Robyn Blakeman received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1980 and her master’s from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, in 1996. Upon graduation in 1980, she moved to Texas, where she began her career as a designer for an architectural magazine. She next took a position as mechanical director for one of the top advertising agencies in Dallas before eventually leaving to work as a freelance designer. Professor Blakeman began teaching advertising and graphic design in 1987, first with the Art Institutes and then as an Assistant Professor of Advertising teaching both graphic and computer design at Southern Methodist University. As an Assistant Professor of Advertising at West Virginia University she developed the creative track in layout and design. She was also responsible for designing and developing the first Online Integrated Marketing Communications Graduate Certificate and Online Integrated Marketing Communications Graduate programs in the country. While at West Virginia University she held several positions including: Advertising Program Chair, Coordinator of the Integrated Marketing Communications Online Graduate Certificate Program and Coordinator of Student Affairs and Curriculum.