Eric Ruggiero

Eric Ruggiero serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Integrative Media and Art Department (IMAD) at Wilkes University. As founding director of Integrative Media since June 2005, he developed initial curriculum, budget, policies, staff, marketing, studio infrastructure, and equipment. Under his leadership, the department grew from 5 to over 35 students while producing award-winning graduates. He also chairs the combined IMAD department including Art, holds multiple university committee positions, and fosters cross-departmental relationships.

His educational background includes an MFA in Computer Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, a BFA in Computer Graphics from Syracuse University, and an AAS in Architectural Technology from Onondaga Community College.

Ruggiero specializes in computer graphics, motion graphics, and broadcast design, with deep expertise in visual effects pipelines and digital production workflows. As an active SIGGRAPH member and former PromaxBDA Board of Governors member (2004-2010), he has judged industry awards for nine years and currently serves on the Creative Educators Advisory Council. His career bridges academic program development and professional production standards.

He provides intensive student mentoring in academic, career, and personal development while brokering internships and permanent industry positions. His department maintains professional-grade studio facilities supporting hands-on media production.

Prior to Wilkes, Ruggiero chaired SCAD's Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics Department—the nation's first degree program of its kind—with 8 faculty and ~200 students. He developed 60+ graduate/undergraduate courses for broadcast design and visual effects programs. Industry experience includes Eastman Kodak's Cineon division (working with VFX studios on major films), co-founding reflex i/o inc (growing it to 10 staff with 5x sales increase), and managing GE's media production group.