Isabella Amoth, a sophomore at SOU, embodies the ideal student-athlete. On the field, she commands the midfield for the SOU soccer team. In the classroom, she is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science. Isabella’s success is rooted in her strong connection to her family, her rich cultural heritage, and the supportive environment at SOU.
Brad Dahlin, a graduating senior in the Communication department at SOU, is a recipient of the Olsrud scholarship, which has supported his pathway to graduation as an emerging media writer. Brad transferred from Rogue Community College as a junior, and has found community at SOU in profound ways.
For college students, the pursuit of higher education is often accompanied by a myriad of challenges. Beyond academic coursework, students grapple with financial constraints, housing insecurities, and the ever-present pressure to balance their studies with work and personal lives.
Annabell Delgado, a first-year student and Lithia & Driveway Scholar at SOU, is making a name for herself as a first-generation college student while juggling work, school, and her passion for criminal justice.
Kayla Dumore wanted to stay close to home when she was thinking about college. Since she grew up in Central Point and graduated from Crater Renaissance Academy, place was an important factor in her decision making. She chose SOU as a way to stay close to family and also because of one of her influential mentors, Native American Studies faculty member Brent Florendo, guided her toward SOU as an exceptional educational choice.
Felipe’s decision to attend SOU was influenced by a family friend who resides in Ashland and spoke highly of the university. Intrigued by the affordability, the beautiful natural surroundings, and the small class sizes, Felipe decided to visit the campus. The visit solidified his choice—SOU was the perfect fit for his academic and personal growth.
Ian Ingram, a computer science student and scholarship recipient at SOU, has committed himself to understanding and promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence. As an SOU student, he is passionate about driving community innovation.
Taylor Jackson, Honors College Scholar and SOU Beach Volleyball Athlete, is an exceptional student whose SOU journey exemplifies a commitment to societal betterment, academic excellence, and athletic skill. Taylor is a senior studying biochemistry with a minor in biology, and she hopes to enter the world of medicine and ultimately, would like to become a physician.
Spanning various academic departments, from Chemistry and Biology to Computer Science and Mathematics, and under the guidance of faculty mentors, the SOU Summer Research Experience engages students in projects that push the boundaries of conventional knowledge.
The writer and teacher bell hooks wrote that “…education as the practice of freedom affirms healthy self-esteem in students as it promotes their capacity to be aware and live consciously,” which relates beautifully to SOU’s mission of preparing students to become engaged citizens in our democracy. The SOU Bridge program does just this by providing resources to underrepresented students so they can learn how to create successful lives of purpose.