Clarissa Gainey, assistant professor in the Department of Art and Design at the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, has been recognized with the Woman Who EmpowHers award during the annual EmpowHer Summit. The event is part of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business series.
Gainey was selected for her dedication to mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy for women in design. Her recognition highlights her ongoing commitment to fostering confidence and creativity among students and peers.
“Being recognized for leadership and mentorship means a lot in design,” Gainey said. “If students see their professor making an impact, it may spark the belief that they too can step forward and create change.”
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes stewardship and service, encouraging young designers to use their skills not only as professionals but also as contributors to their communities.
Scott Thorp, chair of the Department of Art and Design, commented on Gainey’s achievement: “I’m incredibly proud of Clarissa and her recent accomplishments. She deserves the recognition. Her dedication to using graphic design as a tool to better the community is inspiring, and her commitment to service sets an inspiring example for our students. Clarissa also brings her professional experiences back to the classroom, especially in her Design Factory course, where she brings real-world practice to an academic setting. I’m excited to see what she does next.”
Gainey credits her parents—a retired Marine father known for problem-solving skills and a mother who served as a physician on medical missions—as early influences on her sense of purpose through service.
“Seeing them give back made a huge impact,” Gainey said. “It taught me that even as a designer, I can use my skills to make a difference.”
At Augusta University, Gainey leads the Design Factory senior capstone course in which students collaborate with local nonprofits on practical design projects. Past partnerships have included Augusta Locally Grown, Augusta Partnership for Children, and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Currently, her class is working on a “legacy map” project highlighting Lucy Craft Laney’s influence.
“It’s not just my voice in the community,” she said. “It’s the students’ understanding that they can be part of it, too.”
Outside academia, Gainey works on storytelling and cultural preservation through projects like “Thankful for America,” a documentary exploring immigrant contributions to the United States that will result in a visual exhibition titled “Rooted 250” ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
“Resilience is one of my favorite words,” Gainey said. “Even when obstacles pile up, you find the strength to move forward.”
Kim Davies, PhD, dean of Pamplin College stated: “Clarissa Gainey is an inspiration for us all. I understand why she won this award. She gives of herself and helps model for our students how they can give to others and our community. She is one of many amazing faculty in Pamplin College, and I am so happy she has found a home with us.”
