From career preparation to local advocacy, hear from current OU students who have found ways to follow their passions outside of the classroom.
Mikayla Ponder Edmond, Oklahoma
Advertising
Class of 2025
Lindsey+Asp, the student-run advertising and public relations agency in Gaylord College, has given me the opportunity to learn and grow professionally through the hands-on work we complete for our clients. I am constantly learning new skills, including how to use the podcast studio housed in Gaylord's John Bonnar McBreen Multimedia Center. I am also part of Ad Club, which allows me to network with fellow advertising students, professors, and alumni. During our meetings, I've built important connections with professionals who currently work in the advertising industry!
Ellie Wolthuis Barrington, New Hampshire
Political Science; Chinese
Class of 2026
I currently serve as the Vice President for Crimson Sweethearts, an all-girls organization focused on forging relationships between members, providing service to our local community, and uplifting women everywhere. As a freshman, I joined Crimson Sweethearts to meet other girls on campus and for the chance to get involved, and I am happy to say I've made incredible friends and learned the importance of leadership and responsibility through my position.
Morgan Chen Longmont, Colorado
International Studies; Mathematics
Class of 2024
Outside of my coursework, I serve as the President of The Oklahoma Group, an organization that works with over 75 Oklahoma nonprofits to improve everything from strategic planning to capital campaigns to social media and marketing. I joined because I wanted to learn more about nonprofit management. Today, when I look back, I can tell it has enhanced my overall OU experience by helping me build skills that are necessary for anyone's future career, including research, writing, public speaking, and collaboration.
Rylie Francis Whitehouse, Texas
Chemical Biosciences
Class of 2026
As part of Camp Kesem at OU, I help serve Oklahoma kids whose parents are diagnosed with cancer. These kids are offered a week-long free summer camp and year-round peer support to help uplift them during the toughest times in their lives. I also spend time outside of my coursework as a teacher's assistant for OU's Anatomy Lab. I help guide fellow students through my favorite class!
