NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Director of Publications and University Printing Beth Mann is the 2019-20 inductee into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts Hall of Fame.

Mann, a 1975 graduate in advertising design from NSU, has had a 30-year career in graphic design including the past 17 years at Northwestern State. She was a graphic designer at the Louisiana Technical College in Natchitoches from 1990 to 2003 after 13 years as a floral designer in Natchitoches. In 2012, the university honored her with an Nth Degree and in 2016, she was among NSU faculty and staff recognized with Above and Beyond awards.

Mann is the 17th alumnus, faculty member, administrator or organization to be welcomed into the CAPA Hall of Fame.

“I am really humbled by this honor. I feel I’m here doing my job just like everyone else,” said Mann. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for my Alma Mater doing what I love.”

Mann credits many of the faculty she learned from as an undergraduate with preparing her for a successful career.

“I had wonderful art professors that taught me the design knowledge I needed to apply to my employment as a floral designer for 13 years and graphic designer for 30 years,” said Mann, who is retiring in April. “Because of them, I have been able to meet the challenges that I faced in day-to-day expectations with confidence I did not have before attending NSU.”

Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts said Mann is known for her creativity, diligence and patience when dealing with demanding projects or last-minute requests.

“CAPA and the University are so fortunate to have someone with her skills and creativity. We are very honored to have her as the 2019-2020 inductee to the CAPA Hall of Fame,” said Burrell. “Beth has been integral to the workings of the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Not only is she a great collaborator with CAPA faculty, staff and students, but she really goes out of her way to make everything look amazing whether its calendars, posters or programs. She is such a gifted artist.”

Former NSU Director of Informational Services and the NSU Press Don Sepulvado occasionally worked with Mann when the university had work done through the local state printing office at the Technical College. When Northwestern State determined it needed a full-time graphic designer, Sepulvado selected Mann.

“Over time, I observed Beth helping others with their various printing tasks. She was then and is now a team player,” said Sepulvado, who spent 30 years at NSU. “Beth’s pleasant personality and graphic creativity influenced thousands of publications during her tenure. Her interaction with clients provided them both with a daily dose of inspiration in the power of digital design possibilities.”

During her career at NSU, Mann has created hundreds of flyers, brochures, magazines, posters, programs and other publications that enhanced the university’s image, promoted upcoming events and aided in marketing and student recruitment.

“I appreciate her ability to take an idea and make it come to life.,” said Director of Student Affairs Reatha Cox. “Her professionalism and creative talent are clear to anyone.  But it’s her positive attitude that have made her a favorite among faculty, staff, students and even professionals all across the country. She has helped our students who have served on regional, state, and national boards and committees shine.”

Many of those programs and posters helped promote plays, concerts, exhibitions and events in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Her work is evident throughout the halls of the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts.

“Beth has created numerous artistic posters and program covers for creative performances in the vocal area as well as flyers used for recruiting,” said Associate Professor of Voice Terrie Sanders. “I am always amazed at the skill and creativity she displays in providing a final product that perfectly represents our specific area. Her artistic work is always beautiful and current.”

Matt DeFord, head of the Department of Fine + Graphic Arts marvels at the way Mann has adapted to the changes in her field since she earned her degree.

“I imagine her first design jobs were literal cut and paste. Now she works with widely used creative software that changes all the time and she has kept up with these updates admirably,” said DeFord. “Beth has been an amazing resource to our department. She is a consummate professional. Projects brought to her are completed quickly and are well-designed. She asks all the right questions up front and the job gets done right.”