OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (April 22, 2025) — Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Professor of Digital Media Design and industry expert Neal Hettinger has published his first textbook, “Modern Graphic Design with AI.”
After developing and creating curriculum and writing articles on graphic design, Hettinger determined an industry need for a functional publication incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into graphic design education.
“This textbook fills a crucial gap by integrating AI, a transformative tool in graphic design, into the learning experience,” Hettinger said. “Seeing a concept come to life in print is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited that my book can be used as a teaching tool to educate graphic design students.”
Hettinger holds a Master of Arts degree in mass communications and a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic arts, with a minor in English. He has worked at design firms and advertising agencies in Los Angeles, Nashville, Oklahoma City, and Birmingham. In 2006, Hettinger started his own graphic design firm that specializes in graphic marketing, visual websites, UX software, and UI workflow platforms. His list of clients includes Nissan Motors, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Adidas, Pioneer Electronics, UFC, and Adidas.
Hettinger’s teaching career at OCCC began in 2011. In 2020, he received the Outstanding Adjunct Professor award. Hettinger also has been an adjunct professor at the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology for four years.
He credits Dr. Jennifer Woolston, OCCC dean of Arts, English and Humanities, with helping shape “Modern Graphic Design with AI.”
“Professor Hettinger’s work in integrating AI into graphic design education reflects OCCC’s commitment to innovation,” said Dr. Woolston. “His text not only supports our students’ growth but also contributes to the ongoing evolution of the industry, inspiring new ways of thinking about design.”
“Modern Graphic Design with AI” was published Dec. 11, 2024, by Global Publishings.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students in credit-seeking courses and more than 5,000 students in non-credit-seeking programs, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer 87 degree and certificate programs plus more than 50 micro-credentials that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
405-834-5406
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
