Jay’s Education

jay in front of roman colloseum

Above: Jay in Rome!

Jay first attended PCC in the early 00s, taking art and art history classes, and first experience how online courses work on D2L (which they still use daily, 20 years later!). Later, Jay transferred to PSU, earning a B.S. in Arts and Letters with Minors in Art History, English, and Medieval Studies; as well as Post-Baccalaureates in Comics Studies and Art History. Prior to graduate studies, Jay worked as a Medieval Art History research assistant to Dr Anne McClanan, and also held a position at Marvel in the Special Projects Department working on collected editions.

Jay’s graduate studies took them to Scotland, where they graduated with the Highest Distinction from the University of Dundee with a Master of Design in Comics and Graphic Novels, fully funded by the Principal’s International Excellence Scholarship. Jay’s graduate project, Prompt(ed), was awarded the 2017 Duncan of Jordanstone Comics Prize, which explored the intersection of Fine Art and Comics through media application. While in Scotland, Jay had the opportunity to travel to many historic sites, museums, and academic conferences, and continues to make trips abroad to study, research, and present work.

Upon returning to the States, Jay was offered to take over the course ART 217: Comics Art and Literature, one of the first comics courses of its kind founded by the legendary Diana Schutz. As Jay was a former PCC student with a rapport with Art Department Faculty, this opportunity led to more classes at PCC and professional development opportunities such as Online Learning certifications. Jay regularly takes classes every term at PCC for the love of learning,and brings this experience to the classroom.

Education:

Portland State University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Art History, 2020
Summa Cum Laude

University of Dundee
Master of Design in Comics and Graphic Novels, 2016-2017
2017 Duncan of Jordanstone Comics Prize Recipient
Fully funded by the Principal’s International Excellence Scholarship and the Discover Dundee Scholarship
Highest Distinction

Portland State University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Comics Studies, 2016
Summa Cum Laude

Portland State University
B.S., Arts and Letters, 2014-2016
Minors: Medieval Studies, English and Art History
Summa Cum Laude