'Jay 4 Kutz' Builds Community at Pacific

Jayden Fordham ’25 — known to friends as “Jay 4” — is a student, athlete and amateur barber at Pacific University’s Forest Grove Campus. A sports communication major from Beaumont, California, Jay made his way to Pacific looking for a small community where he could build genuine connections. Since his first year at Pacific, he’s done that in part by offering friends and teammates haircuts — a hobby that’s brought him joy, friendship and a plan for the future.

Over time, he’s built his skills and found a need for them at Pacific, where there are few culturally appropriate options for people of color. “I hear that a lot,” he said. “I’m their main guy to go to here, because I am a person of color.” It’s not just about the hair cutting experience, he says. There’s a rich tradition of Black barbershops as community hubs. “I grew up in a barbershop. I’d leave my dad’s house in the middle of the day and walk to the barbershop. It was a time.” Jay’s hope is to bring that relatable, convenient and relaxing environment to Pacific in "Jay 4 Kutz," opening his home to friends to hang out and talk — and maybe get a cut.

Jay Fordham '25 with fellow student Devin Fortune '25

Kamron Shields '26 gets a haircut by Jay.

Jayden first started cutting hair after seeing a video online and practicing on his younger brother. “I messed it up, but I liked the concept,” he said. The practice brings him peace, gives him something to do with his hands, and takes his mind to a state where nothing matters except the cut in his hands.

A sports communications major, Jay also is an active student-athlete at Pacific, competing in track and field as a long jumper and a sprinter.

Jay lives by the motto “Pay Attention to Detail,” a concept his father was adamant about as he played sports growing up. He’s tattooed “PATD” on his leg to remind him to pay attention to detail in every facet of his life, whether in the classroom, on the track, or when cutting hair.

Ray Pruitt '25 with Jay

After graduating from Pacific, Jay plans to complete training to become a licensed barber, so he can build a formal business from his hobby. He dreams of becoming a celebrity barber and owning multiple barbershops that impact lives globally.