Alumnus Banks Wilson ’01 has established a scholarship endowment to honor Emeritus Professor of Art Eldred Hudson. Hudson retired from the Department of Art & Art History in 2021 after 33 years at UNC Charlotte, where he served as the area coordinator for graphic design and was chair of the department from 2009 to 2018. The scholarship, named the E. Hudson Graphic Design Student Award, will support a rising junior or senior student pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design who demonstrates “commitment to graphic design coursework and future professional development as evidenced by visually impactful personal creative work, socially engaged design thinking, genuine leadership among peers, and excellent command of skill sets.” The first award will be made for the 2022-23 academic year.

Wilson, who received a BFA in Art with a concentration in graphic design from UNC Charlotte in 2001, is the founder and president of Union, an award-winning creative and performance marketing agency in Charlotte with 55 employees and five full-time contractors. Union is the third largest advertising agency in Charlotte and the only Society of Digital Agencies member headquartered in the Carolinas. The agency has won dozens of ADDY awards (American Advertising Awards) over the years, and in February, Wilson received the 2021 AAF Silver Medal Award from the Charlotte chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), its highest individual honor.   

“I am so pleased to be able to honor Eldred with this scholarship endowment,” Wilson said. “Eldred was a great teacher. He not only helped me develop the skills I needed to pursue a career in graphic design, but he also inspired me to be the very best I could be. Even after graduating, Eldred has served as a trusted mentor of mine as I have navigated the professional world." 

Hudson came to UNC Charlotte in 1988 after 10 years of professional practice in graphic design. Specializing in corporate communications design and brand development, he developed and taught courses at all levels of graphic design and illustration, and also taught 2D Design, Developmental Art, and courses in Art Education. As graphic design area coordinator and chair of the Department of Art & Art History, Hudson was instrumental in acquiring the faculty, equipment, and facilities that have since provided the framework for steady growth and program refinement in graphic design, digital media, and illustration.

“Banks is a tremendous friend and supporter of Art & Art History and the College of Arts + Architecture,” said Brook Muller, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture. “It means so much that he would set up a scholarship endowment to honor the legacy of Emeritus Professor Eldred Hudson. Banks's generosity and commitment to student success will make a huge difference for some of our very best emerging artists.”

To contribute to the E. Hudson Graphic Design Student Award Endowment, contact Mark Colone at mdcolone@uncc.edu or visit https://crowdfund.uncc.edu/project/26220.