Rich Yates

Rich Yates is a Professor and Chair of the Media Communications Department at Briar Cliff University (BCU). He emphasizes modern facilities and student skill development, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing students gain confidence and employer-ready competencies. Yates began teaching graphic design at BCU in Fall 2018 and assumed the chair role in Spring 2023 following the passing of predecessor Michael Crowley.

• Education: BFA in Graphic Design from Emporia State University; MA from University of Minnesota's College of Design
• Previous roles: 5 years as professor at Morningside College, graphic design and web design industry experience (10 years across three jobs)
• Department features: Elinor McDevitt Freeman Writing and Design Center, updated Macintosh lab, state-of-the-art radio station, and upcoming photography/TV studio renovations
• Academic offerings: Majors in Graphic Design, Mass Communications, and Sports Information; minors including Photography and Social Media

His teaching philosophy focuses on preparing students for entry-level positions or graduate studies, with a collaborative team of two full-time professors and three adjuncts covering news writing, photography, and radio instruction.