February 23, 2026
Contact:  Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

CALYPSO – For Brooke Amara Braswell, art has always been a quiet thread running through her life, something familiar, comforting, and expressive. But at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), that thread has grown into a clear sense of identity and purpose.

Braswell, a sophomore majoring in Visual Arts & Design, was born in Goldsboro and has lived in Calypso for the past seven years. Her decision to attend UMO began as a practical choice because her mother, Heather, worked in the University’s library, making her eligible for tuition benefits. Choosing to major in art, however, was deeply personal. “I knew I wanted to do something with my life that I would enjoy,” Braswell said. “So, I chose art.”

From her earliest semester, Braswell found herself surrounded by faculty who pushed her to grow. Professor Cheryl Hooks has helped her refine her traditional techniques, while Professor Bob Murray has guided her development as a graphic designer. Together, they have taught her to trust the creative process. “Every time you start a project, the rough sketch may seem crude,” she explained. “But as long as you have a plan and you’re not afraid to play around, you can create something great.”

Painting has become the area where she has grown most dramatically. Although she painted casually before college, she didn’t recognize her full potential until she began classes at UMO. “I have since developed a love for painting,” she said. A standout project for her was a three-part study of a raven, where students reinterpreted a single subject in monochromatic realism, complementary abstractions, and simplified contrasting styles. “Those paintings showed me how good I could be at painting in multiple styles.”

UMO’s Visual Arts & Design program blends traditional and digital approaches, something Braswell sees as increasingly essential. “As I continue school and work equally with traditional and digital mediums, I take what I learn from each and apply it to my work,” she said. She also believes that traditional training is vital in an era where AI-generated art is becoming more prevalent. “Real artists bring detail, creativity, and intention. Traditional art teaches you those things.”

She describes UMO’s artistic community as welcoming and supportive. While in-class critiques have been important, public showcases have left the biggest impression. “To be recognized by members of the art community is a whole new feeling,” Braswell said. “It gives me pride and confidence in my work.”

Looking ahead, Braswell isn’t certain about her exact career path, but she knows it will be rooted in creativity. She hopes that when people encounter her paintings, they pause and take in the details. “I want them to analyze the work and what it represents,” she said. As she continues to grow as an artist, UMO is giving her the tools and confidence to shape her future.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

Article by Rhonda Jessup | Photos by Grayson Morgan