Russell Schultz

Biography

My name is Russell Schultz, and I am honored to join students on a small slice of their educational journey. My primary aim is to increase mutual understanding in the world by helping others communicate more effectively and efficiently through the presentation of ideas and information in a clear, concise, consistent, and where possible, a visually-engaging manner.

As Founder/Owner of RAS Communications, for over 30 years I have completed more than 15,000 graphic design projects, providing graphic design, printing, promotional products, and social media marketing services to a growing number of clients looking to increase sales and brand awareness, or promote a particular event or cause.

2023 was a very good year for me as I was honored to receive 7 Design/Marketing Communication Awards from Graphic Design USA magazine and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. These awards spanned various design categories including packaging design, social media design, website design, t-shirt design, and integrated marketing campaigns (online and offline components).

A parallel career with the Chicago Police Department presented countless opportunities for both visual and traditional communication successes, while combating crime and disorder on the streets of Chicago — How’s that for a TWIST?!?! (In March 2022, I retired from the CPD, completing a career spanning more than 28 years of honorable service.)

Keeping the twisting alive, I started my journey as an Adjunct Professor in the Fall of 2021. I have taught online and in-person for both undergrads and graduate students. I have also served as an Adjunct at Aurora University (Illinois) and Saint Xavier University (Illinois), as well as online with Franklin University (Ohio) -- expanding the reach of my years of practical experience in the fields of graphic design, organizational communication, entrepreneurship, and law enforcement.

Course taught:

• Marketing Innovations (Graduate MBA)

• Visual Communication

• Speech Fundamentals

• Interpersonal Communication

• Communicating with Social Media

• Social Media Advocacy and Campaigning

• Introduction to Graphic Design/Typography

• Design for User Experience (UX)

• Marketing Design For Communication (Graduate MBA Online) - a course I developed.

• Social Media Marketing (Graduate MBA Online) - a course I developed.

My undergraduate degree is from Loyola University Chicago (B.A. Fine Art / Visual Communications, Minor: Communications). My graduate degree is from Northwestern University (Illinois) (M.S. Communications). As a graduate of the Master of Science Communications Program, I have served as a Review Panelist for the MSC Capstone Course.

My personal philosophy as a professor is to meet students where they are on their personal, educational, and professional journeys. My teaching style strives to encourage meaningful dialogue, critical thinking, problem solving, team building/collaboration, hands-on coursework, and subject matter mastery -- from the first day of class. I aim to instill important life skills of personal initiative, time management, and network development to prepare students for success while in school and beyond. #KeepSoaring

Education

• M.S. - Master of Science in Communication, Northwestern University

Currently Teaching

• COMD 219: Speech

Awards, Honors and Recognitions

• 2023 Platinum Award – Strategic Communications/Marketing/Promotions Campaign/Special Event – Gladstone Park Throwback Music Fest - Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce – Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals MarCom Award
• 2023 Gold Award – Packaging Design (Beer Label) – Cog Hill 1-2-3-4 Summer Pils – Pollyanna Brewing Company / Cog Hill Golf Course and Country Club – Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals MarCom Award
• 2023 Honorable Mention – Creativity / Design (T-shirt) – Galoot Fest XX: It Doesn’t Add Up – 20th Anniversary Tour T-shirt and Trucker Cap – The Galoots – Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals MarCom Award
• 2023 Winner - Integrated Marketing Campaign - Gladstone Park Throwback Music Fest - Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce – Graphic Design USA magazine 60^th American Graphic Design Awards  
• 2023 Winner – Social Media Design – National Night Out Social Media Promo – The Police Officers Network – Graphic Design USA magazine 60^th American Graphic Design Awards  
• 2023 Winner – Packaging Design (Beer Label) – Dragon Fruit Allure – Pollyanna Brewing Company – Graphic Design USA magazine 23^rd American Package Design Awards  
• 2023 Winner – Website Design – The Police Officers Network - Graphic Design USA magazine 23^rd Digital Design Awards  
  
• 2023 Winner – Social Media Design – Miss Throwback Pin-up Contest – Gladstone Park Throwback Music Fest – Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce - Graphic Design USA magazine 23^rd Digital Design Awards