The Visual Arts, Communication & Design (VACD) department is one of the more creative departments here on the AU campus. Within the department, students can study communication, design, fine arts and photography. The department’s goal is to create human connection through the art that students create.
Academically, the VACD department works to train future graphic designers, fine artists, photographers, filmmakers, podcasters, writers, social media managers, and public relations experts so that they can increase their talents, think critically, discern clearly, and communicate creatively and constructively.
“The world communicates visually much more than it ever has in the past,” photography professor Dave Sherwin explained. “Our department is all about helping students communicate better visually.” Sherwin retired in May 2025, but still serves as an adjunct.
Nathaniel Reid (senior, photography) is passionate about communicating with the world through photography. He shared, “I believe photography is important to study even outside of a career because it changes the way you see the world.” He sees photography as storytelling as well as a way to step outside of yourself and understand life through the lens of a camera.
“Instead of seeing a piece of junk by the side of the road, you see a one-of-a-kind subject. Instead of seeing an ordinary day at the beach, you see dozens of families all with unique memories they’re hoping to escape or create,” Reid said.
Some of Reid’s favorite memories over the years have been while doing photoshoots. “From taking pictures of creepy mannequins at antique stores to blasting ‘Dress to Impress’ music while photographing models in St. Joe, it’s always a good time getting to be creative with my crew.” Reid shared.
Art can be created both physically and digitally. Joy Broderick (freshman, graphic design) shared, “I think the world needs a variety of artists in different fields in order to observe different styles and inspirations.”
On the subject of graphic design, Professor Diane Myers said that “Graphic design is important because it influences how people view and interact with the world. Designers turn complex information into something people can easily understand.”
Strategic thinking and clarity are essential to graphic design because if the message isn’t clear, the campaign slogan or brand deal won’t work.
A career in the arts can also go hand in hand with other majors. Emma Campbell (freshman, fine arts) is studying to become an art therapist. She shared, “I believe that art is a great way to help mental health. I truly love art and creating, so I think art therapy can help make the world a better place.”
The VACD faculty love to interact with their students through social events. This semester, students have enjoyed a laser tag night and a chili night. Campbell said, “I really enjoyed the laser tag event. The basic design team totally dominated.” Broderick agreed with Campbell and said, “It was super fun to do laser tag and spend time with my friends.”
The VACD has also taken students on many study tours. Students have traveled to India, Cuba, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, and Iceland.
“I think students learn a lot faster when they are right beside you using a practical, hands-on approach,” Sherwin said.
Myers added, “I have had the privilege of participating in several study tours, and each one has been unforgettable.”
While the department offers many opportunities for creative growth and global experiences, it is not without its challenges. Funding is a huge ongoing issue they have been dealing with. “Over the last 30 years, I’ve seen that the Andrews Administration doesn’t value visual education much,” Sherwin shared. Although the department is somewhat small, it consists of a group of dedicated individuals. Art supplies and equipment can be expensive, so students and faculty contribute to the department’s funds and promote its events when possible.
“Decades worth of talented work has gone into the making of this department,” Reid said. “I would hate to see that come to an end due to restructured or reallocated funding.”
The rise of AI is another potential threat to the department. “I will say that AI can never truly make art, only rehash it,” Campbell shared. “I think physical art has become more important because of it.”
Myers added that although AI is now a part of everyday life, it is limited and does not have what humans do: creativity, emotional intelligence, and original ideas. “We can design using our life experiences and unique perspectives to make something thoughtful and meaningful, something AI simply cannot.”
Overall, through hands-on learning and creative exploration, the VACD continues to shape students into thoughtful artists and communicators. While the department faces challenges, its mission remains clear: to help students use creativity to communicate ideas, tell stories and connect with the world.
If you would like to learn more about the VACD, follow their Instagram page or reach out to any of the professors.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.