Entertainment Industry Veteran Patti Burke Joins UT Austin's School of Design and Creative Technologies as Head of Industry Relations

AUSTIN, Oct. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The College of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Patti Burke to the newly created position of Head of Industry Relations to support the school's national brand awareness in search of industry partners and collaborators. Most recently, Burke developed and led a global strategic talent initiative at Walt Disney Imagineering, aimed at professional development of students and professionals.

After spending over 20 years working in the entertainment industry, Burke comes to the University of Texas with decades of professional development and talent strategy experience. She will work closely with Doreen Lorenzo, assistant dean of the School of Design and Creative Technologies, and the school's faculty to deepen relationships with game firms, content studios and entertainment companies. Additionally, she will work with the College of Fine Arts' career services team to support the university's college-to-career initiatives.

"In one year, the School of Design and Creative Technologies has become the largest undergraduate school within the College of Fine Arts. That means we're graduating hundreds of students who are seeking jobs in the design, gaming and creative technology industries, and placing these candidates in sustainable career paths is of the utmost priority to us," said Assistant Dean Doreen Lorenzo. "Having Patti at the helm of industry relations supports our students, our curriculum and UT's promise of an exceptional education."

"Expanding our industry relations profile through partnerships and collaborations with top creative firms and entertainment companies will provide UT students with new opportunities across the country," said Patti Burke, Head of Industry Relations. "I have been very fortunate over my eclectic career to have had many opportunities to initiate new programs that were focused on training, development and partnership creation. I'm thrilled to be shifting that focus to working with Longhorns as we continue to grow the School of Design and Creative Technologies."

In her role, Burke will work with companies across the country in an effort to develop mutually beneficial partnerships and programming. Leveraging her industry experience in professional development, production and studio management, she will be able to offer unique and targeted support for AET and Design students as they perfect their craft and prepare to graduate.

Prior to Burke's time at Walt Disney Imagineering, she was the Senior Vice President of the Imagineering Creative Studio. As the studio lead, she partnered with senior executives to direct the development of portfolio franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar, as well as a wide variety of creative entertainment projects around the world.

Burke's career includes time as head of Lucasfilm's Theme Park division, Vice President of Artist Development at Sony, head of studio at PDI Dreamworks, and as a production executive at Touchstone Pictures.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from USC Cinematic Arts School.

SOURCE The University of Texas at Austin