Matt Leech

Matt Leech serves as a Lecturer at James Madison University's School of Media Arts and Design (SMAD), having joined the faculty in 2024. With sixteen years of professional experience across multiple creative disciplines, he brings substantial industry expertise to his academic role.

Education:

• B.F.A. in Printmaking from James Madison University (2008)

Teaching and Creative Philosophy: Leech focuses on using design as a tool to create meaningful, humanized, and empathetic connections between people, places, and businesses. His teaching emphasizes practical application through partnerships between SMAD students and local businesses, providing valuable real-world experience while contributing to community enrichment. His creative interests span Inclusive Visual Communication, Brand perception, Graphic Design across multiple mediums (print, web, and packaging), Public Art initiatives, and Creative Direction with marketing strategy.

Leech maintains an active personal life centered around outdoor activities with his partner Amanda and their two children, playing music with friends, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains through running and trail riding. These personal interests in community engagement and outdoor spaces likely inform his approach to public art and community-based design projects.