Jessica Martinkosky

Professor of Art, Blue Ridge Community College

Jessica Martinkosky is from Bridgewater, Virginia, and is a Professor of Art at Blue Ridge Community College. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art (Ceramics) from James Madison University, a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (Ceramics) from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Alabama. Her research interests focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, particularly the retention of faculty of color at predominantly white institutions of higher education. She is also interested in how minoritized students are supported in the arts and how artists of color are represented in art courses and textbooks. Jessica chose the University of Kentucky’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. program for its flexibility, history of supporting working adults, and strong community values, which are reflected in the program’s core tenets: “I am not alone, the faculty have my back, and I know what to do next.” In her spare time, Jessica enjoys trying new recipes, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, making artwork, and planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees across her property. She shares many of these activities with her partner and their two children. Jessica has also co-led two study abroad trips to China.