04
Apr 2014
Shane Howell, department head for Visual and Performing Arts and lead professor of Graphic Design at Greenville Technical College, has received the South Carolina Faculty Award for Service Learning given by South Carolina Campus Compact. The award was presented April 4 for the project Howell instituted in which Web Design II students build websites for area non-profit agencies. Howell?s 16 Web Design II students contributed over 284 volunteer service hours to building free websites for local non-profits, with an average of 45 hours spent on building the website per student. This service could typically cost a non-profit organization $1,500 if completed by a contracted graphic designer. The project received praise from both the non-profits and students. The non-profits are pleased because they largely have budget constraints that would not otherwise allow them to have a professional, custom-built website. The students see value in having non-profits as legitimate clients who can give feedback to future clients or employers. The non-profits can now reach more individuals through the use of their new websites, many of which are also equipped with a mobile site for viewing on a cellular device. A 17-year employee at Greenville Tech, Howell earned a bachelor?s degree at University of Southern Indiana and a master?s degree at Clemson University. Greenville Technical College?s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program is well respected in the arts community for education that allows graduates to go directly to work in areas such as advertising, web design, and professional photography or to move on to a four-year college with a strong portfolio and the skills to succeed.