2022 Outstanding Innovator in Student Success
Dave Moon, M.F.A.
California State University, Northridge
Professor, Art
Since the day I started teaching, it has been clear to me that my job is to help my students find jobs. By preparing them for their careers, I believe I am helping them develop the capacity to make a significant impact on themselves, their families and their communities."
His 30 years of service as a faculty member at California State University, Northridge, demonstrate that Professor Dave Moon is a passionate educator and innovator dedicated to student success.
From his earliest days as an assistant professor, he has been filled with a desire to build a creative space where students could “learn by doing.” Fueled by that vision, Professor Moon founded the on-campus Center for Visual Communication (VISCOM) to enable students to apply their learning to projects for the campus and community. With faculty mentorship and guidance, students gain experience and skills in design, marketing and strategy for real-world clients. Since its launch, VISCOM has enhanced the educational experience of more than 1,200 students. More than 90 percent of VISCOM students have received paid internships or job offers upon graduation.
In addition to VISCOM, Professor Moon was instrumental in creating the Matador Emerging Technology and Arts Lab, the Design Hub, and IntersectLA, a student-run, faculty-mentored strategic communication agency. At this campus-based agency, students meet and interact with real-world clients, researching and presenting solutions and implementing the selected strategic communication plan. The impressive quality of student work is a testimonial to the high-impact opportunities provided through Professor Moon’s innovative approach.
Inspired by his experiences, Professor Moon developed a handbook about creating student-focused centers: “Pathway to a Low-Cost Student Enterprise.” The handbook has been shared with sister CSU campuses and other institutions, such as Otis College of Art and Design, College of the Canyons, University of Agder (Norway) and the Seoul Institute of the Arts (South Korea).
In addition to his faculty service, Professor Moon has served as interim dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication, and was chair of the Art Department for five years.