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Congratulations to OHIO Lancaster's Fall 2022 graduation candidates! As a graduate, these students are invited to attend the Ohio University commencement ceremony on the Athens campus. They will also be invited to attend the Spring 2023 graduation recognition ceremony held on the OHIO Lancaster campus.
The following student spotlights are a small representation of the alumni that will soon make an impact in the surrounding communities and beyond.
Megan Mikaela Baker
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I’m hoping to work in public health at a local health department and I am currently looking into graduate programs to get my masters in public health.
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
I was nervous to make friends but I found it easy to find friends in each class I took. I knew with the support of my new friends and professors I could accomplish my goal of getting my bachelors degree.
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
I enjoyed the community and was happy to learn that I could continue my education in my hometown.
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Wallace Burden inspired me to want to work in public health. I’m also extremely appreciative for Dr. Suzanne Cromlish. As my advisor she has helped me tremendously.
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
During the height of the pandemic, I had to switch from taking all of my classes in person to all online and it was hard at first. But, my professors helped and were very accommodating.
What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
I enjoyed going down to the bistro to study with friends.
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
Join any clubs or activity groups you think sound fun because it’s a great way to meet people!
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Louis Charles Hutchinson
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To continue on to graduate with my Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree and my Communication Studies degree and graduate with both degrees in Spring of 2023.
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
After I competed my sophomore year. I started doing really well in my classes, I got accepted into a couple honor societies, and I even joined a couple of student organizations as well.
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
I wanted a good education with great professors. I am happy to say that I found both of those things here.
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Lisa Taylor, Dr. Nikki Blau, Dr. Jennifer Steele, James Stephens, Sonja Rawn, and Lisa Skeens. All of them were very accommodating, caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable professors with a passion and sincere desire to see their students succeed. I am extremely thankful for all of them and cannot thank them enough for all of their help, guidance and support over all of these years.
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
I would say math and science related classes were always the most difficult for me. I was able to power through it by having a very helpful and kind math professor who always encouraged me to work hard and study more (Dr. Paul Abraham).
What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
Having the privilege to meet so many amazing people and create memories with them through my classes, community service groups, and school related events.
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
I would say more broadly, make sure you are not missing out on anything that you think you might regret not being a part of later. College goes by fast, don't miss out on the opportunity to grow yourself or the opportunity to meet new people.
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Ginny Lynn Proctor
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
As a non- traditional student, I believe that my degree will continue to support me in my current career at the State of Ohio in IT Management. The things I learned regarding strategic planning and management will take me into my next step in my career.
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I saw the flexibility and the caring of the professors that helped me figuring out my next step and how I could use this degree in my life.
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
OHIO had a partnership with Columbus State University, which allowed me to transfer my 2-year degree and take several others classes there at Columbus State. Because I was already familiar with Columbus State this made the transition easier.
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Pamela Kaylor. I did my internship with her and learned so much about academia and how my past experiences could help others in the future. I appreciate the time she took with me and her guidance.
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Since I work full-time, balancing the school work along with the responsibilities at work as well as family was difficult. There was quite a bit of stress during the pandemic and trying to balance it all.
What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
I did all of my classes online so I did not have the connection with the campus or the people. But when I was able to attend Celebrate Women at the Lancaster campus it made me feel like I was actually a part of the school.
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Cierra Nichole Shaner
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To apply for jobs!
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
Once I transferred to Ohio University Lancaster I felt so secure because of my professors and I knew they were going to assist me in being successful.
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
It was close to home and I wanted to be a Bobcat!
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Nikki Blau and Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox, these ladies had a huge impact on me and I am so grateful for them.
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
I would have to say changing my major. It was very scary but once I met other people in my program I knew I made the right choice.
What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
This semester on campus has been my favorite! My professors are so personable but also have high expectations and I think that sets Ohio University Lancaster apart.
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
I would say Fall Fest or Spring Fest!
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Camryn Nicole Smith
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
(To enroll in) cosmetology school and to eventually own a salon and spa!
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I started to work ahead in my classes, and achieved really good grades!
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
It was affordable and I got to play volleyball for the Ohio University Lancaster’s team for 2 seasons!
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite OUL professor would have to be Professor Presutti. I took her calculus class my freshman year and I absolutely loved it. Her class was challenging, and she really took the time to make sure each student understand each concept. She really cared about each student’s success!
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The most challenging obstacle I had to face was stacking my classes each semester to graduate early (with two degrees) while working part time, coaching volleyball and track, and playing volleyball as well. The key is to stay focused, organized, and to manage your time efficiently.
What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
My favorite OHIO memories would definitely be all of the fun I had on the school volleyball team. Especially the bowling night OUL hosted the fall of 2019!
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
Definitely check out the (sports program)! I have made some of my best friends to this day because of the (sports) program!
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Navae Nicole Taylor
What are your next steps or plans for the future?
To go into teaching and become a Peace Corps volunteer.
What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this!”?
When I joined intramural recreation.
Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
It’s just always been my dream school, not too close and not too far from home.
Who was your favorite professor and how did they make an impact on your life?
Joseph Crowley - he was always willing to help me go further and kept pushing me to try new things.
What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Trying new things, I always wanted to stick with what I knew but once I tried something new it was great and took me even further and down different paths.
What is your favorite OHIO memory?
Flag football with intramural on the Athens campus.
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Get out there and go to events and just say 'hi' to people.