All runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) are invited to run/walk through the CSU campus and trails. A children’s fun run will take place in the stadium that morning as well. Join us for a day of fun and bless others at the same time. There will be giveaways, activities for the kids, and food trucks.

Race organizer Dr. Angela Stagliano, associate professor of physical therapy, said, “Warrior WOD is committed to healing veterans’ invisible wounds through a holistic approach that emphasizes exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. We are excited to support these veterans in their recovery from Post-traumatic Stress and other challenges by investing in their future and empowering them to thrive.”

before April 10 for the best price.

To learn more about WarriorWOD: 

Dr. Michael Wilder, vice president for academic affairs, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony honoring the 55 students inducted into the South Carolina Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi. The achievements of these scholars indicate they understand and uphold the ideals of Alpha Chi – truth and character. 

Alpha Chi, founded in 1922, is celebrating its 104^th anniversary in 2026. It is a coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction. Alpha Chi is a general honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines and is a member of good standing of the Association of College Honor Societies.  To qualify for an invitation, students must be in the top 10% of their junior or senior class.

Poster Presentations:

College of Education

From Challenge to Change: A Phenomenological Study of K-3 Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Technology Integration Along the I-95 Corridor of Shame
Author: MyKeida D. Middleton
Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston

Caregivers’ Perspectives on Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents’ Academic Performance
Author: Emmanuel Ndiokho
Faculty Sponsor: Robin Franklin

Human Trafficking Training in the Lowcountry: Examining the Lived Experiences of Law Enforcement Officers in Berkeley, ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ, and Dorchester Counties.
Author: Tiffany Coleman
Faculty Sponsor: Tonya Houston

College of Health Sciences – Athletic Training

Misdiagnosed Cervical Spine Injury in a Collegiate Football Player:��A Case Study
Authors: Jana Butler & Holden Smith
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Tibial Plateau Stress Fracture in a High School Male Athlete:��A Case Study
Authors: Lex��Rabinowitch��& Caroline Malpass
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Cyclops Lesion in a Collegiate Female Basketball Player: A Case Study
Authors: Bernabe Juarez, Justin May, & Victoria Whaley
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

Infectious Mononucleosis in a High School Wrestler: A Case Study
Authors: Caitlin Brown, Elizabeth Nutter, & Kaitlin Phillips
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

College of Health Sciences – Physical Therapy

Functional Movement Screen and Complimentary Assessments on��Injury and Risk��Prediction Accuracy of Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Schuyler Ossman, SPT, Zach Markiewicz, SPT,��Paul Fitzgerald, SPT, & Justin Henson, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS,��& Austin McPhail, PT, DPT, OCS

Benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Mechanically��Ventilated Patients
Authors: Therese Smiley, SPT, Otway Cash, SPT, & Kassidy��Detvan, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, DPT, PhD,��& Kerri Borton, PT, DPT

The Anatomy of the Pelvic floor, its Function and Pathology��in Childbirth
Authors: Virginia Crawley, SPT, Hannah Powell, SPT,��Jasmine Jones, SPT, & Jamiya Stokes, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Douglas��Keskula, PT, PhD AT-Ret,��& Megan Rome, PT, DPT

A Comparative Analysis of Virtual vs. In Person Donor��Prosections��on Anatomy Learning Outcomes for Physical Therapy��Assistant (PTA) Students
Authors: Kylee Boggs, SPT, Francis Blubaugh, SPT, Carina Phillips, SPT,��& Hannah Young, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Douglas��Keskula, PT, PhD

Variability in Continuous Relative Phase in the Lower Extremity during��Landing Compared to Landing Error Scoring System
Authors: Christian Davila, SPT & Christy Valderrabano, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Ultrasound Assessment of Musculoskeletal Tissue with Isokinetic��Dynamometry to AssessFunctional Performance in Upper Extremity
Authors: Kyle Davis, SPT, Sam Mackie, SPT, Walker Carver, SPT,��& Ryan Singletary, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Effects of Virtual Reality During Gait Training in Children with Cerebral��Palsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rachel Johnston, SPT, Carly Comalander, SPT,��& Kalle Edwards, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Janet Tankersley, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS

Comparing the Impact of BFR on Quadriceps Fatiguability in the��Luteal vs��Nonluteal��Phases
Authors: Bailey Treadway, SPT, Jonathan Masters, SPT,��Grayson Sossamon, SPT, & Luke Caddy, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS,��Austin McPhail, PT, DPT, OCS, & Kerri Borton, PT, DPT

Cardiovascular Benefits of Aquatic-Based Treadmill Training
Authors: Laura Gendreau, SPT, Alexis Washington, SPT,��& Jatyra Holmes, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Becky Schoeneberg, PT, DPT, PhD,��& Nicole Decker, PT, DPT, GCS

Immediate Effects of Dry Needling on Gluteus Medius Muscle��Performance: A Single Blind Experimental Study with a��Pretest-Posttest Design
Authors: Grace Bauman, SPT, Alejandra Lazo, SPT, Lindsey Smutz, SPT,��& Meg Douberly, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: Jacob Thorp, PT, DHS

The Role of Pelvic Floor Musculature and Process of Urination in��Females Under the Age of 45 with Urge Incontinence
Authors: Sydni Dachs, SPT, Hailey Wells, SPT, Nicole��Palatas, SPT,��Grace��Wildgen, SPT, & Megan Winningham, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: Douglas��Keskula, PT, PhD AT-Ret,��& Megan Rome, PT, DPT

Electromyography of Deceleration Brake Training: A Potential��Addition to Conventional Shoulder and Thrower’s Rehabilitation
Authors: Grant Drenning, SPT, Davis Jackson, SPT, Garrett Sicard, SPT
Faculty Sponsors: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT,��& Angela Stagliano, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GTS, CSCS

Comparing Lower Extremity Muscle Quality and Muscular Strength in��an Active Population
Authors: Josie Clary, SPT, Hermes Gomez, SPT, Amanda Harris, SPT,��& Carrie��LaBonte, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Lower Extremity Stiffness��and Change of Direction in Recreationally Active Individuals
Authors: Ben Whitt, SPT, Hope Oeding, SPT, & Adam Goetz, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

Oral Presentations:

College of Health Sciences – Physical Therapy

Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching on Lower Extremity Stiffness��and Change of Direction in Recreationally Active Individuals
Authors: Ben Whitt, SPT, Hope Oeding, SPT, & Adam Goetz, SPT
Faculty Sponsor: FJ Goodwin, PT, PhD, DPT

College of Health Sciences – Athletic Training

Infectious Mononucleosis in a High School Wrestler: A Case Study
Authors: Caitlin Brown, Elizabeth Nutter, & Kaitlin Phillips
Faculty Sponsors: Renae Bomar & Steele Morris

“This change is paramount to our students’ success in preparing for their future application to a variety of healthcare based programs,” said Steele Morris, program director and instructor of public health. “It also demonstrates the versatility of a public health degree in all areas of population health.”

The biggest change is the public health: preprofessional health studies program will require students to complete two lab science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I and Chemistry I) and then allows students to choose the remaining five lab science courses needed to complete the degree.

Morris said, “This change allows students the flexibility to choose the lab-based science courses they need to prepare for the specific graduate program of their choice, while also growing a deeper understanding of the patients they will care for in their future career.”

While some individuals will move into other areas of study after completing this degree, the students who this change benefits most are those preparing for specific graduate programs including:

• Physician Assistant

• Physical Therapy

• Physician (MD/DO)

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• Veterinary Medicine

• Occupational Therapy (BA or BS)

• Speech Language Pathology (BA or BS)

The rapidly growing public health profession can lead to careers in many of the fastest growing professions throughout the country. The rise of lifestyle-related illnesses, an unsustainable increase in healthcare costs, and the need for preventive medicine combine to create a pivotal and exciting time to become a public health professional. 

The field of public health will position you to make a difference in the well-being of our communities, schools, and workplaces.

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University graduated its inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy class on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Forty-five students were commissioned after successfully completing the 2.5-year intensive medical program at CSU. This is the second doctoral program at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern, the fourth DPT program in South Carolina, and the only university in the state to offer a co-enrollment DPT and MBA degree program �DZ��ǰ��ٳܲԾ��ٲ�.��

Dr. Janet Tankersley, chair of the DPT program, said CSU’s most recent graduates were developed, trained, and mentored in a Christian environment, and “demonstrate compassionate, evidence-based clinical care while serving their community and profession with humility.” 

“They are pioneers,” she added. “They have been faithful, diligent, and determined from the beginning to help us build a program of excellence that reflects God’s guidance.” 

By the numbers��
CSU’s newest doctors have charted the course and are ready for the real world with 85% job placement immediately after graduation. The remaining 15% are choosing to wait to apply for jobs post licensing exam in January. ��

The fall 2024 graduating class includes four undergrad CSU alumni, and four who are working on their MBA at CSU to complete by spring and summer 2025. Since the program’s inception, 13 of the 45 within the inaugural class were authors with DPT faculty on 29 peer-reviewed abstracts presented at national and international conferences as well as three published peer-reviewed manuscripts. 

In addition to scholarship and research, the DPT program is community-service driven, with graduates of the program completing at least 10 major projects across the South Carolina Lowcountry and around the globe in their 2.5 years at CSU. 

Accreditation��
ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s DPT program also was recently granted their five-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs.��

At the start of the fall 2023 semester, students came to Dr. Janet Tankersley, director of the physical therapy program, asking to design an immersive mission and work trip. Seeing the desire and passion in these students’ eyes, Tankersley agreed. So, starting in August 2023, students got together and brought their vision to life. 

After reaching out to local churches to intertwine their work into spreading the Word, students started working closely with the Bonilla family, worship leaders at North Palm Church. The church frequently led mission trips to Costa Rica and were looking to expand their horizons into helping medically as well. The trip was set for Dec. 18-22.

Tankersley hosted a former student of hers to discuss with the group how to share faith through their practice and work. The students also hosted a drive where they gathered equipment such as transfer belts and put together lectures on how to train staff on biomechanics. Since the students were versed already in some physical therapy tactics, they focused on planning to teach body mechanics, posture, and mobilities.

“If you really want to see what God as planned, you’ll just give it up to him,” said Tankersley as she worked with the students to create their itinerary. The students made contact with two elderly homes in separate regions of Costa Rica. Both family-owned and Christian driven, these homes had a huge need for training, education, and working directly with the elderly and staff. The group worked with staff in transferring patients from bed to floors. With residents, they worked on stimulating activities for dementia and cognition through games and movements.

This was the main aspect of their trip, but through the Lord’s grace, the group found contact with a school of 14 children with disabilities who were wanting to learn new physical therapy approaches. 

The CSU team gathered at a university in the mountains with the students, their parents and special education teachers. The students did research on what individual students needed and were assigned to them, creating a bond from the start. The group worked on mobility, and they worked with the teachers on things they could do with the students such as how to adjust their wheelchairs and manage their equipment. The CSU team also brought Christmas gifts to give as they celebrated the Christmas spirit with cake.

Toward the end of their trip, they were granted an amazing opportunity. They gained contact with the Costa Rican Women’s National Soccer team through the Bonilla family. The CSU team met for the soccer team’s final practice before the national championship. They opened it up for the students to come watch and meet the soccer team’s physical therapist. This was a great opportunity for CSU students to experience a member in their career field. 

On their final days, the team got to enjoy some team building, taking a catamaran out to the Tortuga Islands to snorkel, swim, hike, and banana boat rides. 

Every morning the CSU team woke up and performed devotionals and debriefs. They also were����open to eating the authentic food of the area. Tankersley recognized that there was so much more that is needed in education, so she has agreed to host virtual sessions as well, expanding the Costa Rican’s knowledge.��These students not only got to experience an amazing educational opportunity but also make connections as well. They are following up with the children and parents while they continuously are building on their education and learning from what they have already done. “These students have started this, really from nothing, but we have built these connections,” said Tankersley. “The next class is already talking about picking up where they left off and building on the training and education.

The CSU Bachelor of Science in kinesiology is joining the list of enhancement eligible programs for Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship recipients. The enhancement provides an additional $2,500 in scholarship funding for those awarded Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarships.

According to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, student eligibility for first-time recipients of the kinesiology scholarship enhancement will begin with the freshman class entering in the 2023–24 academic year. These students will be eligible to receive the scholarship enhancement as sophomores in 2024–25. Students who are currently receiving a scholarship enhancement and wish to change their major to kinesiology will be eligible to begin receiving the scholarship enhancement in 2024–25. 

In order to maintain the enhancement, as well as Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarships, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA each year.

Dr. Gabby Poole has been selected as the dean of the College of Health Sciences at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University. Having served as interim dean since January 2022, Poole previously served as the founding program director for the Physician Assistant Program. 

Poole shared her plan to build upon the work during her time as interim, noting opportunities for growth and expansion of the two undergraduate programs—kinesiology and public health—as well as the four graduate programs—physician assistant, physical therapy, clinical counseling, and athletic training. “The undergraduate programs at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University are the heart of what we do and why we do what we do every day. Kinesiology and public health programs provide foundational support for our graduate programs while training students in both of these key areas to meet community needs.” 

As for the popular, in-demand graduate programs, Poole said she’ll continue to provide the appropriate level of support to ensure the foundation of each program remains strong.  

“We have been tremendously blessed to have established strong partnerships in and around the ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ community to support all of our programs,” said Poole. “My hope is that when our students go out into the community, they are a direct reflection of the mission and vision of CSU to the people who they have the opportunity to interact with and serve each day. I am excited for the opportunities we have within the College of Health Sciences to grow our current programs and to potentially add new programs that will allow CSU to continue educating students in a Christian environment.” 

Before arriving at CSU in 2016, Poole was a PA with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. In addition, she served on the board of directors for the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants for seven years, including a two-year term as president. She was honored as the 2015 South Carolina PA of the Year for her work with this professional organization. Poole also served on various committees for the Physician Assistant Education Association.  

“Dr. Gabby Poole is the perfect choice to serve as our inaugural dean of the College of Health Sciences,” President Dr. Dondi Costin said. “Having served in the trenches to launch our highly effective Physician Assistant Program as its founding director, Gabby understands program development, accreditation, compliance, CSU culture, and visionary leadership like nobody else. We are blessed to have a highly experienced leader of her caliber in such a key position on our team.”��

After graduating from Wofford College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, Poole went on to earn her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from MUSC in 2009. In 2020, she received her Doctor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Education with an additional certificate in Healthcare Administration and Management from the University of Lynchburg. 

Married to her husband, Anthony, for 11 years, the two have five children: Reagan, Emmy, Will, Michael, and Sam. 

Steele began her PA career in primary care and also has clinically practiced in general and subspecialty surgical medicine and women’s healthcare. She most recently served on the board of directors for a North Carolina-based FQHC and has been an active member of both the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants as well as the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. At the national level, she serves on the Physician Assistant Education Association Leadership Mission Advancement Commission. 

Dr. Gabby Poole, dean of the College of Health Sciences, said, “Dr. Steele brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University PA Program that will allow her to provide the leadership and expertise we need to support and grow the program moving forward. I am excited to come alongside her as she leads the faculty, staff, and students into this next chapter, and I am incredibly thankful God led Dr. Steele to CSU and to our program!”

The fact that the CSU PA program is built on a foundation of faith in Jesus attracted Steele to CSU. “The mission of the program,to educate compassionate and highly motivated individuals in a Christian environment who excel in providing patient-centered care, practicing as an interprofessional team, serving as leaders in their communities and advancing the PA profession, combines my love for Jesus and fulfilling the Great Commission with educating future colleagues in this PA profession I love so dearly.”

As a practicing PA, Steele enjoyed caring for patients who were at a distinct and vulnerable point of need. She has a background in surgical medicine and OBGYN. She said, “In both fields, people are facing exciting challenges or frightening circumstances. To be able to connect and care for people in crisis or in times of great joy has been my favorite aspect of medical practice.”

Steele is passionate about training a generation of PAs who are well-equipped to navigate not only disease states but also social determinants of health, barriers to healthcare access, inequities, and the impact of these on communities. She prioritizes instilling a sense of compassion in students and compelling them to be lifelong, self-motivated learners who practice evidence-based care.  

Steele said, “To be able to integrate faith in the learning process so students can do the same in their exam room encounters is a privilege.”

She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Lee University, a Master of Medical Science in physician assistant program from Emory University, and a Doctor of Medical Science in physician assistant education from the University of Lynchburg.

She said, “We are thrilled to join the CSU family. Relocating to ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ has been a distinct difference from life in Atlanta and, most recently, rural Western North Carolina. We are excited to worship alongside colleagues as we attend our new church home and to serve our community as the salt and light we are called to be. My husband, Jeff, and I love spending time with our three children, Jeffery, Brianna, and Hudson Grey. In our free time, we are often found near the water, especially the beach.”

Moving into adulthood as one transitions from college into the real world is no easy task. As students face down the graduation stage, many find themselves facing questions; “Did I choose the right major?” “Will I be able to find a job?” “Have I made good decisions?” and one that rings through the ears of even the most confident student, “What on earth is my purpose here?”

Audra Wiser, public health major and senior at ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University, took the opportunity to grapple with her purpose during summer break of 2022. 

Wiser went to Quito, Ecuador, for an internship at a health clinic for eight weeks from June to July. Having completed her minor in Spanish, she wanted to use that minor in collaboration with her personal passion for global health.

Through the program , Wiser was able to find an internship at Clínica Bastet, translating to Bastet Clinic. 

Bastet Clinic is dominantly a facility for family mental health care; however, they had a doctor who was working in collaboration with the  to collect data and make recommendations regarding how best to approach and resolve the public health issues that were most impacting the local community.

Wiser was instrumental over the course of these eight weeks in collecting that data and was a primary voice in making those recommendations through the doctor to the ministry. 

The journey was not all sunshine and roses, according to Wiser. In fact, shortly after she got there, she received bad news from the United States Embassy in Ecuador; as uprising and protests broke out across the nation of Ecuador, she was rendered unable to begin her internship. Vehicles and tires, among other debris, were set on fire as protestors blocked traffic to speak out against the government’s mistreatment of Ecuador’s Indigenous population. 

These protests went on for two weeks, which was much longer than expected, making conditions unsafe for Wiser. She was using public transportation to get to the clinic, which meant she was on the bus for at least an hour every time she went to her internship. For a few days, there was even talk of her having to leave and being unable to complete her internship. “I think it’s just a really important part that I like to share with people because I think it’s a good reminder that traveling and going abroad isn’t just all the pretty pictures that you see on social media,” said Wiser. “There’s so much more, so much that can be really hard and really challenging. That was a big part of the beginning of my trip that was pretty crazy.”

Just as Wiser was approaching the deadline to either leave or begin her internship, the demands of the protesters were satisfied enough that it no longer presented for her a danger. This allowed her to finally begin the work that she felt she was always meant to be doing.

Wiser overcame many obstacles to her time and success in Ecuador. She faced a language barrier, acknowledging that speaking Spanish in real life is very different from speaking it in a classroom. She said it felt like, “I knew nothing.”

“I wanted so badly to just be able to communicate with anyone and everyone, but it just wasn’t there,” she said. “Being a foreigner in another country, you really stick out; people know that you’re a foreigner. It’s different.”

This struggle also came in addition to the sheer culture shock of experiencing such a vastly different routine and way of life. Wiser described it as a somewhat Americanized experience relative to other foreign countries, but still incredibly different. “Their way of life, like, it’s so much more slow-paced than here,” said Wiser. “For example, I would get to the clinic on time and the doctor might not show up for an hour and a half and that was just normal.” She tried very hard to immerse herself into their way of life.

Wiser was able to overcome these struggles and even began to feel quite at home in Ecuador, making her job at the clinic more enjoyable as she pursued her purpose and vision for her life.

At the clinic, Wiser was a community health worker, primarily responsible for going out and speaking with the local people in order to collect health data from a random sample. Due to a large amount of government and police mistrust, Wiser did find it hard to get people to speak to her as they believed her to be associated with the government, but she persevered and found success in her work.

She also had a large role in health education of the local population.

Every week, Wiser would get a new topic to collect data about the health of the community around the clinic. She was able to organize that data and analyze the results, draw conclusions and then make presentations on the topics for the week in order to teach that community each Wednesday about their health.

Wiser was given the chance to educate several members of the community of all ages about topics of their personal health, as well as give them space to ask questions about some more stigmatized topics.

There were several public health issues Wiser was able to pinpoint and address, especially poor nutrition and overconsumption of sugar, as well as issues of gender violence and poor education surrounding the more stigmatized aspects of public health. 

This experience gave Wiser invaluable experience in the world of public health, especially global health and learning to customize solutions to the environment she’s in, but also showed her many people’s stories, perspectives and walks of life. “I was able to experience how, like, everything can affect people’s health,” said Wiser.

Wiser witnessed firsthand the intense patriarchy of the Ecuadorian culture and saw how that impacted the health of women. She met people who impacted her in ways she believes she will always remember and was able to impact the lives of those people as well. 

She was also given the opportunity to learn a new culture, as well as to teach the people around her pieces of hers. “I loved the experiences I had there,” said Wiser. “I think overall I just felt a sense of adventure and a little bit of freedom.”

Wiser also said that this time gave her a new perspective on her purpose in this world and altered her relationship with the Lord.

“I think my relationship with the Lord grew a lot while I was there because… I was put in such a vulnerable position, a position where I didn’t really know anyone, where things were really challenging and I could feel a little unsafe at times and so ultimately, like, the only person I really had, the only thing I really had to rely on was God,” Wiser said. “It was the only thing I really had that felt secure.”

Wiser felt that the time she spent in Ecuador was an opportunity for her to dive straight into the work God was calling her to do and created her to do. “Like a lot of people, there were a lot of times where I struggled, like ‘what was my purpose? What am I supposed to do? What am I passionate about?’” said Wiser. 

She said that her time in Ecuador felt like she was spending every day doing what she loves and living out her purpose. “For one of the first times, I felt like I was living out a calling that God had placed in me and God had been preparing me for. I felt like I had a lot of purpose there.”

“There’s a lot of days where I wish I could go back, but it has also given me a better idea of where I want to go, too. I still don’t know what postgraduation will look like, but I just know where my purpose is and that what I felt in Ecuador is what I want to feel on a regular basis,” she said. “I just know that what I was doing there is what God is calling me to.”

Marissa Thompson is a senior communication major and was a fall 2022 intern with the Office of Marketing & Communication.