UCO Graphic Design Students, Faculty Recognized as 2025 People to Watch
March 10, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma School of Design continues to impact the national stage as two students and one faculty member were named to Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine’s 2025 Students to Watch and People to Watch lists.
Seniors Audrey Pumphrey from Edmond, Oklahoma, and Emma Thompson from Oklahoma City, were selected as Students to Watch. McKenna Sanderson, M.F.A., associate professor of graphic design and assistant director of the UCO School of Design, was named among GDUSA’s People to Watch for her contributions to design education and professional practice.
“Being recognized by GDUSA is a significant honor in the design community,” Sanderson said.
“Our students consistently demonstrate creativity, technical skill and innovation. I’m incredibly proud to see Audrey and Emma earn this well-deserved recognition.”
Pumphrey, a graphic design major with a minor in illustration, has earned multiple awards, including recognition from GDUSA and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) ADDY Awards. She is known for her bold, boundary-pushing design style and passion for multi-page layout and event design. Pumphrey has also gained real-world experience through UCO’s Inktank Studio, where students work with real clients on professional design projects.
Thompson, a graphic design major and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, found her passion for design after considering careers in law, occupational therapy and history. She works as an intern at Poly-mode Studio, focusing on research and branding. Deeply interested in socially conscious design, Thompson hopes to continue working with organizations that promote Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) design history and education.
Sanderson, M.F.A., serves as associate professor, assistant director of the UCO School of Design and division head for graphic design. With a background spanning photography, branding and community engagement, Sanderson co-founded All Those Creative OKC, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering connections among creative professionals. She also operates WTRMLN Creative, a branding studio she runs with her husband, and established SALUTE, a national student design competition. Sanderson’s dedication to mentorship and real-world learning opportunities has helped shape the next generation of graphic designers.
The GDUSA People to Watch and Students to Watch lists highlights emerging talent and influential professionals shaping the future of the design industry, representing institutions and creative professionals from across the country. The recognition of Pumphrey, Thompson and Sanderson reinforces UCO’s reputation for producing top-tier design talent prepared to excel in the field.
For more information about the UCO School of Design, visit design.uco.edu.
For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events, visit www.uco.edu/cfad.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma School of Design continues to impact the national stage as two students and one faculty member were named to Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine’s 2025 Students to Watch and People to Watch lists. Pictured, left to right, Audrey Pumphrey, a senior graphic design major with a minor in illustration from Edmond, Oklahoma; Emma Thompson, a senior graphic design major from Oklahoma City and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation; and McKenna Sanderson, M.F.A., associate professor and assistant director of the School of Design.
