Instructors

You, as a learner, are the most important part of instruction. Our instructors practice performance-based teaching, which means they carefully identify what students need to be able to succeed. Next, they determine how you can show that you have learned these skills. Finally, our instructors plan learning activities that will help you develop the skills.

Each instructor in our program has had decades of professional experience working in their field before they turned to teaching. They develop their lesson plans based on what they know the industry needs and values. This is what sets our graphics department apart from other higher education models, which tend to focus more on academics and theory. Here we prioritize hands-on projects, development of technical skills, and constant teacher and peer critique. Our instructor’s are passionate about helping you move successfully into the field. Read on to learn about the members of our department.

RON MARSTON

Ron Marston is the Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department (VPARTS), and a tenured professor who has taught in the Graphic Arts & Media Technology program at TMCC for 21 years. Ron’s strength as a teacher lies in his ability to help his students find comic relief in any challenge.

DAN BOUWERAERTS

Dan worked in the industry for 25 years before turning to instruction. He has been teaching for 23 years now and loves to share his passion for graphic design. In his free time he loves discovering new music, hiking, and photography. In the classroom, Dan enjoys finding each sturdent’s most challenging areas, and pushing them to create outside of their comfort zones.

BRIAN WELLS

Before becoming an instructor, Brian had another life as a Hollywood animator. While his no-nonsense attitude served him well in such a competitive industry, he eventually moved to Reno looking for a quieter life and an excuse to escape to his mining claim on the weekends. Through his years at TMCC, Brian has helped many students realize potential and drive they didn’t know they had, preparing them for a fast-paced field. Unfiltered and honest critiques remain the signature of Brian’s classes.

MICHAEL GANSCHOW-GREEN

Michael began as a student of the program. After realizing how much time he was spending in the computer lab, the department decided to start paying him. After teaching several different subjects, Michael now works as a web designer and teaches web design and development at TMCC. Michael’s enthusiasm and sense of humor surrounding the irony of the strange world of web design are infectious for his students.