ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Zach Jacobsen, a native of Laramie WY has led an accomplished life of service and creativity. He attended the University of Wyoming before joining the U.S. Army in 2003. Promoted to sergeant in just two years, Zach won several Soldier of the Month competitions and was runner-up for Soldier of the Year at Fort Richardson AK. During a year-long deployment in 2006 to Baghdad, Iraq, he led over 100 convoy security missions with no casualties, earning an Army Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Badge.
Following his honorable discharge, Zach served as a Bay Area police officer for over 15 years, excelling in roles such as Field Training Officer, SWAT Operator, and De-escalation Instructor. His career was cut short by an injury in 2020, leading him to pursue his passion for graphic design at Academy of Art University, where he earned a BFA and graduated with top honors as valedictorian.
Now in graduate school, Zach is pursuing his dream of teaching at the college level while managing a small design studio he recently co-founded with his brother. Most importantly, he is supported by his wife of nearly 20 years and their two children, whose love and encouragement remain his greatest sources of strength and inspiration.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I was in the military for 6 years, then a police officer for 15 years. I got injured on the job and had to retire. I had always had a very strong interest in design, and it is SO MUCH FUN to be able to do this as an adult. I have an 11-year-old and a 9-year-old. They love that I am in school, and think what I’m doing is really cool. That’s incredibly inspiring.
WHAT AREA OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO SPECIALIZE IN?
Brand ID and package design.
