OHIO student Beatham-García chosen for Newman Civic Fellowship

Ohio University junior Micaela Beatham-García has been named as a member of the prestigious 2021 Newman Civic Fellowship Cohort.

A political science pre-law major, Beatham-García is also pursuing an undergraduate certificate in law, justice & culture. She was nominated to the fellowship due to her dedication to effecting social change and promoting civic engagement and dialogue. 

Larry Hayman, Center for Law, Justice & Culture pre-law advisor and mentor in the Newman Fellowship, said that he “cannot think of a more deserving student than Micaela for this honor. I look forward to working with  her over the next year as she continues to channel her passions for equality, justice, and service.” 

As the director of the ACLU of Ohio University, the only ACLU chapter in Southeast Ohio, Beatham-García organizes with ACLU Ohio at the state level and actively brings together diverse groups of differing political ideologies to facilitate meaningful conversation and mutual respect.

“I have fought to make a space for everyone, regardless of political stances or values, to make a better polis,” said Beatham-García. “The Newman Civic Fellowship’s qualities are what I value most: learning, personal growth, collaboration, and overcoming inequalities.”  

Beatham-García has also led voter registration initiatives, educational presentations, and fundraisers to address issues of inequality and bring about sustainable and equitable system change. She hopes to continue to work towards these goals by pursing a law degree.

Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis nominated Beatham-García for the national award and said she is a very deserving recipient.

“I strongly believe in Micaela’s steadfast dedication and motivation to develop and implement approaches that meet the unique needs of the southeast Ohio and Appalachian region,” President Nellis said. “I am proud of how she works to bring community members together, creating a sense of agency so that her efforts will be sustained even after her graduation.” 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a national year-long program that recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. This is the first time an Ohio University student has received this recognition. 

“I am elated that Micaela’s work on civic education and dialogue is being recognized and celebrated,” said Mary Nally, director of the Center for Campus & Community Engagement, who coordinated the nomination committee. “Micaela’s efforts with regional and state community and campus partners embody the guiding principles of community engagement at Ohio University.” 

This year, the cohort consists of 212 students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico. The complete list of fellows is available on Campus Compact’s Website: 2021 Newman Civic Fellows.