My Manchester Story

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Jeff Diesburg (he/him); I am an Associate Professor and Chair of the Art Department. I am mostly from the Midwest (Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana). I attended grad school in Georgia and Peace Corps in Panama, with shorter stints in North Carolina and Oregon. 

What kinds of classes do you teach? What is your favorite course you've taught?

I teach traditional and digital studios as well as LARC requirements like FYWS and Art and Life. A course can be great one semester, then less great the next time. I usually enjoy teaching traditional studios like Painting and Figure drawing.

How long have you been working for Manchester? What led you here? Why did you choose to work here?

This is my 12th year teaching at MU. I was applying for positions in this area of the country when the opportunity came up. I wanted to work in an art program where my abilities would be well suited to the courses I teach. This is true of the MU art program.

What advice would you give to a Manchester student?

If you’re gonna do it, do it well.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Working on art with students. (That sounds cliché, but if it weren’t true, I wouldn't do this job.)

What would you say to someone interested in taking a class within your field?

The art you want to make will be the best art you make.