IGAEA Poster Design Contest!

The Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology (GAIT) program at Appalachian State University prepares students for entry level supervisory and staff positions in the graphic communications industries.

Mission Statement

We the faculty of Appalachian State University's Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology Program charge ourselves with the following:

We will provide our students with the knowledge and skills they need to become tomorrow's competent employees. The faculty and administration will do our best to instill in them creative problem solving abilities, higher order thinking skills, a desire to continue to learn, a sense of self-motivation and an open receptiveness to new, challenging ideas and options. We believe that interpersonal skills should be fostered in students, including work ethic, loyalty, listening and presentation skills.

We also charge ourselves with the responsibility to remain accountable to our students, by providing the best possible facilities, by keeping current with new technologies, by improving our teaching abilities, curriculum and by maintaining the vital and necessary connection with our industry base.

Our mission is in concert with the broader mission of Appalachian State University, which speaks to offering a well-rounded liberal education and an opportunity to pursue a special field of inquiry.

We'll miss you

Thomas William Reese

HICKORY -- Mr. Reese died November 26, 2009 at his home in Hickory. He was born October 17, 1924 in Hickory to the late William Marvin and Myrtle Settlemyre Reese. Mr. Reese was the Chairman of the Board of Hickory Printing Group, Inc., the company started by his parents in 1917. Being a proponent of continued education, Mr. Reese established the Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology Program at Appalachian State University.