Faculty & Staff

After growing up in Nashville, Hans Chilberg decided to move west to study film in Orange, California. He spent several years working in Los Angeles, focusing on screenwriting and story structure. He moved back to Nashville, separated from management and agent representation, and focused on independent features. Hans has created live music videos, human-interest pieces, wedding videos, short films, short animation and low-budget commercials. He is currently in production on his first micro-budget feature film, Lion Suit Dreamscape, for which he is co-producer, writer and director.

Josh Rhoton is a multimedia artist, illustrator, animator, editor and designer.  Early in his career, Josh worked on a variety of projects as a camera man and director, hosted a late-night horror movie review show in college and worked with puppets – more than once.  I love grid layouts, bright colors, contemporary art, cats and coffee!

Sheri Oneal has established herself as a national award-winning photographer renowned for work in the advertising, corporate and editorial markets. For 20 years, she’s captured poetic, unique and memorable images as a commercial photographer specializing in editorial, lifestyle, corporate and advertising photography. Her imagery includes a variety of work such as environmental portraits, executives, food, architecture, business, healthcare and still life.

She has earned recognition in such events as the PDN/Nikon Self-Promotion Awards, the American Advertising Federation competition and the Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards. Her clients include Cracker Barrel, CBS, Discovery Channel, National Arthritis Foundation, United Way and Scholastic Book Fairs, among others.

A Florida native, Oneal relocated to Nashville in 2001. She received an A.A. degree in journalism from Central Florida Community College in 1985; earned an A.S. degree in photography from Daytona Beach Community College in 1987; and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in art education in 1994.

Outside of commercial photography, Oneal is a mixed media artist, a writer, and educator, an inspiration seeker and the founder of a 2010 Nashville flood relief organization called ReTune Nashville.

Bob Dixon received his bachelor’s degree in 3D art and an associate degree in electronics, and has a combined 30 years of experience as a software and hardware engineer. This gives him a unique artistic and engineering understanding of the digital photographic and imaging processes. From 1995 until 2013, Bob and his wife formed TechnoGraphics – a video production, freelance digital photography and computer-generated artwork endeavor. Currently, Bob is a freelance photographer, digital 3D artist and also an instructor at Nossi College. He specializes in primarily teaching editing software classes such as Lightroom, Photoshop and After Effects, Digital and Advanced Digital Photography and 3D Modeling. “The greatest advantage to being an instructor here is working with the young people. They keep you young and make you rethink everything that you have from the past so you can prepare them for the future.” Bob’s headshot photo was graciously provided by Meliz Yimaz, one of his Advanced Digital Students.

Grant Lovett graduated with his bachelor’s degree in photography. He has been a professional photographer for 30 years, owning and operating studios in Alabama and Tennessee. He currently resides in Nashville, where he operates a downtown commercial studio. Clients include Coca-Cola, Gibson Guitar, Reynolds Aluminum, Levi Strauss, North Beach Leather, Russell Athletic Wear and Ping Golf Corporation. He has had images published in People, TV Guide, Elle, Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Music Row, Southern Living and Nashville Lifestyles magazines. Today, Grant produces images for various fashion clients and works with numerous record labels, creating images for album covers and music promotion.

Mark Fleming was honored as the “Best Portfolio” graduate in 1989 in Fort Lauderdale. In 1991, he joined the second largest company in Tennessee, Nashville’s J.C. Bradford & Co. As the Creative Director, Mark was responsible for the design and development of the company’s advertising and marketing efforts. He was promoted to Manager of Marketing Services, overseeing relationships with advertising agencies, printing companies and vendors to support 86 offices, 1,300 brokers and 300,000 clients.

After a successful nine-year run at J.C. Bradford & Co., Mark left to start Creative Avenue in 1999, growing the customer base from a handful of clients to more than 300 today. Creative Avenue offers a wide variety of services from graphic design for print, illustrations and graphic design of websites.
Today, Mark meets the challenges of a changing industry by staying current in graphic design with Creative Avenue, being the Illustration Coordinator and an instructor at Nossi College of Art all while painting in his studio for Fleming Paintings.

His role as the Illustration Coordinator and instructor at Nossi College is helping influence the next generation of commercial artists, designers and illustrators. He teaches a variety of classes from alternative mediums—which include watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil painting—to figure and anatomy. A variety of other classes taught include Adobe Illustrator for layout and illustration. He also teaches basic and advanced photoshop from basic photo manipulation to advanced matte painting for film.

Mark’s role as an illustrator is vast, as he has created digital animations for companies to stand alone spot illustrations for books, publications and brochure materials. His fine art works have been in galleries and private showings.

He is continually training with new creative concepts and trying new media, to stay current in the industry. Mark continues the dream of living and being a creative individual; an artist.

Randy McQuien, Jr., graduated with a double major by receiving his BFA in Painting and Illustration in 2004. He was accepted into the Illustration Academy in 2009 and studied under world-renowned illustrators to hone his creative craft. As a freelance illustrator, Randy has created work for editorial publications, concept designs, gallery shows and numerous commissions. His successful work earned him a prestigious Communications Arts Illustration Award.

He specializes in caricatures and is influenced by many artists such as Al Hirschfield, Philip Burcke, CF Payne and Sebastian Kruger.

Randy understands the importance of basic drawing and design fundamentals when working in traditional mediums, because quality of work should not be forgotten as we grow and adapt to the constantly developing digital art world. He strives to emphasize the significance of process, creative thinking and a passion for mark making in his classes.

Randy lives in Nashville with his wife, Janelle. They are proud to announce their daughter, Rowynne, was born in December of 2015.

With 35 years experience in graphic design and printing, Hugh Shelton started in his early teens by creating line art for the newspaper in west Tennessee, where his parents still reside. His freelance work ranges from portraits to conceptual design and from comic-art seminars to set design. Starting at the service bureau at MTSU, his employment has included layout artist, graphic designer for marketing agencies and graphics director/manager at several print shops. He is currently art director and graphics manager for an Inspirational Country Music Magazine in Nashville, PowerSource. Hugh began teaching at Nossi College in the fall semester of 1998, and he normally teaches a few night classes each week. His courses range from computer graphic programs to production art and copywriting to sequential illustration.

Steve LaSuer is a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Before accepting a teaching position at Nossi College of Art, Steve was Art Supervisor for United Methodist Publishing House, Manager and Art Supervisor for Genesco Printing and Designer for Keller Crescent Advertising, working with clients like Whirlpool, FedEx and Murray of Ohio. He has freelanced for more than 20 years for companies such as Fruit of the Loom, General Board of Global Ministries and Genesco. Steve has also served on the Education Committee of the Nashville Advertising Federation.

Barbara Higgins Bond has been a freelance illustrator and fine artist for over 40 years after earning her BFA in Advertising Design. She received many honors including a medal of honor from Governor Bill Clinton, the 2007 Green Earth Award for illustrating “A Place For Butterflies” and the 2009 Ashley Bryan Award for outstanding contributions to children’s literature.

She has illustrated 40 books for both children and adults. Her recent book, “A Place For Turtles” by Melissa Stewart, was the winner of the 2014 Green Earth Award and the Sigurd F. Olson Nature writing award for children’s literature. Barbara has exhibited work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City and the DuSable Museum of African-American Art in Chicago. She is the illustrator of three Black Heritage stamps for the United States Postal Service and four stamps for the United Nations Postal Administration on endangered species. Many of her original images have been published by some of this country’s largest collectible plate companies. She created three paintings for the Great Kings and Queens of Africa poster series for Anheuser-Busch. She is a member of the Society of Illustrators and her clients include notable such name as The Bradford Exchange, McGraw-Hill Publishers, Peachtree Publishers, The Franklin Mint, NBC Television, Hennessy Cognac, Essence and Black Enterprise magazines, Frito-Lay, and Columbia House. For more information about the artist visit www.higginsbond.com.

Paul Edoho-Eket began his visual arts career ascending from intern to assistant coordinator of media services at his alma mater, Fisk University. While simultaneously pursuing an education in graphic design and digital media, he transitioned into a successful freelance career, subcontracting work from various local design firms, as well as procuring many notable commissions and local exhibitions. Art education is Paul’s priority, and he has been an educator of fine and digital arts for the past five years for several nonprofit and for-profit institutions. He continues to freelance on the side.

As a professional illustrator, graphic designer and photographer, Bill Latta has more than 30 years of experience in graphic design and the visual arts. Following his service in the Navy, Bill earned his bachelor’s in communications design, graduating with honors. His professional experience has been as a graphic designer, art director, advertising manager, art manager and illustrator with advertising agencies and large publishers in Nashville. Bill left the corporate scene to work as a professional freelance illustrator and photographer. He combined his artistic and photographic talents to create digital images and transform them into digital fine art.

Jose Semidei has been working in the field of design since he was 17. He moved from Yauco, Puerto Rico to Nashville in 1998 and enrolled in Nossi College in 2006. While attending, Jose was a top student, receiving many awards and accolades including a Silver Addy in Non-Traditional Advertising, two Most Creative Awards, one Perseverance Award, Talent Discovery and Best in Show 2010. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010.

Lisa Taylor is a native Tennessean and an eight-year veteran of the US Coast Guard. She has a Masters in Fine Art and a Bachelor of Science in Logistics & Intermodal Transportation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Her creative experience and instruction range from traditional fine art to character and environment development and digital applications. She has been in numerous group and juried shows and is a national award-winning artist. Her work is available in galleries and she continues to participate in local, national and international painting events.

“My mission as an artist is to capture moments through visual expression. To take a fleeting moment and convey that impression, that feeling and connection, with my own interpretation on the canvas. My aim is not to represent what is seen, but to elicit what is felt.”

Charles Long received his bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art, with an emphasis in illustration in 1992. He has been a professional graphic designer and illustrator for more than 22 years. His areas of expertise include 3D illustration and digital sculpting. He has worked with Modo for more than seven years and ZBrush for eight years.

Bob Dixon received his bachelor’s degree in 3D art and an associate degree in electronics, and has a combined 30 years of experience as a software and hardware engineer. This gives him a unique artistic and engineering understanding of the digital photographic and imaging processes. From 1995 until 2013, Bob and his wife formed TechnoGraphics – a video production, freelance digital photography and computer-generated artwork endeavor. Currently, Bob is a freelance photographer, digital 3D artist and also an instructor at Nossi College. He specializes in primarily teaching editing software classes such as Lightroom, Photoshop and After Effects, Digital and Advanced Digital Photography and 3D Modeling. “The greatest advantage to being an instructor here is working with the young people. They keep you young and make you rethink everything that you have from the past so you can prepare them for the future.” Bob’s headshot photo was graciously provided by Meliz Yimaz, one of his Advanced Digital Students.

Jane-Allen McKinney has divided her time between commissions for permanent monumental artworks and teaching anatomy, drawing, basic design and other courses at the college level for 35 years. Her works include the 46-foot outdoor sculpture Olympic Plaza; the 20-foot Aquatic Mobile at the Tennessee Aquarium’s Visitor’s Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Chairs of Excellence, a 25-foot installation; the 25-foot Administration Mobile; the Jesus and Lamb painting; and the 7.5-foot Jesus sculpture, which has been exhibited throughout Tennessee.

Additional artworks are in the collections of Barbara Mandrell, Oprah Winfrey, Olympian Wilma Rudolph, the Gene Autry Museum, and the mother of Vice President Al Gore, with a two-year loan of art to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. McKinney has had two solo exhibitions at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art and additional solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States. McKinney’s additional honors include Teacher of the Year, numerous cash awards, and the International Artist of the Year from the Cambridge International Center in England.

Paul Edoho-Eket began his visual arts career ascending from intern to assistant coordinator of media services at his alma mater, Fisk University. While simultaneously pursuing an education in graphic design and digital media, he transitioned into a successful freelance career, subcontracting work from various local design firms, as well as procuring many notable commissions and local exhibitions. Art education is Edoho-Eket’s priority, and he has been an educator of fine and digital arts for the past five years for several nonprofit and for-profit institutions. He continues to freelance on the side.

Warren Sadler is a Nossi Alum whose primary focus during his time at Nossi College was as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer. While working through his Bachelor’s degree, Warren discovered a passion for Web Development. This led him to pursue work at the Entrepreneur Center of Nashville and from there various other companies around the greater Nashville Area, honing his craft along the way. Currently Warren is a Data Engineer at HCA working with exciting projects in Machine Learning and Predictive Modeling.

Nossi Vatandoost is the founder and president of Nossi College of Art. The first class of fine art was organized in Madison, Tenn. in 1973, and was called Nossi School of Art. The school accepted students of all ages and taught classes in drawing and painting on all levels. Nossi is an accomplished artist, listed in Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who of America. She is a charter member of the National Women’s History Museum, as well as the National Museum of Women in the Arts. In addition to her art training in the Middle East and Europe, she holds a college degree in art education from Western Kentucky University. She taught art in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools system before opening her own art school.

Cyrus Vatandoost is the Executive Vice President at Nossi College of Art. With a bachelor’s in corporate finance and a minor in economics, Cyrus worked in the mortgage industry before coming to Nossi College. He has worked at Nossi College of Art since 1993, and currently manages the operations of the college on a daily basis. As the son of founder, Nossi Vatandoost, Cyrus’s passion for the college runs deep. He is often overheard stating that an important aspect of his job is to protect the integrity of the college and his mother’s name associated with it. Cyrus may be reached via email.

Bonnie Webb has more than 30 years of experience in the administrative field. She is a graduate of Hendersonville High School in Middle Tennessee, and she attended Nashville State Technical Institute. Her background includes banking, insurance and real estate. She enjoys meeting new people and making Nossi’s students feel welcome. Bonnie also enjoys spending time with family and being a grandmother. You can reach Bonnie via email.

Kolleen Longmire received her bachelor’s degree in communication and print journalism and her Master of Education with an emphasis in library science.  A native of Mississippi, Kolleen has worked as a newspaper reporter and a real estate agent. She enjoys helping students utilize the Learning Resources Center to enhance their learning experiences at Nossi College.You can reach Kolleen via email.

Admissions Director Mary Alexander graduated with her associate degree in business with an accounting major. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management. Mary’s background includes working in the placement department at Belmont; in accounting with American General and Safeco Insurance and 12 years in sales with several major corporations. She joined Nossi College in 2000. Mary may be reached via email.

Registrar Mindy Gilbert has a master’s in agency counseling and a bachelor’s in sociology, both earned in Tennessee. Mindy came to Nossi College with 10 years of nonprofit experience, most of which dealt with providing in-home counseling services for at-risk youth and families in crisis. She has been with Nossi College since October 2009, and enjoys helping the students advance their academic careers and reach their goals. She completed the Young Leaders Program and served on the board of the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. Mindy Gilbert may be reached via email.

Mary Kidd, Financial Aid Director, has more than 24 years of professional experience in the financial aid field and more than 26 years in accounting. Her career memberships include the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors, National Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors and Tennessee Association of Veteran Program Administrators. She has also served as chairperson of the Goodlettsville Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee. Mary Kidd may be reached via email.

Before coming to Nossi College of Art as the evening receptionist, Marilyn Shivers had 10 years of experience in general office work and 22 years of experience in accounting. She graduated from Isaac Litton High School in Nashville. She has two beautiful grandchildren, who are her pride and joy. She enjoys her job and especially likes meeting and greeting the students and helping everyone with their needs.

Dr. Byron Edwards is Vice President for Academic Affairs. With college teaching experience, as well as service as a school principal, superintendent of schools, and director of teacher education at a private college, Dr. Edwards brings many educational experiences to Nossi College of Art. He has a bachelor’s in secondary education from The University of Georgia; a master’s in education and an education specialist degree from Georgia Southern University, both in educational administration and supervision; and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Vanderbilt University’s George Peabody College. Dr. Edwards enjoys spending time with Mother Nature. He has a private pilot’s license and a scuba diving license. He loves to read and is the author of six books. He commented, “Being at Nossi is truly an enjoyable experience. I really do like interacting with our creative students.” You can reach Dr. Edwards via email.

Libby Funke Luff moved from Evansville, Ind., to enjoy life in Music City about a decade ago. With a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, she was introduced to Nashville while attending college and decided to start her career at The Tennessean in 2006. She currently lives in downtown Nashville and is actively involved in several organizations including the Griffin Design and Technology Academy at Hunter’s Lane, committee member for the Nashville Downtown Partnership, volunteers for NextUP Martha O’Bryan and is involved with the Urban Residents Association, the Nashville Fashion Alliance and the Film, Television and Transmedia Council. When she is not working with Nossi students, she is on the lookout for the best new restaurants in the area! You can reach Libby via email.

Mitzi Hatfield came to Nossi with a 15year background in college admissions. She has a strong desire to assist both local and international students with their educational goals and strives to make a difference in students’ lives. She believes it is rewarding to see student become successful in a field that allows them to be creative. Mitzi can be reached via email.

Dax Gomez came to Nossi College with a background in career services, human resources and recruiting. His previous experience in career services includes student job placement, internships, teaching and professional development. Dax has also held various positions as a human resources representative, corporate recruiter and staffing manager, with a strong knowledge of interviewing, hiring and training employees and students. He has been assisting job seekers and teaching career development at every stop.

He has earned a Professional in human resources certification and is certified by TPI to teach individuals the tools to succeed in goal-setting and future careers. He is active in groups such as the American Advertising Federation, American Marketing Association and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. He was raised in the Southeast and has spent most of his professional career here. He enjoys the outdoors, the arts and sports, and he takes pride in assisting students and graduates. You can reach Dax via email.

Roger Qualls has been in college admissions for 15 years. His favorite aspect of working with the students is taking personal pride in helping people achieve their educational goals – allowing them to have the life they want and deserve. He strives everyday to be better than the day before.

Roger wants you to remember, no obstacle is too great to overcome with the support of those who truly have your best interest at heart.

Janet Buckley started at Nossi College of Art in January of 2015 as a Financial Aid Advisor with 12 years of prior experience in student financial aid. She is a member of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA) and Tennessee Educational Association of Veteran Program Administrators (TEAVPA).  She is also trained as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for our veterans and knowledgeable about TSAA state grants. She enjoys working with students and helping them understand the financial aid process of funding their higher education.

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Kristi Binkley heads the business office at Nossi. She attended Volunteer State Community College to pursue business and accounting. As business office manager, Kristi makes sure the everyday business of Nossi College runs smoothly. She has a positive attitude and keen sense of humor. When she isn’t roaming the halls of Nossi College, she is a proud Grandmother and spoils her three grand babies. Need to talk with Kristi? You can reach her via email.

Greg Atkins joined Nossi College of Art with a 22-year background in business management and administration. He has worked with at a liberal arts as a Food & Beverage Director in Birmingham, AL, and as a College Representative with a well known Culinary College before joining Nossi College.

He says helping students identify their goals and talents in choosing careers & colleges is the most rewarding work he has experienced.

Dusty Draper is an award-winning music, event, sports and portrait photographer. He freelances for the Country Music Association, the Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena and several others. He has received awards from the Country Music Association Award of Merit- Photography; Nossi College of Art-Ambassador Award, Academic All Star Award, Most Creative Award, and Talent Discovery Award. He is also a two time Local Gold, two time Local Silver, District Silver, and National Silver American Advertising Federation (ADDY) Award Winner. His work has also been published numerous times in books, newspapers, magazines and on websites including Rolling Stone Magazine, Billboard Magazine, CMA Close Up Magazine, Nash Country Weekly, The Tennessean, The Grand Ole Opry, just to name a few.

Dusty has obtained both an associates and bachelors degree in Commercial Photography from Nossi College of Art where he graduated with honors. He is also very interested in the history of photography and would love to teach someday to help others learn to love photography as much as he does. Dusty is married to his best friend, Tiffany, and they have three wonderful children.

Greg Havens brings more than 25 years of successful business experience to Nossi College of Art. He has held various positions in management, recruiting and training personnel. Greg received his BA degree from Western Kentucky University. Being the father of three wonderful children has kept him engaged with young people. He finds it rewarding to see students set and reach their goals. When he is not working, Greg enjoys the outdoors, music and photography.