Meet our Admissions Team

Undergraduate Admissions Team

Graduate Admissions

Molly J. Burke (CCAD BFA 2006), program coordinator for graduate studies
Office: Design Studios on Broad, third floor (see campus map)
Contact: email mfa AT ccad DOT edu | phone 614.222.4020

Staff Bios

Densil R. R. Porteous II

Director of Admissions
Email

I joined the CCAD Admissions team in August 2012 as director of admissions. Prior to joining CCAD, I worked as assistant dean of admission for marketing and outreach at Stanford University and associate academic dean/director of college counseling at the Drew School in San Francisco. I started my admissions career at my alma mater, Kenyon College. Notwithstanding my formative time on the East (I grew up in New York City) and West coasts, I was excited to return to where I developed my strongest roots—Central Ohio.

Outside of the office I consider myself a triple threat: singer, actor, and dancer. I enjoy blogging about pop culture, politics, and technology when I have the time, and I volunteer avidly for the Human Rights Campaign. My partner, Matthew, and I enjoy spending time on our families’ farms in California and Ohio, respectively.

Michael Bonardi

Admissions Counselor
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I was born and raised in Akron, OH, and earned my bachelor's in Fine Arts from CCAD in 2004. I went on to work as the CCAD ceramics lab technician before joining the Admissions team. To date I have reviewed more than 1,000 portfolios.

I maintain a studio in Columbus's Brewery District and a ceramic studio at my residence. I make art in a wide array of media including painting, wheel-thrown porcelain, blown glass, experimental photography, performance, and other conceptual work. I regularly show my work in juried exhibitions and galleries both domestically and abroad. My commissioned work includes a permanent aluminum and blown glass installation in the Monte Carlo Casino, Las Vegas. I also enjoy playing music, rooting on the Steelers and Pirates, and doing night photography in different cities.

Molly J. Burke

Program Coordinator for Graduate Studies
Email

I’m from Miamisburg, OH. I earned a bachelor's in Fine Arts from CCAD in 2006 and a master's in Glass from Ohio State University in 2009; I’ve also attended the Pilchuck School of Glass in Seattle. I currently work in Graduate Studies at CCAD as academic and administrative support for the program director and students, in addition to assisting future students throughout the application process.

I maintain a studio practice in glass, ceramics, and installation (visit mollyjburke.wordpress.com). My work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions in Ohio, Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, and Stourbridge, England. In my spare time I also enjoy cooking (especially spicy food), gardening, cycling, and knitting. My favorite restaurants are El Arepazo, Skillet: Rustic Urban Food, and coffee from Brioso Cafe.

James Carlevatti

Admissions Counselor
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Born and raised in Rochester, NY, I joined CCAD as an Admissions counselor after graduating from CCAD with a bachelor's in Fine Arts in 2011.

During my time as a CCAD student I was very involved, serving in roles such as residence advisor and student ambassador. I had a strong drawing background before coming to CCAD and am now a ceramics/glass artist. I use all my experiences as I help prospective students move through the admissions process and develop their artwork, portfolio, and knowledge of art and design.

In my non-CCAD time, I work in glass and ceramics, play euchre and ultimate Frisbee with friends, and take muay Thai classes (a kind of kickboxing). I enjoy being barefoot, reading, learning new skills, and creating new projects.

Thom Glick

Assistant Director, Outreach & Recruitment
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I received my bachelor's in Illustration from CCAD in 2004. After graduating, I began a freelance career, producing artwork for a variety of commercial clients, private collectors, and galleries (www.thomglick.com). Unable to stay away from the college that I love and respect, I joined the Admissions team in 2008 and soon after started teaching as an adjunct in Illustration and Continuing & Professional Studies.

I’m proud to have helped restructure CCAD’s portfolio requirements, which now focus on technique, concept, risk taking, and dedication. These new requirements allow prospective students to focus on and share their voice, interests, and goals early in the admissions process, which helps us to start the conversation of how best to facilitate each student’s growth.

Jonathon Neeley

Assistant Director, International Outreach
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After working as a professional artist and photographer, I joined the CCAD Admissions team in 1990 as a domestic admissions officer, then took over international admissions in 1991. I’m also the immigration advisor to current CCAD international students. I like how my dual roles allow me to assist international students from the moment they first inquire about CCAD until the day they graduate—and beyond.

Originally from Northwestern Ohio, I relocated to Central Ohio in 1984 and am proud to call Columbus my home. I enjoy ice hockey and am a big fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, our local NHL team. Most of my time outside CCAD is spent in my studio, where I continue to produce paintings and photographic images.

Kira Scott

Admissions Counselor
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I have a bachelor's in Metals and Jewelry from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. Born and raised in the Philly area, I’ve lived in Columbus for five years now and love the art and community here. I create enameled jewelry (www.etsy.com/shop/AnimaMetals), and I also have an award-winning blog, gamingaswomen.com. I’ve sold my work at countless craft events around Ohio. My interests include game theory, feminism, muay Thai, sci-fi, travel, and art history.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is my favorite place to take Columbus visitors for delicious, all natural treats.

Sara Wolff

Senior Admissions Counselor, Transfer Coordinator
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I’m originally from Monroeville, OH, and I earned my bachelor's from CCAD in Illustration with a minor in Art History. While at CCAD I was active in student groups and organizations, which sparked my interest to work in higher education.

I’ve been a member of the CCAD Admissions team since 2007. I work with domestic BFA transfer students one-on-one throughout the admissions process and help facilitate CCAD’s contact with community colleges.

I enjoy walking in new cities, doodling, thrifting, cats, turquoise, baking, tending to plants, and other domestic pursuits. In my spare time I design stationery and collaborate with some of my favorite fellow CCAD alumni on a blog called Cotton & Brass.