Meet the Team

My name is Michael Ankrah, and I’m originally from Ghana. I currently serve in the Army National Guard and will reach two years of service this coming February. My primary role is as an HVAC technician (91C), though I occasionally work with the Bravo team as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. 

At Ohio University, I’m a senior pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering with the goal of becoming a power engineer in data centers, an area I believe is critical as the world continues to advance in AI technology. 

I was drawn to the Veterans Center because I value the opportunity to connect with others, build community, and support fellow military-connected student.

Hometown: Lewis Center, OH 

Major: Communications 

Military Connected Background: My dad is a retired U.S. Army Veteran. 

Why I wanted to be involved in the Veterans Center: "I am very thankful for the opportunities that my dad's service has afforded me, and I want to help others be able to do the same. I want to be there for people like him.

I'm originally from Warren, Ohio, and currently a junior at Ohio University, majoring in Aviation Flight. In addition to my studies, I have been serving as an Electrical and Environmental Journeyman on C130s with the Air Force Reserves at the 910th Airlift Wing since January 2023. 

Since my freshman year, I’ve been working at the Veterans Center, where I’ve had the opportunity to support and connect with other military-affiliated students. My military-connected background has shaped who I am and drives my passion for giving back to this community. Being involved with the Veterans Center and serving as president of the Student Veterans of America has allowed me to help build a welcoming and supportive environment for those transitioning into or continuing their academic journey. One of the most rewarding parts of my college experience has been connecting with others who share similar experiences and helping them succeed both in and out of the classroom.

I’m Amanda Druckenbrodt, a senior Integrated Science Education major at Ohio University. Originally from Dresden, Ohio, I started at the Zanesville campus before moving to Athens. 

As an Army dependent, my father’s 22 years of service, including a deployment to Iraq, inspired my passion for supporting military-affiliated students. I joined the Veterans Center in 2024 to help others navigate college, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my OU experience.

Hometown: Columbus (specifically Delaware) 

Majors: Finance & Business Analytics 

Military Connected Background: My dad was in the Navy (Navy Seal) 

I wanted to be involved in the Veteran’s center to get the opportunity to support other military connected students who may have similar background and shared experiences with a parent in the military.

OU Social Work Program Internship

Hometown: Mansfield, Ohio

Major: Social Work w/ a minor in Psychology & certificate in Interprofessional Care

I chose the Veteran & Military Services Center to support those who have served, gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, and explore how I can better advocate for this community especially if I pursue a career in social work.

My name is Tessa Bigler, and I am a Chemistry major here at Ohio University. I am entering my final year at OU, and I am originally from Ashland Ohio. I’m honored to be working with the Veterans Center as a Military Community Advocate (MCA), where I’ll be working closely with Counseling and Psychological Services to support and uplift our veteran and military-affiliated students. I’ve been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard since I was 17 and am nearing the completion of my six-year contract. My time in the military has shaped my passion for helping others and leading by example, and I look forward to bringing that same commitment and energy to this role.

Hometown - Euclid, Ohio. Just 15 minutes away from Cleveland. 

Major - I am an ITS Cybersecurity student through Schoonover college. 

Military connection/background - I am a specialist in the United States Army Reserve and have been in for 2 years. 

Why I wanted to be involved in MCA - I wanted to help make things easier transitioning into a school setting just as others have done for me. I see it as a way to give back and provide support to people whether they know they need it or not.

Hometown: Lakewood Ohio 

Major: Psychology 

Military Info: Active-duty navy from 2015-2024, switched to reserves in 2024 to present 

Involvement: My ultimate goal is to take my education and continue onto serving and counselling Veterans and Survivors of Assault. Working with the veteran center was a no brainer and offered opportunities like the MCA scholarship I am currently involved in with working with the campus SAP program.