Drover Alum Since Day One: Joseph Maddox
For Joseph Maddox, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma was more than just a place to study art; it was where he found a supportive community. A first-generation college student, he graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Maddox now channels his skills into a thriving freelance career dedicated to helping others.
Encouraged by his high school art teacher, a USAO alum familiar with the university’s art program, Maddox chose USAO and pursued a fine arts degree due to his deep fascination with the works of other professional artists and their historical context. Since childhood, his goal has always been to be a part of the art world. “She encouraged me to give the university a try, believing it was the best place to pursue an art career,” Maddox said.
Maddox found his place in the USAO art community, navigating the challenges of being away from family and adjusting to a new town. “The relationships you build with people matter more than ever,” he said, recalling the close bonds he formed with classmates, faculty, and friends in Chickasha. “I mostly cherish the times spent with my peers and friends—occasions when we would engage in shenanigans, make late-night store runs, and gather around bonfires.”
Maddox credits much of his artistic growth to instructor Jordan Vinyard, who deepened his understanding of art and equipped him with practical skills. “Before attending USAO, I barely knew what a drill was, let alone how to build a wooden ladder,” he said, reflecting on his hands-on experiences in courses like Expanded Media and Kinetics. “Her passion and dedication to the craft create an engaging environment that heavily inspires me to pursue a similar path. I used to wonder what it would be like to hang out with a real artist; Jordan Vinyard embodies that experience. She is a ruthless artist while also being a lighthearted and compassionate friend, and she is a highly regarded member of the community.”
Since graduating, Maddox has created a multifaceted freelance career, working on projects from mural painting and illustration to set dressing and makeup for music videos for Hinder, Aranda, and Darci Lynne, along with special effects work for a short film with Intellego Media. “I’ve been able to rely on what I’ve learned and apply it to various situations,” he said of the skills he gained at USAO.
One of his proudest accomplishments involved a collaboration with his now-wife, Emmo Maddox. Together, they won first place at the Wrecking Ball Film Festival video race with their short film “Quirky Girl,” completed in just 24 hours. Maddox also recently participated in an art alumni residency show, “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back,” showcasing his evolving body of work.
Looking back, Maddox appreciates the diverse and welcoming community USAO offered. “Through many interactions and relationships, I’ve come to see the world through a more optimistic and hopeful lens,” he said.
To current students, especially those facing challenges, Maddox offers advice born from experience: “College can be a challenging journey, especially when the path isn’t paved. As a first-generation student, I didn’t have anyone in my family with the resources or knowledge to guide me at the beginning. It’s important to consider the people around you; we all start as strangers, and many other students are likely in the same position. There are also faculty members who have been in similar situations and are incredibly understanding. Being willing to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and become a reliable figure for others has rewarded me in countless ways.”
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.