Department of Art & Design Staff

Kara Glenn is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Western Kentucky University and Co-Director of Imagewest, WKU’s award-winning student-run advertising and design agency. A dynamic educator, creative strategist, and mentor, Glenn is known for empowering students to produce portfolio-ready work, gain real-world experience, and win national recognition before they graduate.

Glenn brings over a decade of professional expertise in multimedia design, marketing, and brand development, having worked with clients such as Med Center Health, Cave City Tourism, and the National Corvette Museum. Her innovative teaching combines industry-level expectations with a collaborative, energizing classroom culture that consistently delivers results: under her guidance, students have earned over 95 design awards since 2017.

Since joining WKU full-time, Glenn has transformed Imagewest into a powerhouse of student talent and professional impact, leading the agency to national and international honors, launching the highly successful Imagewest Boot Camp to serve regional nonprofits, and securing major partnerships with creative firms like Doe Anderson. She also serves as faculty advisor for WKU’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team, taking students to the national stage of the country’s largest collegiate advertising competition.

A champion of creative activism, Glenn has coordinated and curated more than ten exhibitions—such as HER: The Juried Show, MELANIN, and Signs of Change, spotlighting diverse student voices and securing external sponsorship from community partners.

Glenn holds an MFA in Media Design from Full Sail University, where she graduated valedictorian, and a BFA in Graphic Design from WKU. Her own work has been honored with more than 40 industry accolades, including the Bowling Green PMA’s Marketer of the Year. Through her mentorship, creative leadership, and commitment to student success, Glenn continues to inspire the next generation of designers to think boldly, work collaboratively, and launch meaningful careers.

Outside of work, Glenn enjoys traveling, exploring museums, and diving into a good book. She lives in Bowling Green with her husband Kenn, their son, and two cats.

Master of Fine Art
Full Sail University
Media Design, 
Thesis Project: “Community & City Branding” 
Graduation: 2019
Valedictorian

Bachelor of Fine Art    
Western Kentucky University,
Concentration Graphic Design,
Graduation: 2011