Ashland University student Mason Niese began his journey in media at Shelby Middle School when he started filming football games. This early experience ignited his passion for the field, leading him to pursue a career as a camera operator and video editor.

After high school, he chose Ashland University for its renowned Journalism and Digital Media Department. Niese has gained invaluable hands-on experience, working as a camera operator for all home football and basketball games. His notable experiences include working Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians games, Ohio State athletics, and the MLS Cup.

To learn more about Niese and the Ashland University Journalism and Digital Media Department, click here.

Baldwin Wallace University engineering students gained hands-on experience through a partnership with Regency Construction Services, Inc. during this past spring semester.

This collaboration turned a Cleveland Metroparks project at Wallace Lake into a learning lab for Dr. Jennifer Kadlowec’s global engineering class. The students engaged in every phase of construction, from design to building, while learning about project scope, scheduling and safety.

Caely Ressler, a BW engineering major, found the project invaluable for bridging the gap between theory and practice.

“Experiences like this force us to focus on the practicalities of implementing what we learned,” she said.

The experience left the class with enhanced skills, new perspectives on their future careers and increased confidence in their ability to succeed in the engineering field.

To learn more, click here.

Bluffton University’s strength and conditioning program has been reapproved by the National Strength & Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP).

The major prepares students to work with athletes through effective program design and athletic development, including speed, power and agility assessments. Graduates often pursue further education in strength and conditioning, athletic training and physical therapy.

NSCA requires students aiming for the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam to graduate from an ERP-recognized school.

Bluffton’s ERP recognition, initially received in 2021, is valid through March 31, 2027.

To read more, click here.

Capital University is now accepting applications for its new Master of Social Work (MSW) program, beginning in the fall semester.

This program is one of the few in Ohio offering an MSW in Advanced Social Work Practice, prepares graduates for diverse social work fields. The MSW is delivered in a hybrid format with evening and Saturday classes, along with field experiences and research opportunities.

Capital University, known for over 50 years of excellence in social work education, aims to empower graduates to influence and inspire communities.

“We want our graduates to have a voice in the community,” said Program Chair Dr. Renda Ross, emphasizing the program's rich curriculum and professional development opportunities.

To learn more, click here.

Jim and Teresa Clark retired from Cedarville University at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, concluding a 27-year journey they began together.

Initially settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Clarks had no plans to move until a visit to Cedarville with their daughter changed their path. Teresa was hired as the head volleyball coach and Jim secured a role in the admissions department.

Reflecting on their journey on the Cedarville Stories Podcast, the Clarks highlighted how their careers evolved from a chance encounter to leaving a lasting legacy at their alma mater.

To listen to the podcast or to read more, click here.

Defiance College alumni Grant Phillips and Megan Barber have donated $100,000 to create a new patio area behind Hubbard Hall. This generous gift aims to enhance the campus experience as the college anticipates increased enrollment.

Dr. Richanne C. Mankey, Defiance College president, expressed gratitude, noting the importance of comfortable, social spaces for students. Previously a reading court when Hubbard Hall was a library, the area now houses Student Life offices and The Hive, a campus restaurant and coffee shop.

The new Phillips Patio will include outdoor dining for The Hive, a natural gas fire pit, seating, a small performance area, a hammock forest and a handicap-accessible ramp.

Phillips and Barber emphasized their pride in supporting their alma mater’s future. They hope the patio will foster student relationships and contribute to the college’s ongoing innovations and growth.

Click here to learn more.