Drover Alum since Day One: Coleen Sovick
When class of 21’ alumna Coleen Sovick isn’t teaching in the classroom, she’s in her art studio transforming ‘nothing’ into something extraordinary.
Finding a focus is a common challenge for art majors at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. Sophomore year is when students reflect on what they have learned and decide which skills to develop for the remainder of their time at the university.
“My focus was unclear until Jordan Vinyard's expanded media class my sophomore year. I needed a challenge, and this class redefined art for me,” Sovick said. “It was everything I never knew I needed. Expanded media showed me the possibilities of unconventional materials and revealed the magic of repurposing found objects in unexpected ways.”
Sovick credits Jackie Knapp, Jordan Vinyard, Blake Morgan, Layne Thrift, and the friends she made along the way with having the greatest impact on her life while she was a student. She acknowledged that it may sound cliché but emphasized that a strong community is essential to navigating college, especially as an art major.
“The studio, filled with fellow artists, was my haven. As a full-time student, I was also a full-time artist, though I now realize I took for granted the time spent creating and connecting with others,” Sovick said.
Sovick earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in expanded media with a minor in liberal arts in 2021. In fall 2023, she began teaching at a Title I middle school in Oklahoma City Public Schools. By 2024, she was teaching a part-time "Art Remix" class at the Firehouse Art Center, where she continues to lead a class called "Puppet Pups."
“My current role as an art teacher is both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” Sovick said. “It requires constant pivoting, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how to make art accessible and engaging for young minds. I'm grateful for the foundation I received at USAO, where I learned not only the technical skills of art but also the critical thinking and adaptability that are so vital in the classroom.”
Sovick returned to USAO to participate in the 2024 alumni residency, which provided a transformative month of artistic growth. She worked alongside fellow artists in a dedicated studio environment that rekindled the energy of her college years, allowing her to focus on exploration and experimentation.
“The residency culminated in our exhibition, "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back," showcasing the work produced during this intensive period. I especially appreciated the chance to share these new pieces with my closest friends and family,” Sovick said.
To current USAO students Sovick mentioned the importance of community, and asking for help.
“Building connections and seeking support are essential for navigating challenges and thriving, both academically and personally. A strong community provides different perspectives, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, all of which are crucial for success. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength and self-awareness,” Sovick said.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.