My name is Kimmey Mugford, and I am a junior, at Wittenberg University. I am from Sylvania, Ohio, and am currently working toward a BFA in studio art with a minor in business, Chinese language, and art history. On campus, I am involved with Alpha Phi Omega, Kappa Delta, and East Asian Studies. I also have the privilege of working as an Admission Ambassador, as well as with the art department. My decision to enroll at Wittenberg was one of the best decisions of my life.

This past summer I had the honor of having one of my artworks in the 83rd National Midyear Art Exhibition that was held at the Butler Institute of American Art. Out of 652 artworks submitted by 260 artists, only 78 works from 64 artists were exhibited. As a student in Wittenberg’s art program, I have now been in six exhibitions.

As a sophomore, I was fortunate to be awarded the Ralston C. Thompson Award for my art endeavors on campus. I also was published two times in one year by the Writing Center. My artwork was featured in The Wittenberg Review of Literature and Art and on the cover of Spectrum, which is also published by the Writing Center. Recently, I was honored to win the contest for the artwork that would be presented to alumni, Wes and Ann Bates, who gave the lead gift toward the new Health, Wellness, and Athletics Complex.

These events, honors, and opportunities have not only built my resume, but they have helped me grow as an artist. I have become more confident in my art skills and am constantly looking out for new opportunities to share my work. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to try or the knowledge to achieve these accomplishments if it weren’t for the faculty and staff in the Wittenberg art department.

Being a student at Wittenberg has been a journey. I don’t enjoy 8 a.m. class, but that’s just a small price for all the wonderful things that I have experienced here. I love that my professors always keep me updated on opportunities for me to share my work and get my name out there. They are always willing to help me out when I am struggling with life or a class project. These professors personify a love of teaching and mentoring their students to help them live up to their individual potential. Their passion has inspired me to not only set goals, but to work hard every day to achieve the goals I have set for myself and my future. Obviously, I hope to achieve success in my art and in my future career. But I also want to always display a passion in my life and career that I hope will inspire others to discover and find a pathway to realize their own dreams and goals.

My immediate post-Wittenberg goal is to get into a graduate school program to work toward a master’s degree in art. I think that my accomplishments will help make me a viable candidate for a great graduate program. For my ultimate career goals, I feel as if I have many options. Currently, my goals are to work as an art director or curator for a museum with the hopes of someday being able to own an art gallery.

Kimmey Mugford ’21
Hometown: Sylvania, Ohio
Major: Studio art
Minors: business, Chinese and art history