Rob Downes

Rob Downes is an adjunct instructor in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate students in visual communications. A Syracuse University alumnus, he returned to the University in 2025 while continuing his professional work as a designer.

For the past five years, Downes has worked at a creative agency in Syracuse, creating branding, marketing and communications projects across print, digital and video. He started his career in sports marketing and social media before moving into graphic design.

That background shaped the way he thinks about design: not simply as something that should look good, but as a way to solve problems, reach an audience and communicate ideas clearly. He brings real client work, current industry practices and lessons from his own career into the classroom. His goal is to make design feel approachable, give students room to experiment and help each student build confidence at their own level.

Outside the classroom, Downes is an active soccer supporter whose involvement with Syracuse University soccer, Westchester SC, New York City FC and the U.S. national teams has strengthened his interest in building community and connecting with people from different cultures through the sport.

Downes earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from Coastal Carolina University.