Joe Shipman got involved with printing in high school, which provided scholarship opportunities that led him to pursue a computer information systems degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce. From there, he attended graduate school, launched his business, Luminous Productions, worked at the university in multimedia and distance education, and served as an adjunct faculty member. In 2011, Shipman began working full time at his own business, Luminous Productions.

A Conversation with Joe

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

“I would tell them that the university has undergone an amazing transformation from what it was when I first came to Commerce in 1997 to the beautiful campus it is today. It has only become better over the years. Also, students get the best of both worlds. Dallas is only an hour away, so students get to enjoy the city life as well as country life. It's a great campus! The professors are committed to their students and looking out for their success. The sports programs as well as the arts programs are fantastic! The university community is very much present, and the opportunities are pretty endless.”

How has A&M-Commerce influenced your life and/or career?

“I never thought that my double major in printing and computer information systems would provide me so many great opportunities. My knowledge learned in both printing and computer information systems lead me to passion for web design, and it also helped me transition into photography as I used technical skills and applied my knowledge of print marketing. My education at A&M- Commerce provided stepping stones to where I am today.

During my time at A&M-Commerce, my professors knew that I was very skillful in printing due to my prior experience in high school and work, so they gave me a leadership role that allowed me to teach others. Without my experiences at A&M-Commerce, I would not have gained the skills in both print and computers that allowed my businesses to take off while designing ADA compliant forms for the IRS and servicing design and multimedia contracts with other government branches.”

Why did you choose to attend A&M-Commerce?

“In high school, I came to visit A&M-Commerce because I had competed in a lot of printing competitions. Initially, I attended Ambassador University, but during my first year there, it closed. I convinced several of my close friends from Ambassador University to attend A&M-Commerce with me. In the end, over 80 of my peers transferred to A&M-Commerce. I did not initially plan to stay in Commerce after graduation, but I am so thankful for the experiences that I gained at A&M-Commerce and very thankful to call Commerce home.”

Educational Background

• M.S., Educational Technology, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2003
• B.S., Double Major in Computer Information Systems and Offset Lithography, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2000

Awards and Honors

• Graduate of the Commerce Community Leadership Institute, 2007
• President’s Meritorious Service Award, 2005
• Completed Graduate School with a 4.0 – M.S. in Educational Technology, 2003
• Presidential Citation from Commerce Chamber of Commerce, 2002
• George O'Carter Memorial Scholarship, 2000