Announcing Our New Academic Director – A New Chapter Begins at VCAD with a

At the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD), we are excited to announce a new chapter in our journey toward academic excellence and creative innovation. We welcome back a familiar face, Carolina Ponce De Leon, as our new Academic Director. With her extensive background in design, education, and leadership, Carolina is ready to lead VCAD into a future filled with opportunities and growth.  

What Does the Academic Director Do?  

The role of the Academic Director at VCAD is pivotal. This position oversees the academic programs, ensures the curriculum remains innovative and relevant, and fosters an environment where both students and faculty can thrive. The Academic Director also plays a crucial role in maintaining the institution's ambitious standards of education and its commitment to creativity and individuality.  

About VCAD  

Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) provides a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. At VCAD, we prepare students for rewarding careers in the art and design industries, whether they aspire to be graphic designers, fashionistas, animators, or interior designers. As an innovative and dynamic college of creative applied arts, we nurture the talents of countless students and help them realize their professional dreams. 
 

We demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality education through our impressive employment rates for 2023. Our Graphic Design program saw an impressive 100% of graduates secure employment. The Architecture Design Technology program achieved an 80% employment rate, highlighting our strength in this field. These outstanding results highlight our dedication to ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen industries. 

Welcome Back, Carolina Ponce De Leon  

Carolina Ponce De Leon holds a bachelor's degree in industrial design from Emily Carr University. She furthered her education with an MBA and a master's degree in international business, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.  
 

Carolina brings a wealth of experience to VCAD. She has worked in international sales and has spent 20 years in education. Her career includes significant roles like serving as Campus Director at VCAD and as an Academic Manager in a successful partnership between two other colleges. Her expertise spans business development and project management, and she has contributed to renowned companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, HSBC, Herman Miller, Knoll, Bocci, and Studio Italia Design.  

Notable Achievements  

Carolina's most notable achievement was leading VCAD through the COVID-19 pandemic as Campus Director. She successfully navigated the challenges of remote learning, engaging students and maintaining the quality of education. Her efforts resulted in a 91% positive learning experience rating in a Student Experience Survey. 

Personal Statement from the New Academic Director  

Carolina Ponce De Leon shared her vision for VCAD:  

 
"I have a huge passion for design, and connecting humanity and the arts has always been my passion. I envision VCAD as an institution that teaches design and fosters creativity and critical thinking, preparing students for future challenges."  

 
She added:  
 

"My goal is to keep our curriculum innovative and reflective of the ever-evolving visual arts world. I am committed to experiential learning, where students practice what they learn, and to instilling critical thinking and problem-solving skills."  
 

On her commitment to VCAD's values, Carolina emphasized:  
 

"VCAD holds a special place in my heart. I am dedicated to upholding the values of creativity and individuality that VCAD stands for. My commitment is to inspire students and faculty, ensuring we remain art and design education leaders."  

The Future Under New Leadership  

Under Carolina's leadership, VCAD can expect a renewed focus on experiential learning and practical application. New initiatives will aim to integrate more critical thinking and problem-solving elements into the curriculum, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world.  

   

Students will benefit from a more hands-on approach to learning, while faculty will be encouraged to innovate and collaborate. The broader academic community will see VCAD continue to set high art and design education standards, contributing positively to the field. Carolina's leadership will drive VCAD's mission forward by anticipating and addressing the needs of today's and tomorrow's students. Her vision and passion will help maintain VCAD's position at the forefront of art and design education, ensuring that we continue to nurture and develop our students' creative talents.  

 

We are thrilled to welcome Carolina Ponce De Leon back to VCAD and look forward to the vibrant and transformative impact she will have on our academic programs and our artistic community. With her at the helm, we anticipate a bright future of innovation, creativity, and educational excellence.  

 

Watch her full interview on YouTube.