Shawn Pryor keeps the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center running smoothly.
As a technical support specialist for Markey, Pryor manages more than 350 employee computers across multiple buildings on campus. His days are filled with troubleshooting, maintenance, and tech support — all to ensure that the center’s staff can focus on lifesaving research and patient care.
But when Pryor logs off from his IT duties, he transforms into a mentor, inspiring young minds through the world of graphic novels and storytelling.
Pryor, who joined UK in 2008 and began working at Markey in 2023, has carved out a unique professional path. A published author of graphic novels and children’s books, he has taken his passion for storytelling to schools across Kentucky, speaking to kids about the power of reading and creativity.
This outreach led to an unexpected opportunity in 2022 when Pryor was invited to teach a workshop on graphic novels to students at Lexington’s Winburn Middle School. What began as a short-term commitment evolved into an ongoing program that has touched the lives of numerous students.
The power of visual storytelling
Graphic novels are books written and illustrated in the style of a comic book. The format can be a powerful way to motivate young people to read. In addition to improving reading comprehension and writing skills, the books also get kids interested in the arts, says Pryor.
Pryor sees the arts as crucial in opening creative pathways for students — especially during a time when school districts are considering cutting arts programs.
“The arts are important because they help kids discover their unique voices,” Pryor said. “Whether it’s through graphic novels or any other medium, art gives them the tools to express themselves, to build confidence and to see the world in new ways.”
In his workshops at Winburn Middle School, kids learn character design, story development and how to create sequential art for comics and graphic novels. At the end of the program, students put all the pieces together and get to create and publish their own graphic novel.
“Seeing their stories come to life is a big moment,” Pryor says. “The kids get to create something they didn’t think they had the ability to do.”
Over these workshops, Pryor has witnessed remarkable transformations in many of his students: shy children find their voices, hesitant artists discover hidden talents and reluctant readers become enthusiastic storytellers.
For Pryor, seeing this transformation happen to a quiet 13-year-old named Deon Williams was especially fulfilling. Initially reserved and unsure of himself, Deon started to believe in himself and his abilities. He found friendship, creativity and confidence through the workshops.
“Once he realized that he was with some folks that liked the same nerdy stuff, and he saw everybody else being creative, it got him inspired,” Pryor said. “He reminded me of myself at that age, so the moment when everything clicked for him really resonated with me.”
Tragically, Deon and his 5-year-old sister, Skyler, lost their lives in a devastating act of domestic violence in May 2022. The loss deeply affected Pryor and the workshop community, and it has motivated him to become even more involved. He has now committed to continuing to teach the class for free, in memory of Deon and Skyler.
Keeping creativity flowing
Pryor has been funding these workshops out of his own pocket. But since the program has grown in popularity, he hopes to secure sustainable funding. His goal is to get to a point where he can continue to do the workshop and then bring in new students every single year from multiple classes.
To achieve this vision, Pryor is exploring multiple avenues for support. The Fayette County School Board recently led discussions about potential grant funding to support and expand the workshops. Meanwhile, Pryor has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover immediate expenses like art supplies and snacks for the students. As an IT specialist, Pryor may be an unexpected advocate for the arts. But as the world becomes increasingly digital, the ability to blend technical skills with creative thinking is becoming more valuable than ever.
“Whether they end up in IT like me or pursue a completely different path, the skills kids learn through art, like problem solving, critical thinking and communication, are crucial,” Pryor said.
Through it all, Pryor finds fulfillment in the parallels between his day job and his volunteer work.
“At the end of the day, both my roles at UK and in these workshops are about empowering people — whether it’s researchers fighting cancer or kids finding their creative voice.”
