The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts has named Jennifer Wiley-Stockton an Outstanding Alumna. 

In 1996, Wiley-Stockton graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and began working at a New York City talent agency.  She quickly moved up the ranks, building an impressive list of clients.

“Jennifer is tenacious and took what she learned at WVU and put it to work immediately,” said Jerry McGonigle, professor of acting. “She’s a prime example of what education, drive and guts can get you.”

In 2009, Wiley-Stockton founded JWS Entertainment, a national actor’s management company. She now manages actors in New York City and Los Angeles and her clients’ partial television credits include:

• This Is Us
  
• Atlanta
  
• Chicago Fire
  
• Gotham
  
• The Get Down
  
• American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson
  
• The Office
  
• Law and Order
  
• Grey’s Anatomy
  
• Mad Men 

When she’s not bouncing from coast to coast, Wiley-Stockton devotes much of her time to fostering a strong relationship with WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance.

Wiley-Stockton has used her behind the scenes experience to coach current students through mock interviews and gives individual feedback on resumes and audition reels. For Wiley-Stockton, giving back is her way of saying thank you.

“When I was a sophomore, I was awarded a performance grant that covered most of my tuition costs. I feel a sense of loyalty to a school that saw potential in me and was able to invest financially in that potential. I hope the college is able to feel my gratitude for their initial investment in me and their help in developing skills that enhanced my career path.”

It is Wiley-Stockton’s hope that students she works with leave WVU with a greater knowledge of the arts industry. 

“In my time at WVU, we didn’t have many guest speakers, so we didn’t really understand the scope of the job market in the arts industry when we left,” Wiley-Stockton said. “I think an integral element of a well-rounded arts education is being informed of different emerging career choices in an ever-changing marketplace.  I hope I’m able to shed some light into some of those lesser known corners for students and recent alumni. With that information, my hope is that students can dream about career possibilities in the arts beyond the standard fields of acting and design.”

Wiley-Stockton’s loyalty also earned her a place on the college’s visiting committee in 2016.

“Jennifer has helped hundreds of our students bridge the gap between student and professional, which is a priceless gift,” said Paul Kreider, dean of WVU’s College of Creative Arts. “Her loyalty to the college is unwavering and we are extremely grateful to have her vision and talents to guide the college for years to come.”