Rate My Professor Hairi Han

Hairi Han is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art at Benedictine University, specializing in Graphic Art and Design. She joined the Benedictine art faculty in 2011, following her tenure teaching graphic design at Western Kentucky University. Han earned her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communications Design from Purdue University in 2009. As Program Director for Graphic Arts and Design within the Visual, Performing, and Media Arts program, she instructs courses covering print design, typography, web design, and new media and design. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing each student’s individual artistic vision through experimental expression, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative conceptual problem-solving. This approach fosters a dynamic learning environment where students develop both technical proficiency and creative independence in the graphic arts.

Beyond her classroom contributions, Professor Han sustains a vibrant professional practice in graphic arts and design, with primary focuses on artists’ books, print design, and motion graphics. Her creative output delves into the emotional dimensions of visual storytelling, seamlessly blending traditional artistic techniques with contemporary digital technologies to create compelling narratives. This body of work has garnered recognition through awards in numerous national and regional juried exhibitions, affirming her impact within the design community. Han actively engages with professional networks as a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Illinois Higher Education Art Association (IHEAA), the Society of Typographic Arts (STA), and the University and College Designers Association (UCDA). These affiliations underscore her commitment to advancing design education and practice. Through her dual roles in academia and creative production, Han continues to influence the next generation of designers at Benedictine University.