Deana M Marzocchi (she/her)
Associate Professor, Department Chair College of Arts & Sciences Department of Design Providence
Biography
Deana Marzocchi is chair of the Design Department and associate professor of design at Johnson & Wales University. With extensive professional experience in branding, visual communication, print design and marketing strategy, she specializes in developing strategic design solutions that connect organizations with their audiences.
Marzocchi’s academic work focuses on experiential education, community-engaged learning, curriculum innovation and student career preparation. She leads initiatives that integrate industry and nonprofit partnerships into the classroom, providing students with authentic design experiences that strengthen both creative and professional competencies. As department chair, she oversees curriculum development and assessment efforts that ensure programs remain responsive to emerging technologies, industry trends and workforce needs.
Her areas of interest include branding, design pedagogy, project-based learning and the role of design in community impact. Beyond the university, Marzocchi serves on the Board of Directors for Beacon Charter High School for the Arts and volunteers as a Confirmation instructor for high school students, supporting creativity, leadership development and student well-being through service and mentorship.
Education
BA, Rhode Island College
Art Education
MS, Salve Regina University
Information Systems Science
BS, Salve Regina University
Financial Management
CPR, AED & First Aid Certification
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Mental Health First Aid Certified
MHFA Connect
Design Champion
Design Department Faculty
Faculty of the Year Award
Johnson & Wales University / School of Engineering & Design
Community Service Learning Faculty Fellow
Johnson & Wales University
Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award
Johnson & Wales University
“REVEAL 2026: Design and Digital Marketing Portfolio Showcase.” Marzocchi, D. (April 30, 2026)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/2026/04/design-and-digital-marketing-students-present-portfolios-at-2026-reveal-showcase.html
“Design and Entrepreneurship Students Help Startup with Growth.” Marzocchi, D. (December 15, 2025)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/2025/12/design-entrepreneurship-students-help-startup.html
“AI in the Classroom.” Marzocchi, D. (May 6, 2025)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/stories/magazine/2025/spring/ai-in-the-classroom/index.html
“How Group Projects Prepare You for the Work Place.” Marzocchi, D. (March, 2025)
https://www4.jwu.edu/news/2025/04/how-group-projects-prepare-you-for-the-workplace.html
“Finalists Announced for 2025 Industry Excellence Awards Presented by Bar & Restaurant Expo.” Marzocchi, D. (February 24, 2025)
https://nevadabusiness.com/2025/02/finalists-announced-for-2025-industry-excellence-awards-presented-by-bar-restaurant-expo/
“How JWU Design Team Made Me a Better Designer.” Marzocchi, D. (April 29, 2024)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/2024/04/how-jwu-design-team-made-me-a-better-graphic-designer.html
“Standing on Her Shoulders: Building on the Legacy of Female Founders In celebration of Women’s History Month, Johnson & Wales University community members share how fellow Wildcat women have helped them grow personally and professional.” Marzocchi, D. (March 1, 2024)
https://www.rimonthly.com/johnson-wales-female-founders/
“Form Follows Function.” Marzocchi, D. (October, 2022)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/stories/magazine/2022/fall/design/index.html
“Fall 2022 JWU Alumni Magazine / “Form Follows Function”.” Marzocchi, D. (September, 2022)
“”Here are the best R.I. license plate designs that didn’t make the cut, according to experts”.” Marzocchi, D. (April 12, 2022)
https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/04/13/ri-license-plates-experts-pick-best-designs-that-did-not-win/7275301001/
“Faculty Feature.” Marzocchi, D. (April 8, 2022)
https://youtu.be/_CKZCQpzs80
Board Member / Secretary
DesignxRI Advisory Committee
American Institute of Graphic Arts Design Educators Community
Board Member / Beacon Charter School
East Providence High School Graphics Advisory Board Member
American Institute of Graphic Arts
Bar & Restaurant Expo Industry Excellence Awards, “Bar & Restaurant Expo Industry Excellence Awards,” Bar & Restaurant Expo. (February 7, 2025).
Bar & Restaurant Judging Industry Excellence Awards, “Bar & Restaurant Awards Judge,” Bar & Restaurant Expo. (February 9, 2024).