Director | BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program | STEM Pipeline Development | Career Coach
Baldwin Wallace University received nearly $780,000 in grant funding through the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support scholarships for incoming transfer students starting Fall 2025 through the BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program! Our journey with the BW STEM Scholars program, which I've been proud to be part of since 2008 under the visionary leadership of Stephanie Forstner, Jacqueline Morris, and Jim McCargar, has been nothing short of remarkable. The initial grant I came in under, which concluded in the spring 2024, demonstrated the incredible potential of supporting transfer students in STEM disciplines. The numbers tell a powerful story: out of 43 transfer students, 32 completed their STEM degrees (74%), with 87% employed in STEM fields in Ohio or pursuing advanced degrees. When the opportunity for renewed COF funding arose, Jim McCargar (our grant PI) and I were convinced that focusing on transfer students was the most impactful path forward. Our strategic focus on partnerships with Cuyahoga Community College and Lorain County Community College has yielded success stories that showcase the real-world impact of our program. Here are a few: Bethany Thomas PA-C, the first transfer student I connected with, is now making a difference as a Physician Assistant at The MetroHealth System (Cleveland, OH) System in Cleveland. Ryan Reffner, who not only excelled academically but also mentored numerous students, is currently a 2nd-year Chemistry PhD candidate at McGill University. Heather Reber seamlessly transitioned from a lab technician to a Scientist role at Thermo Fisher Scientific, demonstrating the career development growth our program facilitates. Nikki V. at Veracyte, Inc. discovered her passion for analytics through her biology degree, exemplifying how we nurture multi-disciplinary skills. givaughna garrett and Kellie Bischoff advanced in healthcare as MSN graduates from Case Western Reserve University's prestigious nursing program; both currently work in healthcare for University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. Christina Chukri began her research at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute as an undergraduate and now works there as a Research Coordinator. We are profoundly grateful to the Ohio Department of Higher Education for their ongoing investment in our students across 2-year and 4-year institutions. These funds do more than reduce financial barriers—they provide high-quality STEM instruction and holistic support that enables students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. Special recognition goes to Hallie Vavrus and Selasi Segbedzie, graduate students in our BW Leadership in Higher Education program. Their resources as well as transfer-specific programming and coaching are laying the groundwork for our next cohort of transfer students. A heartfelt thanks to Joyce DeGirolamo for her wonderful article that highlights Baldwin Wallace's unwavering commitment to transfer student success!
Six years strong! Baldwin Wallace’s commitment to supporting Ohio’s future STEM leaders is once again recognized with 2025 Choose Ohio First funding. 🎓 Learn more about this impactful program and its benefits for students.
Wow, wow, wow! A true testament to how great and impactful this program has become! Continue the great work!
Field Application Scientist | Medical Writer | Neuroscience Research | Expert Presentation Skills | Project Manager | Woodlot Owner
3wOutstanding outcomes! Thanks for your work on COF and maintaining the excellence in a program that supports STEM students.