COMS graduate’s early decision to attend OHIO leads to a thriving career in health communication

Growing up in Pickerington, Ohio, with a Bobcat graduate for a parent, Maddison Craig knew she wanted to attend Ohio University from a young age. Her first visit to campus at the age of nine cemented it. 

“I knew in my heart it was where I belonged,” she said.

When it was finally time to head to college, Craig chose a major in communication studies in the Scripps College of Communication, where she became involved in the School of Communication Studies (COMS) as an assistant to COMS Professor Lynn Harter.

The assistantship and a capstone class she took with Harter opened Craig’s eyes to the importance of health communication.

“There are aspects of health care that impact an individuals’ experience that are completely unrelated to diagnostics and treatment,” Craig said. “It was through this experience that Dr. Harter expanded the boundaries of ‘health care’ and led me to find my passion impacting individuals in the medical field.” 

Thanks to a heavy load of College Credit Plus classes in high school and helpful academic advising in college, Craig graduated after just two years in December 2020. In April 2021, she got a job at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, where she continues to work in the Division of Research as the assistant to the division director.

“This role is exactly what I dreamed of doing because I know that my work is meaningful and one step in the road to changing patients’ daily lives,” she said. “I am also thrilled to be in this role because of the ability to grow and take on more responsibility in the future.”

Craig said her experience at OHIO was full of lessons that prepared her for success.

“I learned very quickly that communication is essential in any field of work,” she said. “My education taught me how to thrive in professional group environments, prioritize tasks, and provided me the tools to be successful, that I still use today. “

Nine-year-old Maddy Craig’s decision to attend OHIO proved to be a good one. 

“Everything changes in college and I wouldn’t have wanted to experience this change anywhere but Ohio University,” Craig said. “College is the first experience in life when all the decisions you make are solely yours to make. You are the only person affected by how much effort you put in and how you apply yourself. This can be daunting at first but OHIO gave me endless opportunities to be involved and create lifelong relationships.”