Betsy Barnhart

Betsy Barnhart, IDSA is an Associate Professor and Program Director of Industrial Design at the University of Kansas, where she also leads the Mentored Design Scholars Program (MDSP). A champion for innovation and excellence in design education, Betsy was honored with the prestigious H.O.P.E. Award in 2024 (Honor for the Outstanding Progressive Educator) and the IDSA Young Educator of the Year Award in 2020. She actively contributes to the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), and serves as the IDSA education liaison for the Kansas City chapter and faculty advisor to the University of Kansas' IDSA student chapter.

Betsy's research focuses on improving learning outcomes for all students, and improving placement rates in a competitive profession, and advancing innovation in sporting goods design, exploring new materials, performance enhancements, and user-driven solutions that push the boundaries of athletic equipment. With over 15 years of industry experience, she has contributed to the design and development of cutting-edge sporting goods and holds multiple patents for her work. Her research integrates emerging technologies and user insights to improve product performance, safety, and market viability.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in bridging academia and industry, fostering real-world problem-solving in consumer and sporting goods design. She collaborates with leading brands such as Newell Brands, Stanley Black and Decker, Orvis, Zebco, and United Sports Brands to bring industry-relevant projects into the classroom, encouraging students to think critically about market disruption and product innovation.

Before joining KU, Betsy taught at Iowa State University, Towson University, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her industry roles included serving as design manager at STX, a Nike licensee, and working as an industrial designer for Newell Brands and Sardi Design. Through her teaching, research, and professional practice, Betsy continues to shape the future of industrial design, driving innovation in sporting goods and performance-driven products..