Jerry Swope is an associate professor in the department of media studies, journalism and digital arts at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont where he teaches courses in photojournalism, media literacy, digital design and newspaper publication. Prior to teaching, Jerry worked as a photojournalist at newspapers in Missouri, Idaho, Utah, and Maine.
Jerry still makes time for freelance work and personal projects. Recent clients include The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Vermont Life Magazine, Saint Michael’s College Magazine, Middlebury College Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Burlington Free Press. Jerry believes his work in the field allows him to bring real-world experience to his students in the classroom. In addition, Jerry has been working on a documentary photo essay called “Living in Two Worlds†about contemporary Lakota life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota where he taught high school at Red Cloud Indian School before and after graduate school. Images from this project are on display at the Smithsonian's Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.For over 15 years, Jerry has been photographing weddings and other special events. His background as a photojournalist allows him to capture meaningful moments that reflect the essence of the people and the event.
Jerry received an M.A. in Journalism with an emphasis in photojournalism from the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri and a B.A. in political science from Brown University.