Ted Williams III

Ted Williams III has taught Political Science at Wright College, Chicago State University, and currently is the Chairman of the Social Science Department at Kennedy-King College. He holds degrees in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago and Rutgers University, and is the former host of WYCC-PBS television’s The Professors weekly talk show. Ted Williams wrote the stage play "1619, A Journey of a People", in 2019 to represent the 400- year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving on the shores of this nation. Told through the eyes of three modern characters and a series of performance pieces, this multi-disciplinary theater experience both inspires and challenges the audience about the progress of America's African sons and daughters. 1619 features a dynamic cast of singers, actors, spoken word artists, and dancers who reflect on the past while tackling critical contemporary social issues. With an appeal for all ages, this production reminds us that on the other side of the trial lies greatness.

Shantanu Suman

In a career spanning over seventeen years, Shantanu Suman has worked as a Creative Director, documentary filmmaker, small business owner, and educator. After working for over six years with several advertising agencies in India, Shantanu moved to the United States in 2010 to pursue his master’s degree from the University of Florida. During his stint in advertising, he garnered multiple advertising awards including Cannes Silver Lion, D&AD inbook, Clio bronze, and Asia Pacific Adfest. His design work has been recognized by several publications including Uneven Growth – Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Communication Arts Design/Advertising/Typography Annuals, Type Director’s Club, Graphic Design USA, Print Magazine, LogoLounge, CNN Travel, Designboom, and Creative Review. Shantanu has worked with a variety of clients ranging from small startups to global brands including Kohler Co., The Wing Luke Museum, Frost Museum, Wired Magazine, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Reebok, and Citibank. In 2012, Shantanu collaborated with friends to make Horn Please, a documentary film based on the Indian Truck Art which has been screened at several film festivals in the United States and Europe. In 2016, he joined Ball State University as an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication where he founded Studio 165+, a design studio course through which students work with regional, national, and international clients.