DOBSON — As a result of collaboration between two advertising and graphic design students, Brian Hodges and Brittany Miller, there soon will be a new front entrance sign for Surry Community College.

The SCC Board of Trustees was looking for something fresh yet classic. Susan MacLeod, coordinator and lead instructor of the advertising and graphic design program, presented the project to her second-year graphic design students with nine students taking on the design challenge.

Students were given history on the institution and the vision for the Shelton-Badgett NC Center for Viticulture and Enology. They took several field trips across campus to build a visual concept before putting their ideas on presentation boards. The facilities committee of the Board of Trustees narrowed down the designs to three finalists: Candice Poole, Gonzolo Chavaez, and the joint project by Brian Hodges and Brittany Miller. By vote, the full board selected the winning sign in January. When the sign is constructed, it will bear a plaque with the students’ names on it.

Hodges’ and Miller’s design is a result of blending tradition and progress. The intention of the sign’s design is to bridge the traditional look of Surry Community College with the more modern concepts being used in the Shelton-Badgett NC Center for Viticulture and Enology that is under construction. The end result is a simple arched design of wood and stone that will be lighted for night visibility. This 19-foot long by 6-foot high sign will be visible for both northbound and southbound traffic.

Hodges, 44, and his wife, Holly, live in Low Gap. He started the advertising and graphic design program at Surry Community College in 2008 after the company he worked for as an engineering illustrator closed. He was already familiar with SCC as he took drafting classes at the college once before; his interest in cartooning made him consider the design program this time. Hodges is an intern at Interstate Sign Company in Mount Airy, and he plans to graduate from the program with his associate in applied science in May.

Miller, 20, lives in Sparta. She also started the advertising and graphic design program at Surry Community College in 2008 after graduating from Alleghany High School. She has always been interested in the arts and often doubled-up on art classes in high school. She especially likes designing logos. Miller works for the Alleghany News as a spot reporter and hopes to move into the graphic design department after her graduation next year.