Chillicothe Campus Anniversary Celebration

Taylor (Holschuh) Carnes had her sights set on college on the coast and a major in marine biology, but ultimately decided she didn’t want to be so far away from family. She chose to stay in her community and attend Ohio University Chillicothe. Now she is a cornerstone of the Chillicothe community, serving as a district sales manager for Shelter Insurance and helping build community through her service on several non-profit boards.

“Family kept me here in Chillicothe and family also got me through college,” Carnes said.

She first earned an associate of applied business in business management technology in 2016 before completing her bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a minor in communication, in 2018.

How did your OHIO Chillicothe education prepare you for your career or life path?
My experience and education at OHIO Chillicothe, while in the Business Management classes, prepared me for my role by teaching me real-life scenarios and coursework focused on modern-day career paths.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Chillicothe?
My favorite memory while attending the Chillicothe campus was working together with fellow classmates on group projects. I always enjoyed getting to build relationships with classmates and working together as a team to accomplish an assignment.

What drew you to Ohio University Chillicothe, and what inspired you to choose your major?
I have always been interested in business management, and I wanted to help my husband with his company. Ohio University Chillicothe is local and has a great reputation.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Chillicothe?
Each professor had their own style of teaching, and every semester felt new and exciting. We sometimes say, “If I could do it over…” and it felt like I was doing the whole learning thing again and I enjoyed it even more.

How did your OHIO Chillicothe education prepare you for your career or life path?
It made me more confident in my current position, and I felt I had even more to offer.

Who at OHIO Chillicothe made a meaningful impact on your journey, and how did they influence you? During my capstone semester, I had the extreme pleasure of taking two of Michael Schor’s classes. Despite battling cancer, he was always so positive and excited about the material he was teaching. He was always encouraging us to do our best.

What challenges did you overcome during your time at OHIO Chillicothe, and what did you learn from those challenges?
Having been out of school for almost 25 years, it was a whole new world. I learned to familiarize myself with the syllabus and to be aware of deadlines.

Looking back, what does being an OHIO Chillicothe graduate mean to you?
It makes me proud to know I did it! I am so proud of being a Bobcat.

How have you stayed connected to OHIO Chillicothe or your community since graduation?
I work at OHIO University Chillicothe and having gotten my degree recently gives me new insight into what our students are going through.

What advice would you give to current or future OHIO Chillicothe students?
The syllabus is your best friend in any class you are taking. Familiarize yourself with it and refer to it often!!

What drew you to Ohio University Chillicothe, and what inspired you to choose your major?
Ohio University Chillicothe was close to home and offered me the opportunity to earn my degree while balancing family responsibilities. As a non-traditional student, the campus provided a welcoming environment where I could pursue my education while remaining connected to my family and community. I chose education because I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn. Through my experiences as a teacher's aide, substitute teacher, and working with students who have learning challenges, I realized that teaching was where my heart belonged. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students and help them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Chillicothe?
Ohio University Chillicothe was close to home and offered me the opportunity to earn my degree while balancing family responsibilities. As a non-traditional student, the campus provided a welcoming environment where I could pursue my education while remaining connected to my family and community. I chose education because I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn. Through my experiences as a teacher's aide, substitute teacher, and working with students who have learning challenges, I realized that teaching was where my heart belonged. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students and help them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

How did your OHIO Chillicothe education prepare you for your career or life path?
OHIO Chillicothe provided me with valuable hands-on experiences that prepared me for a career in education. Through clinical placements, lesson planning, tutoring opportunities, and my internship experience, I developed the skills and confidence needed to work with students of varying backgrounds and abilities. The program taught me how to create meaningful learning experiences, support struggling learners, and adapt instruction to meet individual student needs. These experiences prepared me not only for a career in education but also for the challenges and rewards that come with serving others.

Who at OHIO Chillicothe made a meaningful impact on your journey, and how did they influence you?
Several individuals at OHIO Chillicothe made a tremendous impact on my educational journey and helped me reach my goal of earning my degree. Jeanie Dalton, who served as both a professor and career coach, was one of my greatest sources of support throughout my time at OHIO Chillicothe. As a non-traditional student balancing family responsibilities, raising a child with disabilities, and adjusting to life after moving to Chillicothe, there were times when college felt overwhelming. Jeanie consistently encouraged me to keep moving forward, helped me navigate challenges, and reminded me to believe in my abilities. Her guidance and mentorship played a significant role in both my academic and personal growth. I would also like to recognize MaryJo Flamm-Miller for the support she provided during some of the most difficult moments of my college experience. While facing significant health challenges and major life changes, she offered understanding, encouragement, and reassurance that helped me continue pursuing my degree. Her compassion and support helped me stay focused on my goals when it would have been easy to give up. Jenni Domo made a lasting impact as both a professor and mentor. She helped me develop confidence in my teaching abilities and provided valuable guidance throughout my education program. Her encouragement and expertise helped shape me into a stronger educator. Dr. Amy Wolfe, my advisor and professor, also played an important role in my success. As an older, non-traditional student, I sometimes felt different from many of my classmates. Dr. Wolfe encouraged me to view my life experiences as strengths and challenged me to be a positive influence on those around me. She helped me recognize that my perseverance, work ethic, and real-world experiences brought unique value to the classroom. Her support gave me the confidence to embrace my role as a student leader and future educator. I am especially grateful to Lorna Buskirk, who helped connect me with Heather Bryant, my mentor teacher and internship supervisor. That connection became one of the most meaningful experiences of my educational journey. Heather Bryant believed in me, supported my growth as an educator, and gave me my first opportunity to work as a teaching assistant. Through her mentorship, I gained hands-on experience, developed confidence in my teaching abilities, and learned valuable lessons that continue to influence my work in education today. Each of these individuals played a unique role in helping me overcome obstacles, grow professionally, and achieve my goal of becoming an educator. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for the difference they made in my journey.

What challenges did you overcome during your time at OHIO Chillicothe, and what did you learn from those challenges?
   One of the greatest challenges I faced was balancing college, family responsibilities, work, health concerns, and raising a child with disabilities while pursuing my degree. There were times when the demands felt overwhelming, but those experiences taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of asking for help when needed. Through these challenges, I learned that success is not always about moving quickly—it is about continuing to move forward even when the path is difficult. These experiences strengthened my determination and helped shape me into a more compassionate educator.

Looking back, what does being an OHIO Chillicothe graduate mean to you?
Being an OHIO Chillicothe graduate is one of my proudest accomplishments. As a small-town girl from Manchester, Ohio, earning my bachelor's degree represents years of hard work, sacrifice, determination, and personal growth. It symbolizes overcoming obstacles and proving to myself that I could achieve my goals despite life's challenges. More importantly, it means I now have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students and serve my community through education.

How have you stayed connected to OHIO Chillicothe or your community since graduation?
 Since graduation, I have continued serving local schools as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant while remaining actively involved in supporting students within my community. I enjoy helping children succeed both academically and personally and hope to continue building a career focused on making a positive impact in education. I remain grateful for the connections and experiences I gained through OHIO Chillicothe and look forward to staying involved with the university and the communities it serves.

What advice would you give to current or future OHIO Chillicothe students?
Don't give up, even when the journey becomes difficult. There will be challenges along the way, but remember why you started. Take advantage of the support offered by your professors, advisors, and mentors because they truly want to see you succeed. Get involved in hands-on experiences whenever possible, ask questions, and be willing to learn from both your successes and mistakes. Most importantly, believe in yourself. You are capable of achieving more than you think, and the challenges you overcome along the way will make your accomplishments even more meaningful.

What drew you to Ohio University Chillicothe, and what inspired you to choose your major?
I was drawn to OHIO Chillicothe because it offered the resources of a major university with a tight-knit, supportive community. Choosing to study both Communications (with a focus on organizations/theater) and Early Childhood Education felt like a natural fit. I’ve always believed that creativity and communication are the foundations of great teaching. I wanted a path that allowed me to combine my passion for the arts with my desire to make a lasting impact on young learners.

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Chillicothe?
It is hard to pick just one! Most of my favorite memories are the hands-on collaborations on campus. From the energy of late-night theater rehearsals to working on lesson plans with close friends in the education department, there was always something exciting happening. Our field opportunities with the county schools were also a major highlight that I still look back on.

How did your OHIO Chillicothe education prepare you for your career or life path?
OUC gave me the perfect mix of traditional academic framework and real-world experience. My communications and theater coursework taught me how to think on my feet, project confidence, and engage a room—skills that are essential when managing a classroom of children. Combined with the foundational child development tools from the education program, I felt fully equipped to step into my career.

Who at OHIO Chillicothe made a meaningful impact on your journey, and how did they influence you?
Ken Bridenbaugh made a profound impact on my time as a student. He constantly challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new perspectives, and bring absolute authenticity to everything I did. His mentorship truly shaped how I approach both my professional work and my personal growth.

What challenges did you overcome during your time at OHIO Chillicothe, and what did you learn from those challenges?
   One of the greatest challenges I faced was balancing college, family responsibilities, work, health concerns, and raising a child with disabilities while pursuing my degree. There were times when the demands felt overwhelming, but those experiences taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of asking for help when needed. Through these challenges, I learned that success is not always about moving quickly—it is about continuing to move forward even when the path is difficult. These experiences strengthened my determination and helped shape me into a more compassionate educator.

Looking back, what does being an OHIO Chillicothe graduate mean to you?
To me, being an alumni means being part of a proud network of educators, creators, and community leaders. It represents earning a quality Ohio University degree while staying connected to a local campus community that genuinely invests in the success of its students.

How have you stayed connected to OHIO Chillicothe or your community since graduation?
I have stayed deeply rooted in our community, which I absolutely love. Today, I am proud to be putting my degree to work right here in the area as a second-grade teacher at Zane Trace Elementary! Outside of the classroom, I stay involved through local education and the arts, attending OHIO Chillicothe alumni events, and keeping in touch with friends and mentors who shaped my journey. I also love staying active locally—you can frequently find me participating in our local run club (IRC), joining community running events, or just enjoying downtown gatherings. I truly love supporting the area that gave me so much.

What advice would you give to current or future OHIO Chillicothe students?
Don’t be afraid to connect seemingly different passions. If you love the arts and education, or science and business, find ways to blend them. Finally, get involved, take risks, and remember that the skills you learn outside the textbook are just as valuable as the ones inside it.

In addition to earning the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies at OHIO Chillicothe in 2007, Bill earned two master's degrees at Ohio University and participated in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Services Leadership Academy.

What drew you to Ohio University Chillicothe, and what inspired you to choose your major?
In 2005, I became a resident of Chillicothe and began working toward a Bachelor of Business Degree. In the process, I took a one-day Saturday class that was basically an introduction to the field of Counseling, and I was first introduced to who would become my greatest mentor, Dr. Mona Robinson.  

Dr. Robinson and I traveled to Washington D.C. three times together between 2008 and 2010 to advocate on the behalf of people with disabilities and the Workforce Investment Act. We also used this time to advocate at the national level for service members returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was hard for me to understand in 2010, as someone who was about to graduate with two master’s degrees, the small amount of professional information and treatment modalities available to counselors unless they were directly connected to Veteran services work.  

Dr. Robinson and I put together a presentation on the topic of "PTSD: Military Culture and Returning Service Members, Clinical Considerations" to present at State and National Conferences over the next three years.  The aim of this presentation was simple, provide background cultural information about veteran’s specific needs when returning from deployment and identifying a framework that was already well known to most Veterans.  We provided education on the concepts of Battlemind, which is a framework that simplifies military acronyms and other differences of branches, while concentrating on the aspects of continuing to build unit cohesion and the supports Veterans can provide to each other, while finding transferable skills that help returning service members to return to civilian life.  

Then, finally, about three years later, many military services organizations began providing presentations to veteran-serving professions and the need for increased education and awareness began to be realized and knowledge was much more easily attainable to folks serving our Veterans.

The technical and applied studies program at Ohio University really was a perfect fit for me for multiple reasons. First of those, I began my academic career at Ohio University as a non-traditional student who had already earned an associate degree from a community college in business administration, while working full-time. 

I naturally wanted to continue coursework that would expand on that skillset, but I also knew I had much more passion than to just working for a business owner or corporation.  

I knew that I wanted to work in public service and give back to the communities that had provided so much care, support, and guidance throughout my early life.  I also wanted to make sure that systems strived toward continuous improvement and provide the greatest return on investment. I am a staunch advocate for increasing positive outcomes for all members of our community.  Fast forward 15 years, though many days I do feel like our profession is both misunderstood and undervalued, I derive great purpose from the work that I am privileged to do every single day.  I am so thankful to be able to say that and build strong, lasting relationships with so many folks that make such a positive impact daily in our neighborhoods, many of them fellow OU graduates. 

What is your favorite memory from your time at OHIO Chillicothe?
I have so many throughout the years.  

Most recently, my favorite memory was the support shown to me and the Mental Health Board while promoting, planning, and administering our Inaugural Community Art Show in the Patricia Scott Memorial Art Gallery in May 2026. I also had the pleasure of serving on the planning committee for the Inaugural South Central Ohio Prevention Conference in 2023. We are about to put on the Fourth Annual regional prevention conference in Bennett Hall on June 24, with the theme “Someone Showed Up”. But I also have so many memories of building relationships with other students, future colleagues, professors, support and student services staff, all spanning more than two decades.

How did your OHIO Chillicothe education prepare you for your career or life path?
OHIO University continues to come in and out of my life throughout my career.  But in those early days, I remember feeling much more prepared than students from other academic institutions.  I mentioned earlier the work that I was able to do in advocating for people with disabilities and returning service members.  That early work would not have been afforded to me if not for my intense connection with Ohio University.

Who at OHIO Chillicothe made a meaningful impact on your journey, and how did they influence you?
I do not want to mention any specifics here, as I am certain to leave out so many great folks!  The personal and professional relationships I have as a result of being part of the OHIO alumni network are countless. It has been one of my greatest observations to see OU build stronger, intentional relationships with the local community. The benefits of providing this greater access to higher education are likely to be innumerable.  Whether that be a formal degree, attending a workshop, a conference, a community event, or University staff participating in each of those mediums, etc.  OU has always been a rich asset to our region, and it is wonderful to see the institution working to expand its reach in our communities and truly collaborating.

What challenges did you overcome during your time at OHIO Chillicothe, and what did you learn from them?
There were many, as there are likely to be for most. The payoff of the determination required and the coming out at the other end, and the support of others is priceless. It is so much more than a paycheck; it is the life you get to live, and all the connections to folks that make up your academic and vocational career. Just keep swimming…

Looking back, what does being an OHIO Chillicothe graduate mean to you?
Looking back, that answer has changed so many times over the past two decades.  But more than anything, it means connection. Connection to information, connection to culture, connection to other students, connection to friends, connection to colleagues, connection to mentors, connection to resources, connection to entertainment, connection to community...

What advice would you give to current or future OHIO Chillicothe students?
The days will come and go regardless. Pursue what interests you and stay determined.  That was the greatest thing that I learned throughout: you must find those natural supports and relationships to pull you through, and you cannot let life’s daily stressors get in the way—it is worth it.