Jonathan Lyndon Chase is an interdisciplinary, Philadelphia-based artist who works in painting, video, sound and sculpture to depict queer Black love and community amid the backdrop of urban and domestic spaces. They are also a proud graduate of Community College of Philadelphia. On Oct. 16, Chase came back to campus for an artist talk event where they shared some of their artwork and experiences working as an artist with our students, faculty and staff.

“I was unsure about going to college at first,” Chase said. “It was just where I was at in my life. But I was like, if I'm going to go to school, I'm going to do it for something that I really was passionate about. So, I enrolled into CCP.” Since Chase came from a family of artists, they were interested in art from a young age. After high school, they completed a summer oil painting program at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), which led them to enroll in the Art program at CCP.

After graduating from CCP, Chase went on to study at University of the Arts, where they really started developing their own artistic style and identity. "I felt really, really, really prepared,” Chase said about the academic foundation they gained at CCP. “[I was able] be really consistent and start developing what a practice looks like.” During this time in their education, Chase embraced using unconventional canvases, such as bedsheets, trash and cardboard. “I was really experimental, and a lot of that stuff didn't survive,” they said.

Now a renowned artist in Philadelphia and around the world, Chase remembers their roots at CCP. They remember the ways in which their time here taught them foundational skills like time management, which has allowed them to thrive as an artist and a person overall. You can learn more about Chase and their artwork on their website, www.jonathanlyndonchase.com.

Q: What interested you about this position at the College?

A: I hope to share my knowledge and experience in contributing to a diverse, welcoming environment within a world-class city—one where learning extends beyond the classroom into the surrounding community and greater metropolitan area. This position will enable me to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for faculty, staff and students within an institution that embraces a global perspective.

Q: How do you think your leadership skills and experience will benefit students and your employees?

A: Having taught at the high school, community college and university levels—both undergraduate and graduate—I bring a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and can clearly articulate the breadth of these experiences. I have held leadership roles including program director, department chair, associate dean, dean and vice chancellor in multiple cities and states across the United States. In addition, my international experiences span Canada, Jamaica, Australia, the U.A.E. and Germany, among others. My guiding leadership principle aligns with Simon Sinek’s belief that “leadership is not about being in charge, but in taking care of those in your charge.”

Q: How do you plan on contributing to student success?

A: I bring a “do-what-it-takes” mindset to ensuring that students are fully supported and able to complete their academic goals. I draw on my knowledge and experience to guide them while actively listening to their needs so I can provide holistic support. Student success is the driving force—my why—behind everything I do.

Q: What do you hope to collaborate on with colleagues around the College?

A: Global education, AI, teaching and learning, and any additional areas where my expertise can add value.

Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing in this role?

A: I am eager to advance sustainability and growth, with the details shaped collaboratively alongside my Business and Technology colleagues.

Q: What hobbies and activities do you enjoy outside of work?

A: I enjoy traveling, both domestically and internationally. As a Florida native, I grew up visiting theme parks, and the big kid in me still loves them today.

This semester, Community College of Philadelphia launched a new, monthly series, “Power Hour,” which aims to connect students with elected officials and leaders across industries and disciplines within the city. The purpose of these sessions is to create a safe space for uplifting and meaningful dialogues about topics essential to the well-being of our community members and our city. Each event has offered meaningful discussions about resources and first-hand experiences to inform and inspire attendees.

The first event on Sept. 15, with the theme Sharp Minds Start Here, focused on mental health awareness and available resources available to our communities. The College welcomed three guest speakers: State Representative Regina Young of the 185th Legislative District; City Councilmember Anthony Phillips of the 9th Council District; and Kenneth McDuffie, a chef, culinary entrepreneur and media personality. The panel was moderated by Elisa King, a counselor at CCP, who fielded questions from the audience.

The Oct. 7 Power Hour, Power at the Polls and Beyond, focused on the importance of voting and using your voice to create change in the community. The event featured guest panelists Omar Sabir, chair of City Commissioners, County of Philadelphia; Abu Edwards, director of the Mayor's Office of Black Male Engagement, City of Philadelphia; Keir Bradford-Grey, Esq., department lead of Civil Rights Litigation, Marrone Law Firm; and Nyia Moore, Philadelphia-based lifestyle entrepreneur, author and influencer. Malika Rahman, assistant professor and curriculum coordinator of Criminal Justice, served as the moderator.

Guest panelists at the Nov. 18 session, Resilience, Representation and the Road to Leadership, spoke about their personal and professional journeys, how they overcame obstacles, and the importance of diversity in leadership, especially for youth. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from the experiences and insights of Dr. Nina Ahmad, an At-Large member, Philadelphia City Council; Rickey Duncan, the CEO of New Options More Opportunities (NOMO) Foundation; Judge Timika Lane of the Pennsylvania Superior Court; and Rochelle Bilal, sheriff of Philadelphia County. The conversation was moderated by Billy Love, an associate professor of Criminal Justice.

The Chief Engagement office looks forward to continuing Power Hour events in the spring 2026 semester and offering students, faculty, and staff empowering and enlightening discussions with Philadelphia leaders.