Todd M. Goehner has joined University of the Ozarks as an associate professor of graphic design, beginning the Fall 2025 Semester.
Goehner served as an associate professor of graphic design at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark., from 2005-2019. He has also worked extensively in the private sector, including as a graphic design freelancer and in creative positions with Simmons Pet Food, Bad Dog Beanery, Walker Creative and Walmart.
“I am excited about becoming part of an academic community that values diversity, academic excellence, and faith, where I can invest deeply in students’ lives and help them use their creative gifts to impact the world,” Goehner said.
The U of O Board of Trustees voted last fall to add the graphic design major to the curriculum.
“Starting the graphic design program at University of the Ozarks is an exciting opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up—one that equips students for creative careers while encouraging personal and spiritual growth,” Goehner said. “At my previous university, I helped grow the graphic design major into one of the largest majors on campus and a nationally recognized and leading program. These experiences have prepared me to help build and shape a thriving, mission-driven program crafted specifically for the university’s unique academic LENS model.”
Goehner said he loves teaching design because “it reflects the creative nature God instilled in all of us.”
“Helping students discover and develop that gift is rewarding. With my background in program building, curriculum development, and student mentorship, I’m excited to be a part of the art department team and help create a program that strengthens the department and empowers students to use design for excellence, purpose, and positive impact.”
Born in Seattle, Wash., Goehner’s parents joined Youth with a Mission (YWAM ) when he was 7 years old and the family moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where he grew up. He earned his undergraduate degree from John Brown University and his MFA from the University of Idaho.
He described his teaching style as relational and collaborative.
“I strive to create a classroom environment grounded in curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, where students are encouraged to ask ‘why,’ embrace failure as a path to growth, and explore diverse perspectives,” Goehner said. “I integrate real-world relevance with creative innovation and guide students to see how their design work can serve a greater purpose. By connecting assignments to causes like ministries and non-profits, I help students understand how their design work can serve to create positive change.”
Goehner added, “I model Christ-like leadership and care by creating a culture of grace, respect, and high expectations. As a mentor and maximizer, I encourage students to discover their strengths and use them to pursue excellence. I see teaching as a calling—one where I walk alongside students to build their technical and conceptual skills and help them grow spiritually and personally. I demonstrate how to align creative practice with compassion, integrity, and service through example.”
Outside of work, Goehner said he enjoys flyfishing, mountain biking, camping, good food, and exceptional coffee.
“I love spending time with my wife Heather and our dog Addy,” he said. “We love to road trip embracing the philosophy of Coddiwample—to travel purposely to an as-yet-unknown destination.”
Topics: Graphic Design