Staff Bios

Bob Blinn

Bob is a filmmaker, fine artist, songwriter, musician and music producer. Although Bob enjoys discussing academic issues with students, he equally enjoys sharing real-life information regarding careers (information that works).  Visit his office during your first semester to discuss your major in the arts and your plan for a successful career.

312 369 7929, bblinn@colum.edu Visit Bob's College Advising site.

Art + Design: Interior Architecture and Arts Management: Advanced, Media, Sports and Visual Arts Management

Brian Ritchard

As an Art + Design advisor, Brian can help you with academic planning, career outcomes and all kinds of specific trouble-shooting.  And because he has taught extensively in A+D, he can give students insight about course expectations and portfolio development as well.  Set up a meeting with Brian to plot your next move at Columbia and beyond.

312 369 7734, britchard@colum.edu

Art + Design: Art History, Fine Art, Illustration & Product Design

Damyen Davis

Damyen Davis, advisor to Arts Management students, can not only give you great advice but may also be willing to discuss a little astrology with you too. Damyen is here to help you gain a greater understanding of Columbia College while pursuing the unique talents and passions that brought you here. Tell him your passions and he will guide you on your way. And, hey, might as well let him in on your sign too. 

312 369 7762, ddavis@colum.edu

Arts Management: Music Business and Live & Performing Arts Management

Janet Talbot

For all you undeclared majors or anyone interested in going the interdisciplinary route, Janet Talbot is the lady to see. As a painter with an interest in various art forms, Janet will help you explore your interests, find where your passion lies, and ensure that you are doing what you love here at Columbia- and enjoying every minute of it. 

312 369 7649, jtalbot@colum.edu

Interdisciplinary & Undeclared, Associate Director

Jessica Horwitz

As the college advisor for Fashion Studies students, Jessica is continuously awed by the talent and commitment her students exhibit. She is passionate about helping her students reach their full potential while at Columbia. When not advising her students, Jessica likes to spend time reading, doing crossword puzzles, and trying new restaurants throughout the city. She is excited to welcome you to Columbia and looks forward to getting to know you.

312 369 7801, jhorwitz@colum.edu

Fashion Studies

Kamillah Ong

Kamillah is one of the college advisors for Film & Video students.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from DePaul and a master’s degree in higher education from Loyola University, she’s spent years studying, working, dreaming and exploring in Chicago.  She strongly believes college is a catalyst, an opportunity to challenge yourself to discover what you love and what you do well, and define how you will use your creativity to impact your community.  Her favorite part of her job is helping students figure out how to do that and more.

312 369 3233, kong@colum.edu

Film & Video: Animation, Audio for Visual Media, Documentary, and Post-Production 

Karen Smith

Karen Smith, advisor to Advertising Art Direction and Graphic Design students, is sure she knows the best pizza places in Chicago. With a city known for its slice, that’s saying something. Karen is constantly involved in the city- whether it’s going to concerts and plays or cheering on the Bears win or lose (like a true Chicagoan does.) Karen is awed by the talent of her students and is quite confidant she’s seen some of the best art directors and graphic artists walk through her door. 

312 369 7646, ksmith@colum.edu

Art + Design: Advertising Art Direction & Graphic Design

Bio coming soon!

312 369 7554, kneiss@colum.edu 

Dance, Radio, & Television.

Keith Lusson

Liberal Arts & Sciences Advisor, Keith Lusson, reads U.S. History, and teaches it, too.  He also digs hoops, golf, and perhaps most ironically—a good musical.  Keith looks forward to helping you explore, find, and articulate your passion, and enjoying it along the way.

312 369 7283, klusson@colum.edu

Art and Materials Conservation, ASL - English Interpretation, Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction and Poetry, Cultural Studies, Early Childhood Education, Associate Director

Lauren Targ

Lauren is the quintessential collaborator. She has worked in theatre and film as an actor, director, and writer, and, most recently, has co-authored a book.  As an interdisciplinary artist whose passion is nurturing students, Lauren understands what her students are going through as they build good lives in the arts.  Stop in the College Advising Center to see her, and share your vision of your future. You can work with her on making it a reality.

312 369 8626, ltarg@colum.edu

Fiction Writing, Music & Playwriting, Team Leader

Mary Rachel Fanning

Mary Rachel Fanning understands what it is like to see life in pictures. The advisor to Photography students, Mary Rachel is constantly working on her own work and finding ways to aid students in theirs. A self-proclaimed “tech geek” Mary Rachel can navigate iTunes like a wizard and can take a photo on her phone fit to rival your Canon’s. 

312 369 7344, mfanning@colum.edu Twitter: @MRFadvises

Photography

Paula Brien

Paula has had two careers -- as a journalist and as a college advisor to journalism students. Both are rooted in a similar, and critical, set of skills: understanding the audience, asking the right questions, and finding the best answers. Paula is your source, from what classes to take to what connections to make.

312 369 7935, pbrien@colum.edu. Visit Paula's Journalism Advising site.

Journalism

Rachel Horton Smith

Rachel Horton is the advisor for Marketing Communication students. When not giving you advice (and keeping you sane), she’s probably out writing poetry. Rachel describes her students as some of the most interesting, and well rounded people she knows. With compliments like that, why wouldn’t you want to see her? 

312 369 7621, rhorton@colum.edu

Marketing Communication

Ritch Barnes

Ritch Barnes is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago in Film & Video.  He has worked on several Hollywood features, and he is a passionate poet and fiction writer.   Ritch enjoys meeting with his film students to share his knowledge and to hear their creative stories. According to Ritch, he lives in the best of both worlds because he can help young people find their dreams, while he pursues his own. Stop by the CAC and don’t hesitate to tell Ritch your story (or stories). 

312 369 7932, rbarnes@colum.edu

Film & Video: Alternative Forms, Cinema Studies, Cinematography, and Directing 

Scott Snider

Bio coming soon!

 312 369 7372,  ssnider@colum.edu 

Film & Video: Producing, Screenwriting; Game Design; Interactive Arts & Media

Wayne Tukes

J. Wayne Tukes believes in the power of music to enhance one’s quality for life and provide fulfillment. When not advising his Audio Arts & Acoustics students, J. Wayne can be found peacefully fishing, reading, or writing. Stop by to see J. Wayne and he will gladly share his passion and expertise with you.

312 369 7648, wtukes@colum.edu

Audio Arts & Acoustics

Will Casey

Will Casey is a fellow lover of the theatre, and after many years as a professional actor, has the connections and insight that will guide you on your way to a life on stage. He’s also a wiz at the bbq (with a dry rub that will knock your socks off) and will be more than happy to help you find that killer monologue you’ve been looking for (and also give you a great toast, just in case.) 

312 369 8623, wcasey@colum.edu

Theatre

Brian Marth

Bio coming soon!

312 369 7933, bmarth@colum.edu

Director of College Advising

Jessica Dyer

Bio coming soon!

312 369 7645, collegeadvising@colum.edu

Receptionist