R. Dwayne Overmyer Jr., M.F.A., professor of art and design in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 2014.

Professor Overmyer received his B.F.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1971 and his M.F.A. from Yale University in 1977. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an adjunct lecturer in 1978, and was promoted to assistant professor in 1980, associate professor in 1982, and professor in 2001.

Professor Overmyer is an accomplished graphic designer with a primary research focus on the analysis and description of typography as a linguistic activity. His work has been recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the University and College Designers Association, the Art Museum Association of America, the Society of Typographic Arts, and the New York Art Directors Club. He has maintained an active independent consultancy in the Ann Arbor area, with an impressive list of clients, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the Toledo Museum of Art, and many University of Michigan departments. Professor Overmyer is an inspiring educator who has had a profound influence on generations of designers and artists. He is highly regarded for his no-nonsense, rigorously intellectual approach to teaching. In addition to teaching courses at all levels in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design curricula, he co-taught courses in conjunction with the School of Education, the School of Information, and the Sweetland Writing Center.

The Regents now salute this distinguished designer and educator for his dedicated service by naming R. Dwayne Overmyer Jr., professor emeritus of art and design.