Chris Gallagher

Chris Gallagher is the Chair of the Department of Animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). As a Professor, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and creative direction of one of the top-ranked animation programs in the U.S. He actively participates in faculty recruitment, as evidenced by his involvement in welcoming Kwame Nyong'o and Jaime Castañeda, both emphasizing industry experience and storytelling depth. Gallagher supports innovative projects like Bearly, a student-led animated musical film, and contributes to events such as SCAD AnimationFest, highlighting his commitment to bridging academic training with professional practice.

The SCAD Department of Animation, under Gallagher's leadership, provides students with cutting-edge resources including motion capture systems and high-performance digital workstations. His philosophy aligns with educators who prioritize holistic skill development, encouraging students to embrace diverse challenges in animation rather than specialize narrowly. This approach is reflected in the success of recent graduates now employed at major studios like Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios.