Kendra Novak

Background

Kendra Novak is on the faculty of the Department of Art & Design and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wesconsin–Madison. Before Porter, Kendra designed for an apparel manufacturer.

Kendra's work centers on teaching and curriculum in exhibition design and typography and branding, including course redesign and mentoring newer instructors.

Areas of expertise

• Exhibition design
• Typography and branding
• Undergraduate research and project mentoring

Teaching

Kendra regularly teaches courses in Studio Art, Graphic Design & Interactive Media, Industrial Design. Specific sections and syllabi are listed in the class schedule each term.

Kendra designs courses around clear, visible learning outcomes, frequent retrieval practice, and prompt feedback, and revises the sequence each year based on where students actually get stuck.

Advising and office hours

Kendra advises students in the Art & Design programs and holds weekly office hours during the fall and spring terms, posted on the office door and in the course pages. Prospective students are welcome to email to arrange a visit or a call.

Advising conversations usually cover course sequencing, whether to add a minor or a concentration, and how classroom work connects to internships, research, or graduate study. Students who are undecided are welcome; part of the job is helping them narrow things down.

Recent and representative work

Kendra's recent activity centers on teaching scholarship and curriculum work in exhibition design and typography and branding. Representative items:

• A redesigned course sequence in exhibition design, with open or low-cost materials.
• A conference presentation on teaching typography and branding at the undergraduate level.
• Mentoring of new instructors and teaching assistants in the department.

Titles and venues here are illustrative. UW–Porter Falls is fictional; Kendra has no real publication record.

Get in touch

The fastest way to reach Kendra is email (knovak@uwporterfalls.edu); messages during the fall and spring terms are usually answered within two business days. Prospective students and families can ask the Art & Design department office to set up a call, a class visit, or a meeting during an admitted-student day.