Michael Arsenault

Associate Dean

Michael Arsenault

Professional profile

Michael Arsenault is the associate dean of the College of Communication and Design at Lynn University. He has worked in higher education for 15+ years as a professor, department chair, assistant and associate dean. Before coming to Lynn, Arsenault received his A.S. in commercial illustration, B.S. in studio art and M.S. in art education while working as a graphic designer and fine artist in Rochester, NY. He worked as a graphic designer when he started at Digital Media Arts College in 2005. He quickly went from adjunct professor to full-time professor to department chair to assistant dean.  

In early 2019, he took a leave of absence from Lynn University to work as a Firefighter/EMT for Osceola County, Florida, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In the fall of 2019, Arsenault returned to his role as associate dean. Currently, his artistic interests include returning to a more traditional medium, such as acrylic and pencil. 

Education

  • A.S. Commercial Illustration, Monroe Community College
  • B.S. Studio Art, SUNY Brockport 
  • M.S. Art Education, Nazareth College
  • EMT Certification, Palm Beach State College
  • Paramedic Certification, Broward College

Teaching philosophy

As an educator of both art and design, I believe in the process of studio and digital art as a learning practice that supports widely applicable skill-building. I strive to create confidence in my students through both collaboration and exploration. Opinions are valued, and not only do my students develop an understanding of themselves, but they also learn to appreciate other viewpoints. My teaching style allows for curiosity, personal expression, technique and process development. A supportive and challenging environment occurs in the classroom to encourage and inspire students to value the active process of learning about art and design. Students arrive at self-discovery through educational experience and should be able to trust and work through their process. I stress the importance of student initiative and invite students to realize the ability and interest that lies within them. Students are urged to value their perceptions and give visual, verbal and written voices in response to concepts explored in and out of the classroom.

Teaching specialties

  • Fine Art
  • Illustration
  • Design

Areas of scholarship

Advertising Federation
Painting/murals/commissions

Awards and honors

New York State K-12 Certification in Art Education
EMT
Firefighter