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2024 Grads

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Ohio University Lancaster students are passionate, intelligent and driven. It's no wonder our alumni make a difference in our community and our region.

Bachelor of Science in Education
Ashley Nicole Loy

Logan, Ohio

Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
I chose Ohio Lancaster because it was more affordable and was more in my comfort zone and it was a great atmosphere.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Lancaster - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My ah-ha moment at OHIO Lancaster was when I first got my placement at Sanderson and I built the relationships with all the preschoolers. It proved to me that I can be a teacher who the children can trust and be comfortable around.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors were Dr Debra Dunning, Dr. Kevin Cordi, and Dr. Pam Kaylor. These professors got me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to participate in the different organizations and activities on campus. These professors also were very supportive and helped me determine what and when to take classes.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill that I had to climb was juggling teaching and classes at the same time. I overcomed these challenges by preserving and working through each item on my list one at a time.

What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
My favorite OHIO Lancaster memories was getting to be the WITS volunteer coordinator, volunteering with Celebrate Women, Bowling during Fall Fest and participating in Spring fest And getting to be the President for OEA Aspiring Educators student organization.. There are a lot more memories but that is just some.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
I would tell that student to never miss an opportunity to participate in the activies that happen on campus and don't be afraid to try new things.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Getting a teaching position in Logan or Lancaster.

Bachelor of History
Gabriella Olivia Roth

Lancaster, Ohio

Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
It is close to home for me. I'm able to still watch my nephews and niece grow up.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Lancaster - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Sometimes I think I got this and other times I'm not sure I do but I keep trying my best to make my dreams come true.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I have loved all my professors on Lancaster campus but my favorite is our librarian, Judy. She helped me become more confident with myself and prove that I can do anything I put my mind to.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Suddenly going through online classes because of the pandemic. It wasn't easy transitioning to it and I almost quit school.

What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
Spring fest has always been a great time but my favorite memory would be Spring fest 2019 where I played laser tag with my best friend, Kitty . I also loved doing ghost stories in the library after hours for spring fest 2023.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
Make friends with good people and find club that helps you grow as a person. Especially if you are an introvert like me.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Graduate school for Library science.

Associate in Applied Science
Paul Allen Russell

Lancaster, Ohio

Why did you choose OHIO Lancaster?
I chose OUL because it is close to home and it offers the support and education that one would find on the main campus while maintaining a "hometome" feel.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Lancaster - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
I started this scholastic journey in 1994. It wasn't until I started attending OUL that I realized I can finish what I started so many years ago. I also realized that it is never too late to pursue your goals and dreams.


Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I have had some really great professors throughout my education but the ones who have really impacted my life were Ernie Hall, Brian Corea, and A.Victor Jones.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Lancaster? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Being a non-traditional student is the hardest hill I have had to climb. Trying to schedule classes around a full-time work schedule, family, and other activities has been a challenge.

What are your favorite OHIO Lancaster memories?
My favorite part of OUL is being onstage in Wagner Theater.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Lancaster student not to miss?
Make the most of every opportunity. Take time to develop friendships and relationships with those around you. Never stop learning and never stop pursuing your goals. All things are possible to the one that believes.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to continue working and use the knowledge and skills that I have learned to build a future as I move towards retirement. 

Bachelor of Social Work
Tashina Victoria Smith