Students at Villa Maria learn from the very best. Our faculty bring their years of real-world experience into the classroom and their professional competency undoubtedly enhances the classroom experience.
With the Fall 2021 semester approaching, the College announces that the following faculty members received promotions in rank:
Robert Grizanti, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Professor Grizanti holds a Master’s degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. Professor Grizanti has been a member of the Villa Maria College faculty since 2003 and has served in a variety of leadership roles in addition to teaching in the Graphic Design program. As Chair of the Art Department and more recently, the Fine Arts and Design Department, he has guided art and design faculty members through many changes, helped build curriculum, and provided reliable, steady guidance. He was integral in creating the Graphic Design bachelor-degree program and has been instrumental in shaping recent digital media arts programs. He has served as Faculty Senate Chair, as a member of the Visionary Planning Committee, and is always one of the leading faculty voices on any project or issue. Most importantly, Professor Grizanti exemplifies the core values and mission of Villa Maria College.
Learn more about Villa Maria’s Graphic Design program: www.villa.edu/academics/graphic-design.
Adam Weekley, Associate Professor of Fine Arts
Professor Weekley holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University at Buffalo. He has been a faculty member in Fine Arts since 2004. Professor Weekley is a prolific and respected artist, showing his work at all the major galleries in Western New York and many beyond. For the last few years, he has been stewarding the Fine Arts and Integrated Arts programs, the latter of which he developed. He has provided excellent instruction in foundational and elective Fine Arts classes, and has co-taught an English class and taught Core 101. In addition to leading the Fine Arts program, Professor Weekley has chaired the Faculty Senate and served on several committees.
Learn more about Villa Maria’s Fine Arts program: www.villa.edu/academics/fine-arts.
Jeffrey Werner, Assistant Professor of Animation
Professor Werner holds a Master’s degree from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy at the University of Central Florida and has served as a faculty member in the Animation program at Villa Maria College since 2017. Professor Werner has been dedicated to his students and the program since his arrival on campus. Currently, he holds the position of Chair of the Digital Media Arts Department. He has been involved in curriculum design and is spearheading the new Game Design program. Professor Werner has taken on various responsibilities related to the Animation program over the last few years, taught a wide array of classes, and successfully accomplished whatever is asked of him. He is an asset to the College.
Learn more about Villa Maria’s Animation program: www.villa.edu/academics/animation.
Julie Zack, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Professor Zack holds a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She has been teaching Graphic Design at Villa Maria College since 2006. One of the most trusted and respected members of the Villa faculty, Professor Zack has provided expert and compassionate instruction for her students, some of the strongest at the College. She is an active and well-regarded designer, winning the prestigious LeviOsborne Award for Excellence in Communication. Professor Zack has served Villa Maria College in various capacities, from the Service Learning Committee to the Promotion Committee, and is a prominent voice among the faculty.
Learn more about Villa Maria’s Graphic Design program: www.villa.edu/academics/graphic-design.
