Art professor partners with Troy Regional

Professor Chris Stagl's photos of Troy and well-known surrounding areas. Contributed photos

A Troy Art and Design professor partnered with Troy Regional for a new art project through an uncommon link – a previous student.

Professor Chris Stagl, associate chair of Art and Design at Troy University, was recently approached by Troy Regional Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant Emily Robbins, a recent Troy graduate and one of Stagl’s former students. Together, they helped revive some of the hospital’s clinics through a series of 24 photographs.

“Stagl and I have had a long-standing relationship since I transferred to Troy as a junior in the graphic design program,” Robbins said. “He has been a wonderful mentor and professor who went above and beyond to provide real-world feedback and opportunities to his students, so when Troy Regional began discussing the photography project, I knew Stagl would be a great contact to reach out to.”

The goal of the project was to create a more inviting and visually interesting environment for patients who visit Troy Regional’s clinics – something that Robbins believes Stagl absolutely delivered on.

“The overall thematic approach was just simply to take photos close to Troy and the surrounding areas and really exemplify what it means to be close to home,” Stagl said. “Honestly, that’s what I did – I just went out there, and I took photos of things that everybody’s known and seen 1,000 times.

“I just tried to make it a personal experience, so that when people go to the hospital, they’re not looking at pictures of New York City, Miami or wherever, they’re looking at pictures of Troy, Brundidge and home.”

Robbins described Stagl’s photos as capturing the notable landmarks of Troy in a new, yet beautifully familiar way – exactly what the hospital was envisioning.

According to Stagl, professors don’t always know where students end up after graduation, so being contacted by Robbins was surprising and fulfilling for Stagl.

“It was very nice to be able to work with a recent alumna and know that she trusted me with this project,” Stagl said. “It was very rewarding, very fulfilling and it’s always like that to work with an alum.”

This isn’t the only time in recent history Troy Regional has partnered with Troy University alumni, though. In February of this year, Troy Regional launched a new rebrand which included a new logo designed by Studio 207 – a Troy design agency comprised of Troy University graduates.

Those interested in taking a look at Stagl’s complete photography collection can see it on display in the Troy Regional Physician’s clinic office.