Jenn Joy Wilson

Associate Dean for Research

Bio

Wilson has been with the College of Fine Arts since 2016 when she joined the Dean’s Office as the Manager of Grants Administration. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Manager of Sponsored Projects. During her time at CFA, Wilson has been focused on furthering a culture of support for research and creative practice via infrastructure, professional development, and networking opportunities to further collaboration among faculty. She has worked closely with the Research and Creative Practice Team to accomplish these goals. Examples of the ideas that she has brought to the table are the implementation of the summer Grant Development Award and the transition to utilize the Fund for Research and Creativity as a training ground for grants management.

Following architecture school at the University of Cincinnati, Wilson’s first encounter with grant writing came when she helped to found a grassroots community arts organization in Wilkinsburg, Pa. She later went on to work with the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and the College of Engineering at Boston University. She believes that her role at CFA is a “beautiful example of things coming full circle.” She brings the skills that she had learned working in research-heavy environments back to the arts – her true passion.

Outside of CMU, Wilson is a Reiki Master and is currently studying to be a yoga teacher in a program geared toward ‘skill in action,’ highlighting the social justice aspects of the practice.