Colby Kirkpatrick, founder of Rocky Mount Academy’s Media Office, graduated from RMA six years ago, and has been navigating the real-world ever since. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he has traveled the world and has lived in several different places before discovering that New York is where he belongs. His job in the graphic design field allows him to settle in places where graphic design is important and valued. His creativity opens up so many opportunities for him at work and everyday life. Whether it’s an elaborate Christmas present, or a job for a client, he never fails to amaze his audience. As his sister, his accomplishments throughout high school, college, and the real-world, have motivated me to be like him and leave an honorable reputation wherever life takes me. 

Get to know Colby below!

• Where are you from originally?- I was born in Kinston, NC and moved to Rocky Mount when I was six.

• Where did you go to college and what major did you pursue? Graduate school? Beyond?- I attended UNC Chapel Hill, where I graduated with a degree in media and journalism with an advertising concentration. I also created my own second major that included graphic design, business, and studio art classes.

• How many years did you go to RMA?- I went to RMA for 12 years — from first grade through senior year.

• What did you do after college?- Immediately after college, I backpacked through Southeast Asia with some friends for six weeks. Then I moved to San Francisco, where I started my first job at a brand experience agency called Jack Morton Worldwide. There, it was my job to design events, installations, and experiences for clients including Facebook, Google, Cruise, and eBay. Now, I live in Brooklyn, NY and work for a travel media company called The Points Guy, where I manage some of our digital marketing efforts.

• If you had to select one moment in your life that defined you, what would it be?- I think that it’s very rare for people to be defined by a single moment. For me, it’s a combination of every time I have moved to a new place, met a new friend, or experienced something new for the first time.

• What made you want to pursue your desired career?- Creativity is really my north star for my professional life. Any job that combines problem solving, collaboration, and trying new things — all through a creative lens — is always going to be a great fit for me.

• What is something that nobody knows about you?- A surprising fact about me is that I have driven across the country, coast to coast, six times. The most recent trip, I built a bedframe in the back of my jeep and car camped across the United States. From the top of a mountain outside of Nashville to inside a canyon in Santa Fe, it was amazing!

• Where do you see yourself in ten years?- I have no idea, and that’s what excites me the most. I think that your twenties are for trying on many hats and seeing what best fits. Being open to change and taking risks is what has worked for me so far, so I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

• Describe a person who has made the biggest impact on your life.- My (our) mom has taught me, time and time again, how to lead with kindness, give people grace, and center myself with poise. She is an absolute rockstar who has overcome every challenge in her path, always putting others ahead of herself.

• What was your favorite part of being at RMA?- I love how supportive and open to new ideas and initiatives RMA was and continues to be. The Media Office started as a pipe dream in my junior year and, after some conversations with administration, became a fully realized program by the time I graduated.

• Who is your favorite person in your family? (obviously me)- Okay fine, it’s you — don’t misquote me!

Colby has already accomplished so much in his time after college, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!