BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – At only 20 years old, McKenna Clark is now a Bowling Green State University graduate, having earned her bachelor's degree in applied health science with a pre-physical therapy track. The Forest, Ohio, native attributes her quick graduation to the invaluable support she found through the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program.
“Before I applied, my mom said I should go on campus, take a look, and see the overall vibe because you can’t choose until you’ve been there,” Clark reflected. “When we went on the visit and stopped in with the Thompsons, I just knew this was going to be perfect for me.”
The Thompson scholarship distinguishes itself from traditional scholarship programs by not only focusing on academic performance but also requiring scholars to maintain a 3.0 GPA and engage actively with their communities. This holistic approach fosters meaningful connections and provides the necessary support for scholars to thrive.
Clark shared how her experience went beyond simply academic advising. “It wasn’t just an academic advisor talking about what classes you need to take. It was more like having a life advisor – you could talk about literally everything,” she said, emphasizing the program's supportive environment. Her advisor, Ashleigh Diefenbach, played a pivotal role, helping Clark navigate her academic and personal challenges. “It honestly felt like a second family,” she added. “They would be there for me no matter what.”
Clark's academic path was significantly accelerated by the College Credit Plus program, enabling her to transfer college credits directly to BGSU, which set the stage for her to engage with faculty and pursue her major early on.
“Skills practiced in labs help students like McKenna gain confidence... to improve their health,” stated Dr. Todd Keylock, associate professor of exercise science at BGSU. Clark’s interactions with patients during her studies convinced her of her career choice. “Watching my residents get back to doing what they love, transition independently...was really inspiring to me,” she reflected. “I saw how hard they worked, and I felt so proud of them.”
Now as a BGSU alumna, Clark believes her comprehensive university experience has equipped her to confidently pursue physical therapy school and her career. “It really cemented for me this is what I wanted to do. And now I know I’m capable of doing it,” she affirmed.
Continuing BGSU's commitment to education and civic engagement, this fall, the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network, housed within the Department of Political Science, has been mobilizing students and researchers alike to focus on nonpartisan data collection as well as helping to conduct web-based polls leading up to the presidential election.
Now, with the election concluded, the network has launched its 'Democracy Exchange: With the DePo' podcast to carry on its mission of promoting democracy through education. “There was a real hunger for young people to have a space to bring awareness to issues...” remarked Robert Alexander, professor of political science and the network’s founding director. The podcast aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore pressing societal issues and raise important questions.
Developed, hosted, produced, and managed entirely by BGSU students, the ‘Democracy Exchange’ has already published five episodes covering various topics and featuring special guests, which include both BGSU researchers and notable alumni such as Randy Gardner '81, '87, who has served as a member of the Ohio House and Senate.
“It has been an amazing opportunity to help start an organization from the ground up and to be...given the chance to get the perspectives of people who are experts in their field,” said Samantha Conrad, one of the podcast hosts and BGSU political science student. Her efforts highlight not just the value of community discussions, but the skills she has developed along the way.
“This experience has...given me a glimpse...into what public administration and nonprofit work may be like,” she continued. “We are doing something impactful for our community and here at BGSU.”
Beyond the podcast, faculty members are working to help students like Conrad build relevant experience for their resumes and professional portfolios through various learning opportunities. “Following the two polls we put out earlier this fall, we now have data to analyze and conduct future research,” Alexander said. This collaboration encourages students to publish research papers, political writings, and op-eds, bolstering public discourse.
The ‘Democracy Exchange’ podcast is accessible on multiple platforms, including Spotify and YouTube, enriching the civic engagement dialogue within the university and the broader community.
