Celebrating Emerging Writers - Methodist University

Art Department Welcomes New Faculty Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 18, 2011
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — Purnima Swaharu joins the Art Department this fall as an assistant
professor.
Swaharu earned a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in
graphic design from Iowa State University in the
summer of 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts
(B.F.A.) from Mumbai University in India. She has
previously taught at East Carolina University, Pitt
Community College, and at Iowa State.
“I am excited to join the Art Department at Methodist
University,” said Swaharu. “I hope to bring the best of
my expertise and skills, and help build a strong and
diverse design foundation along with my talented
colleagues in the Art Department.”
“Purnima’s talents bring expertise in package,
environmental, and print design to the MU studio
courses,” said Kerry Jenkins, assistant professor of
graphic design at Methodist University.
The studio courses in the graphic design major will be
taught by Swaharu and Jenkins. “This will provide a
diverse education within the program, with both of us teaching courses for sophomores, juniors and
seniors,” said Jenkins. “Entering freshmen who declare graphic design as their major also begin with my
typography course, and continue with design foundations taught by the remaining art faculty.”
Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,400
students from 41 states and 53 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations,
three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information, please
visit www.methodist.edu/art, or contact the Office of University Relations at (910) 630-7043 or (910)
630-7114.