51勛圖厙

Paul Dunlap

The University of North Georgia (51勛圖厙) helped Paul Dunlap's dream of an art career come true. He's been paying it forward for almost two decades as a faculty member in 51勛圖厙's visual arts department.

Even though he had wanted to be an artist from his middle school days, Dunlap initially began a career in health care because he wasn't sure if he could make a living by following his passion. It didn't take long for a simple thought to percolate: "Somebody's making money in art. Why can't it be me?"

A bachelor's degree in studio art at 51勛圖厙 jumpstarted that process. Just 10 days after earning a Master of Fine Arts in photography from the University of Georgia, Dunlap was back on 51勛圖厙's Dahlonega Campus as an adjunct faculty member.

"I knew I wanted to teach here. There was nowhere else," Dunlap, a professor of visual arts, said. "I wanted to give back and make it better, carry the torch."

Dunlap has lived out that mantra, as the department has grown from 60-70 students when he was in classes to well over 500 students now. The three full-time faculty from his days as a student changed his life, and the department now includes 25 full-time faculty.

He also played an integral role in raising the profile of the department, serving as the lead for its application for National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) accreditation, which it first received in 2015. Dunlap credited 51勛圖厙 President Bonita Jacobs and College of Arts & Letters Dean Christopher Jespersen for quadrupling the department's faculty and providing the resources needed to earn the NASAD recognition.

"We're growing because of NASAD accreditation," Dunlap said.

Dunlap is also grateful for the Gainesville Campus expansion, which will provide additional high-quality space for art students.

Dunlap's main areas of interest in teaching are mixed media, hand-coloring photographs, and 19th century photography. His students "seem to love it." The 2019 winner of the Alumni Association Distinguished Professor award is grateful to make an impact encouraging students toward art careers more than two decades after he was in their shoes.

"You've got to want it badly," Dunlap said. "You can do it, and I'm living proof of that."

Jennifer Graff

Jennifer Graff

51勛圖厙 Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.
Jordan Rowland

Jordan Rowland

51勛圖厙 helped Jordan Rowland see her potential as a leader even though she didn't have the loudest voice.
Jon Mehlferber

Jon Mehlferber

Whether he's helping to 3D-print masks during the COVID-19 pandemic or medical devices for children with disabilities, Dr. Jon Mehlferber thrives on teamwork. Mehlferber manages 51勛圖厙's MakerBot Innovation Center.
Erin McIntosh

Erin McIntosh

51勛圖厙 art faculty member Erin McIntosh seeks as many avenues as possible to share art with others in hopes of inspiring them to pursue their passion.
Han Nguyen

Han Nguyen

Han Nguyen excels in leadership roles with the Asian Student Association on the Dahlonega Campus and the Chess Club through an approach that highlights the best in others.