Scotty Reifsnyder may be a new Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design
in the Department of Art + Design, but he is certainly no stranger to West Chester’s
campus. 
As an adjunct last year, Reifsnyder guided two teams of students in his “Design for Social Good” class to create colorful murals that now beautify two community service sites on campus: The Resource Pantry, which provides access to resources for students with financial need, and the new D-CAP student-led Ram Shop, which provides an opportunity for students with autism to learn skills for success in obtaining and maintaining a job.
“What I want students to learn from this class,” says Reifsnyder, “Is how to create branding for a cause that they have an affinity for and are connected to.”
Reifsnyder’s students worked in teams and competed against each other for their murals to be chosen to adorn the two sites. Kayla Degenshein ’19 and Taylor Goad designed the mural for the Ram Shop, which was ultimately chosen by the D-CAP students, while Natalie Radbill ’19 and Thomas Lis ’19 won the competition for the Resource Pantry. Both works are on prominent display and bring life to each location in a unique way.
“It wasn’t always an easy process,” admits Reifsnyder, who served as the go-between for the students and their campus “clients.” “But it gave our students really valuable experience in how to accept client comments and accommodate some of their needs while staying true to their art.”
Reifsnyder adds, “I fell in love with teaching because I love helping students find their potential and harness their abilities. Both projects required student to dig deep and work hard, and anyone can see that it paid off when they see the winning murals.”
Reifsnyder is a graduate of Kutztown University and earned his MFA in Graphic + Interactive Design from Tyler School of Art. He has 18 years of professional design and illustration experience. Clients include Chronicle Books, Disney/Pixar, GQ, Time Magazine, The Boston Globe, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired. His creative work has earned him accolades from Communication Arts, American Illustration, and Print Magazine. Recently, Reifsnyder was the designer behind the Pennsylvania label for Mountain Dew’s Summer 2019 “Dewnited” campaign.