Department of Art

Deborah Huelsbergen joined the MU faculty in 1997. In her six years at MU, Huelsbergen has focused on developing trust in her classroom. Students are more likely to take risks when trusting their classmates and instructor, and Huelsbergen is a firm believer in the need for risks. “I especially appreciated the encouragement of self expression,” one student said. “Students were prompted to explore new avenues of art and stretch their creativity to the max.”

Huelsbergen’s impact on students’ lives goes far beyond the classroom. One student wrote, “I just wanted to let you know how much you have truly touched me, being a teacher and really a friend. We all truly hold a place for you in our hearts and want to thank you for what you have given us.”

Huelsbergen’s artwork has won numerous awards, as has her teaching. In 2001 alone, she was nominated for a Students’ Choice Award, Greek Week Outstanding Teacher, and Provost’s Junior Faculty Teaching Award.

Huelsbergen earned a bachelor of general studies in theater and media arts at the University of Kansas, followed by a bachelor of fine arts in visual communication at the same institution. She received her master of fine arts in graphic design at Iowa State University in 1997.