Campus Achievements and Noteworthy Stories

Ten educators from six Ohio districts completed Ashland University’s Telecommunications Boot Camp, earning graduate credit and 5G certification vouchers. The program combined hands-on training in broadband and emerging tech with lesson plan development, preparing teachers to introduce students to high-demand careers in 5G, fiber optics, and technology-driven industries. Learn more.

BW senior Mark Wilson ’26 is redefining what it means to be driven. Balancing three majors, Yellow Jacket football, and a thriving real estate career topping $5M in sales, Wilson is also innovating on campus through the Investment Club. Next up: graduation, BW’s MBA program, and new entrepreneurial ventures. Read more about Wilson’s journey here.

Bluffton trustee and author Bethny Ricks ’06 recently led a forum on decisive decision-making, urging students to act confidently, set deadlines, and avoid outsourcing choices. She emphasized learning through small, quick decisions, owning outcomes, and embracing challenges, reminding attendees that indecision drains while action builds confidence and growth. Click here to read the full recap.

For 75 years, Capital University’s School of Nursing has led with innovation, compassion, and excellence. From pioneering curriculum changes to holistic care, global experiences, and a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, the school continues to shape skilled, caring professionals while honoring a legacy of leadership, service, and transformative education. Read more.

Cedarville alumnus Ryan Rager ’21, former track athlete and coach, has joined the USA World Cup Bobsled Team. Now training in Lake Placid, he will compete internationally ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, pursuing his Olympic dream. Click here to read more.

Defiance College celebrated its 2025 Homecoming by honoring outstanding alumni and athletes who embody the Yellow Jacket spirit. During the Alumni Awards Breakfast and Athletic Hall of Fame induction, the College recognized individuals for their excellence, leadership, and service, highlighting a legacy of achievement that continues to define the future of Defiance College.

Denison University named 12 recipients of its inaugural Young Alumni Impact Awards, honoring early career achievement, service, and commitment to the college. Honorees span fields from cancer research and AI to finance and music. They’ll be celebrated Oct. 3 during Big Red Weekend with a special luncheon event. Click here to learn more about the recipients.

The University of Findlay launched a 2+2 engineering pathway with Ohio Northern and Wright State, allowing students to study two years at Findlay before transferring to complete degrees in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. The program offers coordinated advising, smooth transferability, and expanded STEM opportunities, including graduate-level options. Click here to read more.

Franklin University welcomed Danville Area Community College to its Pathway Portal network, offering students seamless credit transfer toward 28 bachelor’s programs and a discounted $298 per-credit tuition rate. The partnership expands affordable, flexible degree options, supporting DACC students’ transition from associate to bachelor’s degrees while maximizing prior credits and savings. Click here to learn more.

Heidelberg senior Abby Snide confirmed her passion for physical therapy through a summer mentorship with alumna Rachel Byrne ’18 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Guided by faculty connections, Abby gained hands-on insight into pediatric PT, patient care, and clinical decision-making, an experience that shaped her career goals and highlighted Heidelberg’s supportive community. Read about Snide’s whole experience here.

Hiram College’s 17th annual Celebration of Experiential Learning showcased student and faculty research across nearly every discipline, from biology to entrepreneurship. Hosted by the Office of Scholarly Endeavors, the fall event featured projects on topics like microplastics, invasive plants, and heliobacteria, plus a faculty poster session and networking opportunities. Click here to read the full recap.

John Carroll University celebrated the grand opening of its 125,000-square-foot Athletic, Wellness & Event (AWE) Center, a $100M Inspired Futures project centerpiece. Featuring an indoor track, multi-sport courts, varsity facilities, and community spaces, the AWE Center enhances student life, athletic training, and campus community for generations of Blue Streaks. Click here to read the full story.

Kenyon College supports pre-health students with advising, mentoring, clinical shadowing, EMT training, and research opportunities—resulting in an 80% med school acceptance rate (2019–2024), double the national average, and a 100% admit rate in 2023. With programs and partnerships within the community, students are able to gain vital experiences that help them excel in their future careers. Click here to learn more.

Lake Erie College junior Abby Butcher is using the campus Makerspace to design and 3D-print a prosthetic leg for Zelda, an injured rescue goat. Balancing studies and her animal sanctuary, Abby’s project blends compassion with innovation while shaping her future goals in agricultural law and animal welfare advocacy. Click here to read the full story.

Lourdes University is supporting students affected by Siena Heights University’s closure with streamlined admissions, thorough credit evaluations, dedicated advising, and financial aid guidance. Lourdes aims to provide clear transfer pathways and a smooth transition, ensuring students can continue their education with minimal disruption. Read more.

Malone University will honor four outstanding alumni at its October 10th Homecoming banquet. Recipients include Megan Mauck ’16 (Young Alumna), David Yakley ’95 (Alumnus), Patricia Sommer ’19, ’24 (Graduate Alumna), and Eric Lund ’91 (Pioneer Pinnacle Award), recognized for leadership, service, and commitment to Malone’s mission and community. Click here to read their bios.

Marietta College accounting capstone students joined Professor Doug Ankrom at Discover Finance, Banking & Accounting Day, engaging 48 Mid-Ohio Valley high schoolers in hands-on career exploration. They shared personal journeys, highlighted CPA-aligned curriculum, and emphasized accounting’s diverse opportunities. Click here to read the full recap.

Mount Union physician assistant students Maddie Mitchell M’25 and Alyssa Yungwirth M’25 traveled to Sarstún, Guatemala, providing care for patients with diverse health needs. Through treating injuries, infections, and chronic pain, they applied classroom and clinical experience while embracing cultural differences, deepening their commitment to global healthcare service. Click here to read the full article.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University celebrated excellence and service at its annual Faculty & Staff Dinner. Honorees included Employee of the Year recipients Dr. Judy Gregg and Esther Carpenter, Lifetime Achievement winners Dr. Daryl Gruver and Dennis Hoffman, and new awardees Rachel Neal and Dr. Pheba George, alongside milestone service recognitions. Click here to learn more about the awards and their recipients.

Muskingum University earned top recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings, placing 1st in Ohio for Best Value Schools and 2nd for Social Mobility among Regional Midwest universities. The rankings highlight Muskingum’s commitment to affordability, access, and student success through strong financial aid and academic excellence. Click here to learn more.

Oberlin Conservatory opened Conservatory East Studios, an 8,600-square-foot facility supporting its new Music Theater program alongside Recording Arts and Production. Featuring multipurpose studios, a recording control room, offices, and public-facing design, the space fosters creativity, collaboration, and community engagement while connecting the conservatory with downtown Oberlin and the college’s performing arts facilities. Click here to learn more.

Four Ohio Dominican University MBA students earned global recognition by placing 19th in the GLO-BUS strategy simulation, outperforming larger, well-known programs. Over eight weeks, they managed a virtual company, making real-world strategic decisions in marketing, finance, production, and operations, gaining leadership experience while demonstrating ODU’s practical, globally competitive business education. Click here to read the full article.

Ohio Northern University alumna Emily Richards, BS ’18, has become the first former Division III female athlete to run the 800m in under two minutes, clocking 1:59.87 at the 2025 USATF Championships. A nine-time NCAA champion, she now runs professionally for Atalanta NYC, mentoring young athletes while continuing her record-breaking career. Click here to read the full story.

Ohio Wesleyan University now offers a Workplace Readiness Certificate to all on-campus student employees, integrating eight NACE Career Readiness Competencies into their jobs. Nearly 300 students have completed the training, which enhances skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism—preparing graduates to enter the workforce confident, capable, and career-ready. Click here to learn more about the program.

Otterbein University earned top national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly for academic excellence, value, and student success. Ranked 12th in the Midwest and 9th for Best Value, Otterbein’s strong teaching, experiential learning, and 93% post-graduation success rate highlight its commitment to affordability and opportunity. Click here to read the full article.

Tiffin University has partnered with Northwest State Community College as its ninth DragonNext partner, enabling seamless transfer pathways to TU bachelor’s degrees. Beginning Fall 2025, students gain dual-campus resources, financial aid options, and advising support. Starting Fall 2026, eligible transfers can receive TU’s top $18,000 merit scholarship or online tuition discounts. Read the full article.

Ursuline College ranked 8th among Midwest Regional Universities and #1 in Ohio for Upward Social Mobility in U.S. News & World Report. It also earned recognition for Best Value and Best Colleges for Veterans. Click here it learn more.

Walsh University earned a 4-star rating in Money Magazine’s 2025 Best Colleges in America list, recognizing its blend of affordability and strong student outcomes. Evaluated on education quality, cost, and alumni success, Walsh stood out for academic excellence, student support, and return on investment. Click here to read the whole review.

Assistant professor of art at Wittenberg University Gypsy Schindler, is revitalizing the campus by transforming a loading dock into a vibrant mural near the Benham-Pence Student Center. Commissioned by President Michael Frandsen, the mural aims to beautify a frequently used area and showcase Wittenberg landmarks like Myers Hall and the Kissing Bridge.

Inspired by traditional and contemporary painting styles, Schindler's project integrates seasonal Ohio landscapes, influenced by a painting from President Frandsen's home. This initiative not only enhances campus aesthetics but also provides valuable real-world experience for students Hanna Haddix and Molly Kirkpatrick, two art majors working alongside Schindler on this project.

Scheduled for completion by July, the mural underscores the growing popularity and career potential of mural painting, offering students an immersive introduction into this demanding yet rewarding field.

Click here to read the full story.

Biology major at Wooster College Andrew Armile ’24, pursued scholarly research on spinal muscular atrophy during his time in college, taking the opportunity to expand his knowledge about the disorder.

Mentored by professors Seth Kelly and Laura Sirot, Armile studied gene effects in motor neurons of fruit flies, aiming to contribute to SMA cure research.

Reflecting on his Wooster experience, including football and academic achievements, Armile credits the college's supportive environment for his growth. His Independent Study (I.S.) project equipped him with research, lab and communication skills, bolstering his confidence to pursue medical school and a career as a physician.

Click here to read the full story.

Wittenberg University inaugurated Dr. Christian M.M. Brady as its 16th president on Oct. 17 in Weaver Chapel. The ceremony celebrated Wittenberg’s mission, featuring greetings from state, church, and community leaders. In his address, Dr. Brady emphasized faith, learning, and service as central to “the Wittenberg Way,” inspiring hope and purposeful leadership during his time as president. Click here to read the full recap.

Stephanie Sparks, visiting assistant professor of geology at The College of Wooster, published research introducing sensitivity analysis to geologic calculations, improving accuracy in studying Earth’s heat flow. Drawing from her engineering background, Sparks adapted the Taguchi method to quantify uncertainty in data, enhancing transparency, precision, and interdisciplinary learning for Wooster students and future geoscientists. Click here to learn more.