Renata Baptista

Profile

Renata Baptista (she/her/ella) is the Program Director for the MFA in Graphic Design Program.

She works to support a diverse, committed, and global community of bold and curious educators and students as they continuously rethink the field of graphic design.

As an immigrant who grew up in sunny Miami, Florida, Renata has lived and worked on the West Coast, in the Midwest, down South, and in picturesque New England. Prior to VCFA, Renata worked at Dartmouth College for 7 years, most recently as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Throughout her career as a college administrator, Renata has also worked at Ohio State, Sonoma State, and Auburn University; her work experience spans multicultural student services, orientation and family programs, leadership education, major campus event planning, and strategic initiatives. Renata received a Lone Pine Excellence Award for Innovation at Dartmouth College and has been recognized with a Diversity and Inclusion Honors Award at Ohio State.

Renata’s career as an educational administrator is rooted in love for community, commitment to pedagogical integrity, and deep respect and understanding for each individual’s history, perspective, and contributions. Renata’s work has focused on developing sustainable collaborations and building bridges between senior leaders, faculty, staff, and students. She believes that through compassionate practice and innovative thinking we can co-create communities where everyone can learn and grow.

Renata holds a BA in Studio Art and Sociology from the University of Miami, an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Ohio State, and a Master of Human Resource Management from Ohio State. Renata is a gardener who is passionate about growing gorgeous flowers and applying the principles of design to the ever-changing medium of nature. She loves rediscovering her family’s cultural food heritage, creating hand drawn illustrations, and spoiling her adorable pet rabbit.