Jay-Ann Lopez awarded Honorary Professorship from Norwich University of the Arts
Founder and CEO of Black Girl Gamers Jay-Ann Lopez has been recognised with an Honorary Professorship for Services to Leadership in the Games Industry and Advocacy for Black Women Gamers during the Norwich University of the Arts summer graduation ceremonies.
Modified:
Jay-Ann Lopez (Photograph by Michael Stuart Daley)
Jay-Ann Lopez is the award-winning founder of Black Girl Gamers, a member and judge for BAFTA, and a speaker and entrepreneur. Black Girl Gamers is a popular and influential community-powered business that advocates for diversity and inclusion and heightening Black Women’s voices. It partners with brands to increase Black Women’s equity in the industry via talent brokering, consulting, innovative marketing solutions, events and content.
Speaking about her honorary Professorship, Jay-Ann said: “Receiving this Honorary Professorship is an honour beyond one I thought I would receive in this lifetime. It’s a huge validation of my work, legacy and community. It signals the recognition of an overdue change in the distribution of equity not only in Gaming, but in all industries in which Black people have gone under-acknowledged whilst issuing the challenge of progress to their peers.”
Jay-Ann is a sought-after speaker on diversity in gaming, entertainment, fashion, beauty, human resources, and marketing. She has previously spoken at E3, PAX East, Cannes Lion, EGX Rezzed, amongst others. Additionally, Jay-Anncurates content and consults for brands including Sofar Sounds x Adidas, WarnerBros, SEGA, Microsoft, Playstation, Maybelline, and YouTube. She has previously been featured in Cosmopolitan, DAZED, WWD, Afropunk, I-D, Vogue and more.
Jay-Ann also co-produces Gamer Girls Night In, the first Women and Non-Binary focused event combining gaming, beauty and fashion.
Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, said: “With tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry, Jay-Ann is a champion of empowerment who is using her influential voice to bring about significant change in and beyond the gaming sector. This Honorary Professorship recognises the importance of Black Girl Gamers and is a testament to Jay-Ann’s inspiring leadership, energy and commitment.”
Tags:
Related news
-
Norwich University of the Arts Makes Historic Debut in Main Guardian University Guide
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has marked a historic milestone, with its first-ever appearance in the Guardian University Guide’s national rankings.
-
Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
BA Animation •
Norwich University of the Arts has been named as a Rookies Certified School.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts celebrates becoming a Rookies Certified School
-
Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
Institution •
The kinetic installation, which transforms the sounds of Norwich into a daily light sequence, was commissioned in 2024 as a temporary intervention for the University’s historic Bank Plain building.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts acquires Mechanism by artist Andrew Kearney
-
Cost of living Support Package 2025-26
Cost of living support •
We are proud of the measures we introduced over the last few years and want to continue many of them in 2025/26 to ensure this support remains in place.
-
Spatial Ecologies Summer Course launches
Student news •
Open to Norwich students, the course will explore ecological approaches to design through hands-on learning and immersive study in nature.
-
Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
BA Marketing •
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading professional body for marketing, has awarded Accredited Degree status to Norwich University of the Arts' newly launched BA (Hons) Marketing course.
Read more about Norwich Secures CIM Accreditation for new Marketing Degree
-
In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE, a valued member of the University’s Governing Body since 2018 and a distinguished leader in design research, innovation, and policy.
Read more about In Memory of Professor Lady Rachel Cooper OBE
-
Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has officially opened Phase Two of its ambitious redevelopment at 20 Bank Plain — a landmark Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts opens Phase Two of landmark Bank Plain building
-
Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
Graduation •
Five leading figures from the fields of design, fashion, games and the visual arts will be awarded Honorary Professorships at the University’s graduation ceremonies next week.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts announces five new Honorary Professors
-
Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
Alumni •
Toby Hills, Senior Technician – Immersive & Virtual Production at Norwich University of the Arts, has been named Best Newcomer and awarded a prestigious Papin Prize during the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) 2025 held this week.
Read more about Toby Hills Wins Prestigious Papin Prize at HETS 2025
-
Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ben Stopher as its next Vice-Chancellor.
Read more about Professor Ben Stopher appointed next Vice-Chancellor
-
Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
BA Animation •
This summer saw the launch of the University’s new Sustainability Awards, alongside nominations for Norwich students for a range of high-profile industry awards.
Read more about Celebrating award-winning student work at our Undergrad Festival – and beyond
-
Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
BA Graphic Communication •
Norwich students were awarded a total of five pencils at this year’s D&AD New Blood Awards, which showcase recent graduate work across design, advertising and craft.
Read more about Norwich students win at D&AD New Blood Awards 2025
-
Norwich University of the Arts announces new international partnership with Gresham Global
International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
-
Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
Institution •
Dr Ellie Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford have been recognised for their significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
-
Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
Alumni •
Read more about Norwich lecturer celebrates world premiere of new film Chicken Town
-
- Filter courses by study level: Undergraduate
- Filter courses by duration: Full time
- Filter courses by entry options: September 2025
- Filter courses by subject: Games Art and Design
Games Art and Design BA (Hons)
Explore and develop your skills of current game studio pipelines and be part of a collaborative, supportive department.
-
- Filter courses by study level: Undergraduate
- Filter courses by duration: Full time
- Filter courses by entry options: September 2025
- Filter courses by subject: Games Development
Games Development BSc (Hons)
Love working with code and see yourself as a technical problem solver with a passion for games?
-
- Filter courses by study level: Postgraduate
- Filter courses by duration: Full time
- Filter courses by duration: Part time
- Filter courses by entry options: September 2025
- Filter courses by subject: Games
Games MA
Combine creative flair and technical skill and work in multi-skilled teams within a studio environment to create innovative and arresting art for games.
