Student Spotlight: CJ Wiley - Film Studies Published June 27, 2024

CJ Wiley is a second-year Film Studies student at Rose State. After graduating with honors from EPIC in June 2023, CJ initially attended a four-year university to further his education but soon realized he needed a change. At a local event, CJ’s mother, Mrs. Cynthia Wiley, met Dr. Monique Bruner, Vice President of the Rose State Campus Resource Center. Dr. Bruner encouraged Mrs. Wiley to have CJ enroll in Rose State's Film Studies and Digital Media program. 

“Throughout the entire process of enrollment and housing, everyone was so inviting and accommodating,” Mrs. Wiley said. 

CJ enjoys going to class and aspires to pursue a career in animation and film direction for action movies. He is a member of the Rose State College Film Club, which hosts movie events and film trivia on campus. CJ loves learning about the different camera angles in class and uses these skills to help his mom take pictures to highlight her interior design business. 

In addition to classes at Rose State, CJ also builds and sells LEGO creations known as MOCS (My Own Creations). Once CJ has an idea, he gets to work and has a new piece of artwork within a couple of days. “The MOCS just come to my head,” CJ said. 

At 9 years old, CJ began building 25-piece LEGO sets to aid in dexterity, and now he builds 1,000+ piece sets. His creations can be viewed on his YouTube channel. A couple of years ago, CJ and his parents traveled to Chicago where he met LEGO-building competitors from the television series LEGO Masters. He was also able to exhibit some of his MOCS. 

CJ also takes great pride in creating glass works of art. He says each of his creations “are all pretty good in their own way.” CJ’s handiwork is available for purchase on his website, Aurtistic Aurt by CJ. You can also find him at local farmers' markets selling his work. 

CJ loves to learn, and his best study tip is to “just do it.” He avoids procrastination by completing his assignments as soon as he gets home from class. His studious habits paid off in the spring semester when he was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll! 

“CJ is a wonderful student to have in our Film Studies program,” said Professor Marcus Mallard, FSDM program coordinator. “He enjoys stop motion animation that he puts out on his own YouTube channel, and he is always looking for something to add to his films whether it is from something class or something in his interests in movies. CJ has a determination to and desire to create, and I'm fortunate in that I get to help him see his potential and place in the growing film and media industries in Oklahoma and here at Rose State College.” 

CJ’s parents are proud of their son’s accomplishments and love seeing him thrive at Rose State College. “This has been the most wonderful and accommodating experience. As a parent, watching him grow and walk this campus without assistance and to be accepted, means so much,” Mrs. Wiley said. 

To learn more about the Film Studies and Digital Media program, visit rose.edu.