Brianna Jepson
Graduation year: 2018
Majors: Art education, studio art
Activities: Varsity cross country, varsity track & field
Internship: Figge Art Museum education outreach intern
Post-grad plans: Find a job as an art teacher and run the Chicago Marathon!
Why Augustana?
My older sister graduated from Augustana in 2011. I originally wanted to go to a different college because I wanted to create my own college experience. When I visited Augustana as a senior in high school, I instantly fell in love with the beautiful campus and with what the college had to offer me. On my visit, I met my freshman-year cross country and track coach, Fred Whiteside, and my art advisor, Megan Quinn. Fred and Megan showed me what makes Augustana so special and were a big reason why I chose Augustana.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
When I was a freshman, I thought I wanted to be a biology major. I wanted to develop prosthetic limbs. During my freshman year, I was taking science courses along with art courses and soon realized I was not a science major. I decided to pursue art, one of my lifelong passions. I decided to get my art education degree because of the wonderful art teachers that I have had in the past.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My biggest influencer is my art advisor Megan Quinn; she has always helped me to achieve my goals and challenged me in the classroom. My track and cross country teams have also been a great support system that has helped me throughout my Augustana career.
Peak experience?
My peak experience was working on and completing my art Senior Inquiry. It was great to be able to devote so much of my time to something that I was passionate about. It was also really rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off at the Senior Art Show.
What surprised you?
I learned that I am capable of standing up in front of a class full of students and teaching them lessons about art. I never would have imagined myself speaking in front of people on a daily basis.
How did you use Augie Choice?
Internship at the Figge Art Museum.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss being on the track and cross country teams and also creating sculptures in the pottery studio.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Enjoy all of the different experiences that Augustana and the Quad Cities have to offer. And take advantage of all of the free food opportunities!
“Brianna has developed as an artist remarkably well since she came to Augie. Her Senior Inquiry work is innovative, beautiful and original. Brianna has the wonderful ability to listen to her teachers just enough to get some feedback, but not too much, so her work is completely her own. I will miss her creative inventions and her positivism.”