Released on: August 5, 2008, 5:22 pm

Press Release Author: The Art Institute of California - Orange County

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Alan Burner was promoted from Lead Faculty to Foundation
Studies Academic Department Director

Press Release Body: The Art Institute of California - Orange County has established
Foundation Studies as a department within Academic Affairs and named former
Foundation Studies Lead Faculty Alan Burner as the academic director.

"The Foundation Studies department is essentially the bridge between high school and
an education at The Art Institute," said Alan Burner, Foundation Studies Academic
Department Director. "The program fosters student success by acclimating new
students to The Art Institute way of education."

Courses in the Foundation Studies program lay the groundwork for students to learn
more advanced skills later in their course of study. Faculty members in this
department are tasked with setting the example of what The Art Institute expects
from its students as well as what the industry will expect once the students
graduate.

"As one of the first instructors on staff, Alan has been instrumental to the
successful development of the Foundation Studies program," said Dean of Academic
Affairs, Melinda Lester. "Since 2005, he has worked with the faculty and staff to
improve and align the first year courses for incoming students and I am confident
that the program will continue to advance under his leadership."

Burner has over 30 years of experience as an instructor in the U.S. and abroad.
Locally, he has taught at Golden West College, Cypress College, Biola University and
Azusa Pacific University. A professional artist, Burner's work has been exhibited at
a number of galleries in Los Angles, New York and Japan.

He received his bachelor of arts and master's of fine arts degree from the
University of California, Irvine and has an additional background in Japanese
Language and Literature. Since earning his degree, Burner has worked in various
capacities as an artist, lecturer, educator and author. His art includes
photography, painting, bronze sculpture, ceramics and video performances that have
been televised on PBS.

At The Art Institute, Burner has taught Art History, Typography, Design History,
Fundamentals of Design, Color Theory and drawing and painting courses. His textbook,
"Color Choreography," is used in all Color Theory classes and has been adopted at
other Art Institute locations as well as a number of colleges and universities
around the country. Additionally, he frequently conducts color research in Europe
and the orient during the year, including work with the painting elephants at the
National Elephant Institute in Thailand.

Since joining The Art Institute in 2000, Burner has been actively working to promote
student success by assisting with new student orientation and leading the study
abroad program, the student mentoring program, the student success committee and the
admissions committee.

Media Contacts:
Tricia Cook, 714.338.1303 or tacook@aii.edu
Veronica Orozco, 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu

The Art Institute of California - Orange County
The Art Institute of California - Orange County is a design, media, fashion and
culinary arts school providing bachelor's and associate's degree programs in
Advertising, Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Digital
Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design,
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual
Effects & Motion Graphics, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive
Media. Located in the heart of Orange County's South Coast Metro region, The Art
Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County's thriving
business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous
beaches. The school is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system
of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an
important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Web Site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/orangecounty

Contact Details: Veronica Orozco
3601 W. Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: 714.830.0221
Fax: 714.556.8937
vorozco@aii.edu