Getting to know Will...

William graduated in the fall of 2021 from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Emerging Media and Digital Arts (EMDA) and a Certificate in Sound Design. EMDA is a degree that focuses on different design practices including graphics, animation, character design, 2D/3D modeling, typography, branding, and web design. This very digitally influenced program utilizes most of Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications. William became very familiar with programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Audition, and Spark. William became interested in the EMDA program after the spring term of his sophomore year, where he was introduced to one of the foundational courses that teach about game design using JavaScript and other aspects of design. To add to his experience, Will took a course in HTML & CSS and became very passionate about front-end design.

From January of 2020 to March of 2022, he was the web development intern for the Information Technology department on campus. SOU uses WordPress' "Enfold" theme to design their site and has been an integral part of William's experience in layout and functionality. He was responsible for assisting the SOU Website Manager in the development and maintenance of the sou.edu website networks. Will learned valuable skills and that accelerated quickly when his job became remote. Some of the essential job functions included completing website update requests under tight schedules, monitoring newly developed sections of websites to ensure adherence to SEO standards, compatibility across multiple mobile devices, ADA compliance, QA/QC testing of development and releases.  In the absence of the Website Manager, he was responsible for providing backup support of the sou.edu website and subdomain networks.

In his last 5 years of university and work, he has developed many useful skills and strengths. For example, an Organizational Behavior class sharpened his methods, processes, and detail of analysis to broaden those strengths and to work more efficiently. Some of those skills include creative and critical thinking, collaboration, communication, planning, accountability, adaptability, clarity, detail-oriented, and a positive attitude. Using these skills William has considered roles in UI/UX, Web Content management, and Product/Graphic/Web/Sound Design fields.

William's other personal interests include sound design through Ableton Live suite, live music production, and participation on the worship team at his local church where he plays both piano and synth. William enjoys spending time with friends and family and adding new features to his car. When it comes to his car, he enjoys learning new things and the humbling experience of learning through mistakes.