Rebecca Tegtmeyer

Rebecca Tegtmeyer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University (MSU), holding tenure since 2018. She previously served as Associate Chair of the department (2020–2023) and has been a faculty member since 2009. Her academic roles include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in graphic design, typography, motion design, and user experience within both the BFA in Graphic Design and the BA in Experience Architecture programs.

Education:

• BFA in Visual Communication, University of Kansas (1999)
• Master of Graphic Design (MGD), NC State University College of Design (2009)

Research Interests: Her work bridges design practice and education, focusing on collaborative learning, equity in design curricula, and critical making. Notable projects include Sewn Data Visualization addressing labor statistics and reproductive rights, and co-authorship of Collaboration in Design Education (2020). She investigates pedagogical frameworks that prioritize student experience while challenging patriarchal systems in design production.

Professional Contributions: Tegtmeyer has presented at leading conferences (UCDA, DRS, AIGA) and contributed to peer-reviewed journals. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including solo shows at the University of Arkansas and group exhibitions at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. She serves on AIGA’s Design Educators Community Steering Committee and organized the {MODE} Motion Design Education Summit.

Awards & Grants: Awards include the CALURI Research Grant (2020), College of Arts and Letters Summer Fellowship (2017), and recognition in the Graphis Design Annual (2014). She secured grants for projects like the Hayti Central School Alumni Community research and digital humanities initiatives.

Advising & Service: Supervised over 15 graduate and undergraduate students, mentoring on projects ranging from interactive prototyping to data visualization. Served on MSU’s Faculty Senate, College Undergraduate Committee, and departmental leadership roles. Organized visiting artist lectures, including speakers from isometric studio and MK12.

Labs & Initiatives: Co-directed the MATRIX: Center for Digital Humanities’ Visual Interaction Design Projects (2012–2015). Led the ‘Values of Design Education’ workgroup addressing post-pandemic pedagogical strategies. Currently coordinates the Graphic Design Program and contributes to the Experience Architecture curriculum development.