Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/756864
When students meet Mary Dobson for the first time, they feel they already know her – from TV. A pioneer of home and garden television, Mary shared her expertise with broadcast audiences for more than 25 years, long before there were special channels devoted to the subject. But TV is only a sideline. Mary has also owned her own interior decorating business, written design books and contributed to numerous magazines, been a spokesperson for major national brands, and has led product launches and events across North America. Being so wired-in to the industry benefits her students. As a full-time faculty member in Georgian's Interior Decorating and Kitchen and Bath Design programs, Mary brings these connections into the classroom. Students regularly enjoy visits from industry experts and field trips to design manufacturers. Mary is exceedingly passionate about her graduates' success, extremely proud of their accomplishments, and works hard to connect the aspiring decorators with those already working in the industry. "I've always been a teacher of sorts – from helping my classmates in school, to providing information to audiences on TV and through appearances at events, and most importantly, to my current and past students," says Mary. "I'm continually inspired to give people information that will hopefully motivate them to create their own products and designs, or inspire them to change the spaces around them." MARY DOBSON Professor, Interior Decorating and Kitchen and Bath Design FACULTY SPOTLIGHT 35 GEORGIANVIEW 2016