Bio

Elena Sonbok McMillan has been a passionate advocate for art education since 1994. She is dedicated to reaching people through art, teaching, and community involvement. Elena has taught art and design in various educational settings, including as an art professor at North Greenville University and currently at Georgia Military College. Since 2010, she has actively shared her artistic knowledge through teaching, selling her artwork, organizing exhibitions, and leading seminars.

Elena’s approach integrates her studies in neuroscience and art therapy, exploring how creative expression fosters emotional healing and personal growth. Through her “Art and Brain” seminars, she teaches people how art impacts the brain and helps develop creativity, especially for children and adults seeking personal development.

In addition to her academic work, Elena has a strong commitment to community service. She has served as the Director of Community Outreach for the Asian Festival and as President of the Korean Association for two terms. Her volunteer efforts reflect her belief in the power of art and education to build bridges across communities.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education Leadership Administration at Liberty University, Elena continues to inspire others through her dedication to both teaching and serving her community.

 

Elena McMillan 

SUMMARY Elena McMillan is a visionary leader with 14 years of global experience in education and community outreach. As an Art Professor for seven years, she inspires students through innovative teaching that combines creativity and technology. In her roles as president of the Knoxville Area Korean Association and Community Outreach Director at the Asian Culture Center, Elena merges her passion for education with community service. She organizes cultural events, honors Korean War veterans, and collaborates with corporations to support those in need. Her dedication to mentoring and student success makes her a valuable asset in shaping future art and community leaders.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Georgia Military College, Augusta GA Professor, Design and Art July 2024- Present • Understanding Art: Exploration of artistic principles, elements of art, and different forms of visual expression. • Drawing: Techniques and fundamentals of drawing, including line, form, perspective, and shading. • Painting: Study of painting methods, mediums, and color theory. • Typography: Design and use of fonts, letterforms, and the importance of typography in visual communication. • Branding: Creation of brand identities, including logos, color schemes, and messaging. • Marketing: Introduction to marketing strategies and the role of design in branding and advertising. • Multimedia: Incorporation of digital media and technology in art and design. • Art History: Study of significant art movements, artists, and the evolution of art over time.

 

United Bridge Insurance, Marketing director Marketing Team, San Diego, CA March 2022- Present • Market Research: Identify audience, analyze competitors, track trends. • Brand Strategy: Positioning, visual identity, messaging. • Campaigns: Create content, manage social media. • Digital Marketing: SEO, PPC, email. • Analytics: Monitor, adjust, feedback. • Sales Support: Lead gen, materials, align with sales. • PR: Media, crisis, events.

 

Christian Academy of Knoxville, Knoxville, TN Middle School Art teacher, Jan 2023 - Present • Designed an innovative Fine Art curriculum, focusing on various artistic principles and techniques across several mediums, leading to a more well-rounded art education • Initiated and led the first competitive art club at the school, providing unparalleled opportunities for students to engage with the arts on a competitive level • Coached and supported a team of young artists, leading to 1 category win and 3 honorable mentions at their first-ever art competition, demonstrating exceptional instructional impact

 

Asian Festival, Asian Cultural Center Knoxville, TN Director of Community Outreach Jan 2023 - Present • Community outreach involved engaging local businesses and leaders in Tennessee, • Bringing them together through the Asian Festival, and raising funds and donations to support it, the largest festival in the southern states. This effort aimed to reach more businesses and people, creating a meaningful cultural festival.

 

Knoxville Area Korean Association, Knoxville TN Korean President 2017-2022 • Community outreach: Engage the community with open-hearted connections and cultural education. • Cultural education: Share Korean culture and traditions with local schools and the broader community. • Veteran support: Honor Korean War veterans and coordinate donations, like washers and dryers from LG Electronics. • Event coordination: Organize trips to the Southeast Federal Korean Association in Atlanta, GA, for a sports festival and meetings with representatives from five states (TN, GA, AL, SC, NC). • Support for elders: Provide care and assistance to elderly Korean citizens and connect those in need with proper resources. • Business collaboration: Partner with Korean companies like LG Electronics to support the local Korean community in Tennessee. • Fundraising: Raise funds from local and large companies like SL and FedEx to support the local Korean community.

 

Crown College Powell, TN Professor of Art 2015 - 2018 •

Creation Museum, San Diego, CA Art Director, Jan 2010 - Jan 2011 • Managed all aspects of content development for the Creation Museum, 

North Greenville Universit,y Tigerville, SC Professor of Visual Arts. Jan 2007 - Jan 2010 • Teaching Art Appreciation, Painting, Drawing, and Ceramics. • committee of Honor students • Founder of student art club

DEDICATION AND VOLUNTEER AWARDS • The Federation of Korean Associations, S.E. U.S.A, 2019 • Vet to Vet TN, 2018

 

EDUCATION

Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA, Jan 2023 Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, 4.0 GPA

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | Philadelphia, PA. Jan 2005 - Jan 2007 MFA, Studio Arts, 3.6 GPA

Texas A&M University | Corpus Christi, TX. Jan 2003 - Jan 2005 MA, Painting, 4.0 GPA Hyles-Anderson College | Crown Point, IN. Jan 1995 - Jan 1997 MEU, 3.4 GPA

Kyung-Hee University | Seoul, South Korea. Jan 1990 - Jan 1994 BA, Ceramics, 3.4 GPA CERTIFICATIONS

 

Web and Graphic Design. Jan 2010 - Present Certified by: Art Institute of Pittsburgh Teaching Certification Nov 2023 - Nov 2028 Certified by: ACSI

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Republic of Korea, National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) Board Member, 2019 US Federal Korean Association Director of Korean & American Art and Culture, 2019 Knoxville Area Korean Association President 2017 – 2019 Christian Art Association President, 2017 La Mesa Village Merchants Association Director, 2012 – 2013 NGU Art Society Club Founder, 2009 - 2010 NGU Institutional Curriculum Committee Member, 2007 – 2009

SKILLS

• Leadership building • Marketing • Student Engagement Strategies • Students Management • Art Curriculum Development • Diverse Curriculum Design • Business Management • Community Arts Advocacy • Global Community Engagement • Fine Arts Education • Art Exhibition Curation • AI video and Photo • Education Methods • Educational Leadership • Creative Lesson Planning

ART RECOGNITION Permanent Art Collection Artist Corpus Christi Art Museum Honorable Mention 2011, National Art Show Visiting Artist Honorable Mention 2009, Summer International Art Show Fine Arts Winner Creative Quarterly Journal of Arts & Design 2007, 3x3 Magazine, Issue 8 Fine Arts Winner Creative Quarterly Journal of Arts & Design 2007, 3x3 Magazine, Issue 7 Installation Art Winner Philadelphia Sculpture Groups 2007, 5 Into 1 Event Best of Show Dimensions Juried Show 2005, Charles Field & Richard Scherpereel Fine Arts Winner Presidents Council Art Scholarship 2004, Texas A&M University Fine Arts Winner Dimension Show 2003, The Art Center of Corpus Christi Fine Arts Winner Members Exhibition 2002, Members Exhibition Corpus Christi