I chose to enroll in Ashland College (which would become “Ashland University,” of course) in the fall of 1987 because of the strong Radio/TV department. I did so quite reluctantly, truth be told. It was too close to home for my tastes (Ashland is only 45 minutes away from my high school/hometown)! But I could not ignore the potential for hands-on learning in the Radio/TV program, the campus felt GOOD and the financial aide was incredible… so I made my choice. It was the best choice of my life. I AM THE PERSON I AM TODAY BECAUSE OF ASHLAND. A life-long best friend I met at orientation led me to the theatre department, and there I found my home, my passion and my profession (I am a performer, puppeteer, Teaching Artist and the Education Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts, the leading puppetry center in the U.S). I would NOT have been given theatre opportunities at another university, given that I was not a theatre major, not a theatre minor and had no theatre credits coming in (we did not have a theatre program at my high school). I am so grateful to Ashland and its amazing, supportive, open theatre family and liberal arts approach to learning for supporting my dreams, recognizing my potential and making an investment in me. I am the leader I am because of Ashland. I had opportunities through Phi Mu sorority, Student Activities, O-Team, Greek Council, CAB, chorus and band, Radio/TV and Spanish clubs—all of which taught me how to lead, how to follow, how to plan, how to communicate and how to collaborate. Thank you, Ashland University, for being the biggest part of me.
