Ross McClain

Ross McClain is a Full Professor of Art and Design at Furman University, serving as former Chair of the Art Department and Director of the Master of Arts in Strategic Design program. He co-directs The Hill Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, emphasizing design education, UI/UX design, and Agile Methodology. His career spans over 23 years at Furman, with a focus on integrating art into liberal arts curricula and fostering innovation through design thinking.

Education: BA in Advertising & Graphic Design (Western Kentucky University, 1993), MA/MFA in Design (University of Iowa, 1999). Key research interests include humanity-centered design, social impact, and aligning artistic practice with global ecosystems.

Awards include the 2018 LD Johnson Lecture Series feature, 2017 Arts in the Community Grant, and 2003 Grand Prize at the Smithsonian Graphic Design Kite Competition. His exhibitions span institutions like the Smithsonian and Furman’s Lipscomb Gallery, showcasing works exploring materiality, identity, and societal critique.

McClain’s advisory focus lies in strategic design education and fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, while his grants have supported initiatives bridging art and community engagement. He leads design workshops and lectures globally, advocating for creativity as a driver of societal change.