Richard T Newsome

Title: Back End Web Developer
Dept/Program: Web Team - University of Akron Communication & Marketing
Office: Lincoln 127
Phone: 330-972-8268
Email: rnewsome@uakron.edu
Website: http://www.newsomegraphix.com

Biography

I’m a back‑end web developer with a strong technical foundation rooted in both software engineering and visual design. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art Animation from Bowling Green State University, with a minor in Graphic Design, which shaped my ability to build systems that balance technical rigor with usability and visual coherence.

I began my career in the late 1990s as a Graphic Artist at Kinko’s, where I spent seven years developing production‑level design skills and working in fast‑paced, client‑driven environments. From there, I transitioned into web development, working for a private philanthropist as a Senior Graphic Artist and Web Developer. In that role, I designed and implemented a custom content management system in PHP, gaining hands‑on experience architecting server‑side applications tailored to specific business requirements.

I later worked at Cox Business as a Content Manager and Web Developer, where I expanded my expertise in managing large‑scale digital content systems and supporting enterprise‑level web platforms.

Currently, I serve as a Back‑End Developer at the University of Akron. My work focuses heavily on Java and Velocity within the dotCMS ecosystem, along with front‑end technologies such as JavaScript, jQuery, and Angular. I also work extensively with PHP, Laravel, and RESTful API development, building custom applications and integrations that support the university’s operational and business needs.

My background in both design and engineering allows me to approach problems holistically—from system architecture and data flow to usability and maintainability—while delivering reliable, scalable solutions in complex technical environments.

Education

Bowling Green State University, Computer Art and Animation, Minor Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts