Zach Kinser has always loved creating. Whether designing graphics on a computer or creating music with different ensembles, he thrives when he can turn imagination into something tangible. When he arrived at Walsh University, he already had a strong foundation with certifications in Adobe Suite and years of high school design experience, but he wondered how much further he could grow.
What he discovered at Walsh was more than skills. It was an environment that nurtured curiosity, challenged assumptions, and allowed him to expand his creativity in ways he had not imagined. “Walsh faculty found a way to help me still grow as a designer and push me to find new ways to think about design which in turn helps me feel much more prepared than I ever have,” Zach shared.
Growth was not limited to the design studio. Music has been a central part of Zach’s life, and Walsh gave him a stage and a community to keep developing that passion. From marching and concert bands to jazz and world music ensembles, Zach has had the opportunity to continue playing percussion and upright bass. “The greatest gift Walsh offered me was the chance to not have to leave my passions behind. For me, that was music. Walsh didn’t just give me a stage … they gave me a community. By joining so many different groups, I didn’t just sharpen my skills – I found my closest friends and spent countless nights creating memories.”
Zach’s journey also illustrates the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Whether joining a campus Turkey Trot with fellow band members or seeking an internship through Walsh Athletics, he discovered that challenges often lead to growth and connection. “Excellence isn’t just a grade—it’s the intersection of your passion and your talent. By choosing to do my internship with the athletics department, Walsh helped me turn my interest into a professional skill set. I discovered that ‘excellence’ can mean taking a blank scoreboard graphic and turning it into something that captures the energy of the game. Being excellent means being adaptable and creative enough to find my niche in the sports world.”
His experiences at Walsh shaped not only his skills but his understanding of what a professional career could look like. Interning with the athletics department allowed him to apply his creativity in a real-world environment, producing graphics and social media content that reached hundreds of fans. “Challenges force me to grow. My greatest motivator is the knowledge that every difficult project is an opportunity to sharpen my skills and become a better version of myself, both as a designer and as a person,” Zach said.
While pursuing his undergrad, mentors played a pivotal role. Professor Vokoun challenged him in design, introducing him to new ways of thinking, while Professor Roblee encouraged him to expand his musical abilities and leadership skills. These relationships, Zach says, exemplify the Walsh approach: supportive yet demanding, fostering both personal and professional growth.
As he looks toward the future, Zach’s ambitions are clear. He plans to work as a graphic designer for a local firm or a major sports team in Cleveland or Columbus. He would also be interested in teaching in a career tech setting and educating future designers.
For future students, his advice is simple: “Find the things you love to do as it will open the door to new friends and opportunities. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone every so often to get an amazing college experience.”
