is unique. We strongly believe in the importance of small classes and the value of mentoring paired with instruction. Our program reflects professional practices through current course offerings and industry involvement in the classroom to make sure students are prepared for success when they graduate.

Educational Background

• MFA, Design Communication, Texas State University, 2012
• M.S., Art-New Media, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2005
• BFA, Commercial Art, Baylor University, 1985

Academic Positions

• Director of Visual Communications and Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2005-Present
• Coordinator of Communication Art, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2000-2005
• Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1992-2000
• Adjunct Instructor, Texas Christian University, 1994/1998/2000
• Adjunct Instructor, University of North Texas, 1990
• Professional Development Instructor, Richland and Eastfield Community Colleges, 1987-1988