Eric Ellis, M.S. 2004

Web Designer,
Bank of America

Jacksonville, FL

By Steven Pessoa, 2007

Before becoming a successful professional, Eric Ellis received his M.S. in communication with an emphasis in interactive and communication technologies at Florida State University.

Ellis, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, chose FSU because he believed that it had “one of the only graduate programs in the country that (combined) the disciplines of multimedia design and project management.”

He excelled in the classroom and stood out as a teaching assistant in both desktop multimedia and mass media law.

Ellis said that being a teaching assistant was his most memorable experience at FSU because “it was such a reward to see students get it when you taught subjects that are so important today.”

Now as a web designer for Bank of America, Ellis’ work facilitates countless online customers every day. He credits much of his success to “lifelong learning opportunities” presented to him during his time in the Department of Communication.

FSU professors such as Dr. McNamara, Dr. Jonathan Adams and Dr. John Dubard played influential roles in the young web designer’s development. His biggest role model, however, was his dad.

“He taught me the principles that have guided my success: discipline, problem solving, listening and striving to finish what you start,” Ellis says.

Enjoying his current job reaching millions of online customers daily, Ellis plans to stay with it for “a couple more years.” Then he may be interested in taking a position with the overseas bank, if the opportunity presents itself.

However one day, Ellis will leave the corporate world and start his own web design business. Based on countless accomplishments early in his career, he’s on the right track and a role model for future students as well.