Why did you choose to attend WVU? 

I cannot deny that a large part of the reason I attended WVU was the financial aid that the state provided, it made college a lot more affordable than the other options I was considering, but I also really loved the program when I was doing research on what college to attend! It is small and supports its students well, which is something that I was looking for directly out of high school.

What do you like about your major and your WVU experience? 

Like I said before, I really love the small size of the program and support given to students. You form a great connection with your professors when there are only a handful of other students in your program, because they can give you individual attention in a way that a larger program cannot. I love art history, especially the research aspect and that is something I have gotten a lot of help with over my four years here at WVU. The professors in the department have made every effort to help me get the materials and travel to the places I need to go to be the most successful student I can be. They are there not only to support you in classes, but they also listen to you and give input when discussing future educational and career plans!

What advice would you give to prospective students considering attending WVU's College of Creative Arts? 

Don't be afraid to get involved! You might seem busy all the time with classes and homework, but being a part of student orgs or groups on campus lets you get away from all the stress of college of an afternoon to help you reset.

Have you recently received any awards or scholarships? Have you recently participated in any competitions, productions, performances or exhibitions? 

Last summer, I received a Gilman Scholarship which supported a month-long trip to Austria, Germany, and France to conduct research for my senior capstone. It was probably my favorite experience I have had during college and I have so many amazing memories from it. As a result of that trip, I was able to present my capstone research at the annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol this past February and submitted it to the CCA's Mentored Research Awards. Last fall, I presented a different paper at SECAC's undergraduate research panel. I have also been involved in installing the exhibitions in the Mesaros Galleries in the CAC this past year.

Do you participate in any clubs or organizations?

I am currently the president of the Art History Club here on campus and have been for the past 2 1/2 years. It has been a great experience as we have been able to reach outside the College of Creative Arts and draw in students from other colleges to learn more about art history. We have hosted events such as glass fusing, pottery, and paper making as well as trips to Baltimore and Fallingwater. Our main goal is to expose more students to art and architecture in any way we can!