Pennsylvania College of Art & Design Named a 2026 GDUSA Top Design School — and Four Students Win National Real Show Awards

Back-to-back national honors recognize both PCA&D’s graphic design program and the students it prepares.

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design has once again been recognized among the nation’s leading creative institutions, earning a place on Graphic Design USA’s 2026 list of Top Design Schools. Additionally, Kenzie Myers ‘26 and Tyler Storm Clausson ‘26 were named Students to Watch.

The annual GDUSA honor highlights colleges and universities that are shaping the future of visual communications – programs that demonstrate excellence in developing both the technical expertise and creative thinking required to succeed in today’s evolving design landscape.

“The Graphic Design Department is thrilled to once again be named one of the top Graphic Design schools by GDUSA,” said Maria Hostetter, Chair of Graphic Design and Assistant Professor. “Our diverse curriculum and exceptionally talented design faculty are just a few reasons that year after year we are honored by GDUSA. Our graduates are not only designers, they are the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.”

The national recognition arrives alongside another milestone for the department: four PCA&D graphic design students earned awards in The Real Show 2026, a nationally recognized juried student design competition presented by George Mason University’s School of Art + Design. The competition challenges college students to solve real-world communication design problems on real deadlines, judged by a distinguished jury of working designers and educators.

Four PCA&D graphic design students earned recognition this year:

• Charlie Ambers – Silver, Branding
• Nicolas Pujato – Silver, Packaging
• Bailey Hartman – Merit, Packaging
• Tabitha Novak – Merit, Infographic

Together, the GDUSA ranking and The Real Show wins reflect a department where students don’t just study design – they compete and succeed on a national stage.

For PCA&D, the recognition reflects the depth of talent within its faculty and the immersive, studio-based experience that defines its curriculum. Students engage in hands-on, project-driven learning from day one – guided by practicing artists, designers and industry professionals who bring real-world insight into the classroom.

“At PCA&D, our faculty are not only accomplished creatives – they are mentors who challenge students to think critically, take risks and develop a strong, individual voice,” said Andy Barnes, Ph.D., M.F.A., President of PCA&D. “This recognition affirms what we see every day in our studios: a culture of rigor, collaboration and creativity that prepares our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”