When Jenna began her looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a school with a strong Psychology program. As her search continued, Jenna narrowed her list down to two schools.  

“I visited Stevenson multiple times, but it was a Psychology class that made me choose to come here,” Jenna said. “Seeing the small class sizes, the exceptional professors, and the emphasis on career preparation all confirmed Stevenson was the right fit for me.” 

Focused on a Career Helping Others 

Jenna has structured her academic life at Stevenson around a simple goal: helping others. She has taken electives to familiarize herself with current topics and issues facing professionals in the human services field.  

“My Psychology and Counseling and Human Services classes are always interesting and have allowed me to gain the skills needed for a career in the helping profession,” Jenna said. “After graduating, I plan to earn my master’s degree and pursue a career in counseling or social work. I’m committed to making a meaningful difference in others’ lives during their hardest times.” 

In addition to her coursework, Jenna has participated in an internship with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Working out of the department’s Catonsville office, Jenna sat in on meetings, shadowed case managers and intake workers, and joined case managers on house visits and school visits. 

“This internship allowed me to learn about a population I had not encountered before,” Jenna said. “During the internship, I acquired knowledge about the juvenile justice system, the courts, and case managers, and saw how the human services field fits into a system like DJS.” 

Making Her Mark on Campus 

Once she came to Stevenson, Jenna didn’t wait long to get involved. She became a Student Ambassador, joined the Psychology Club and Baking Club, and participates in both the Honors and Leadership Scholars programs.  

On top of her work with on-campus clubs and organizations, Jenna also continued volunteering weekly in her church’s special needs ministry, HUGS, where she worked alongside individuals with disabilities. 

“I am most proud of my involvement on campus, and the leadership roles I’ve taken on” Jenna said. “As a member of the Psychology Club executive board and as senior Student Ambassador, I’ve learned time management and communication skills as well as how to work within a team and adapt to new challenges every day. I recommend new students at Stevenson take the time to get involved and use all the resources available to you.” 

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“What I really wanted from my college was a focus on careers after graduation and student support,” Kai said. “I chose Stevenson University and its Film and Moving Image program because both are career-oriented.” 

Finding His Place in the Film Program 

After transferring to Stevenson, Kai wasted no time getting involved in Stevenson’s FMI program and the film community at Stevenson.  

His program’s small class sizes allowed Kai to quickly build connections with his classmates and the FMI faculty while learning the art of filmmaking. 

“At Stevenson, I gained experience with gear and production techniques through classes like Cinematography: Color, Documentary/Promo, Narrative Production, and my capstone class,” Kai said.  

In addition to his courses, Kai worked on other students’ films and joined Stevenson’s FMI Club. His documentary, Josef, won “Best Documentary” at the club’s 2025 FMI Awards—an annual event that recognizes films made by Stevenson students during the preceding academic year.  

Discovering a Passion for Production Design 

Before college, Kai was torn between studying film or architecture. Even after deciding to pursue his film studies at Stevenson, Kai still had a strong interest in architecture. Eventually, he found a role that combined both interests: art directing and production design.  

“My interest in architecture directed me towards working in the art department in film,” Kai said. “There, I’m able to connect and apply elements of architecture and building to film.” 

Building the Foundation for a Film Career 

Through Stevenson’s Career Connection Center and the connections Stevenson’s FMI faculty have with filmmakers and the film industry in Baltimore and beyond, Kai has been able to participate in and complete multiple internships.  

“Stevenson’s resources helped me find internships with established filmmakers to enhance my knowledge of film production and build my network,” Kai said. “I’ve completed several internships, doing everything from working on film productions to film festivals. Recently, I worked as an Art Director, which really elevated my art skills and abilities to work in a higher position.” 

The hands-on learning in his internships have complemented his classroom education and prepared Kai to enter the film industry with confidence, connections, and real work experience.  

“Stevenson has helped me achieve my career goals,” Kai said. “I recommend Stevenson University to film students—and any other student—because of the education and the career support it provides.” 

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“I decided to study Nursing because I wanted a career where I could make a real difference in people’s lives,” Andrew said. “Nursing offers both that purpose and the versatility to grow in many directions.”  

Andrew decided to study at Stevenson after taking a campus tour. He was particularly impressed by the community feel of Stevenson’s campus and its dorms.  

“I first came across Stevenson University through an ad I received in the mail during the pandemic in 2020,” Andrew said. “The impressive dorms and a great scholarship offer made it clear that Stevenson was the best fit for me.”  

Now a senior, Andrew has enjoyed the opportunities the Nursing program at Stevenson University has extended to him. Small classes are essential to the academic experience at Stevenson, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. These small class sizes have allowed Andrew to build one-on-one professional mentoring relationships with Stevenson’s experienced nursing faculty. He credits two faculty members in particular with helping him during his sophomore year and preparing him for his clinical rotation the following year.  

“In my junior year, I completed my first clinical rotation at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in the Burn ICU (BICU),” Andrew said. “There, I discovered my passion for intensive care nursing. This experience solidified my commitment to working in high-acuity environments and played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations.” 

Like Andrew, all students in the Nursing program at Stevenson participate in clinical nursing courses beginning in their third year. These courses allow students to gain experience in a healthcare setting while engaging with real-life issues. Stevenson’s Sandra R. Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions partners with some of the Baltimore region’s leading healthcare systems and hospitals to provide students with this valuable learning opportunity.  

The same year he completed his first clinical rotation, Andrew also applied for and received the SNAP Scholarship from MedStar Health. The scholarship is awarded to a senior Nursing student. Recipients receive financial support during their senior year and will participate in a practicum at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in exchange for committing to work for two years at the hospital. According to Andrew, the scholarship has had a positive effect on his post-graduation plans.  

“With the SNAP scholarship, there is a commitment to work for two years post-graduation in exchange for the financial support during your senior year. My future plans involve staying locally in Baltimore and giving back to the community by working in the Emergency Department at Franklin Square Medical Center while continuously advancing my clinical skills and certifications, ultimately aiming to become a flight nurse. 

“After graduation, I’ll be staying local in Baltimore, working in Franklin Square Medical Center’s Emergency Department for at least two years,” Andrew said. “I plan to continuously advance my clinical skills and certifications to ultimately become a flight nurse.” 

Asked what advice he has for new students—whether they’re studying Nursing or any of the dozens of other academic programs and majors at Stevenson—Andrew encourages students to participate in campus life.  

“There are so many chances to connect with others, join clubs, and participate in student activities,” Andrew said. “I’d recommend getting out of your dorm early, exploring the opportunities on campus., and building connections early on.” 

Reflecting on his time at Stevenson, Andrew appreciates the growth the program has fostered within him—both academically and personally.  

“My experience as a Nursing student has been a challenging rollercoaster, pushing me to persevere and grow into a skilled and resilient student,” Andrew said. “It’s shown me that I have a natural aptitude for clinical nursing and the ability to handle the demands of the career. Stevenson University does a great job of facilitating professional connections, while giving students a solid foundation for their careers.” 

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“I loved how all of science worked together like a puzzle,” Allison said. “It was fascinating to me how you could continue to try to put the pieces together to learn new things.”

Her interest was fostered by her high school classes and through her participation in her high school’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program. By the time Allison began looking at colleges, she knew she wanted to study Biology, but she wasn’t sure where. She ultimately decided on Stevenson University after touring the campus and attending an Accepted Students’ Day.

“I chose Stevenson partly because I knew I wanted a college environment where I could feel welcomed and has a vibrant campus life full of clubs, athletics and events, as well as in-depth career and graduate school preparation,” Allison said. “I like how Stevenson prepares students beyond just the four years of college: whether through job placement or preparation for graduate school Stevenson prepares students for a future after college.”

During her years at Stevenson, Allison has been busy. As a Biology major who is also part of Stevenson’s Pre-Medical pre-professional advising track, much of Allison’s time has been spent in the labs and classrooms of Stevenson’s Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences, learning alongside her peers and conducting research alongside experienced faculty. Allison credits all of these activities with preparing her for her future career.

“My experience within the Biology program has been outstanding,” Allison said. “Throughout the past four years, I have taken a wide variety of hands-on-labs, engaged in on-campus research, and participate in national database labs. These labs encourage independent thinking. I have also taken classes that have prepared me for my internships and beyond. The Biology program has not only provided me with the pre-requisites needed for medical school, but has helped me gain laboratory experience I can showcase and critical thinking skills I can apply to any job setting.”

Of all of these experiences, Allison considers her on-campus research with Dr. Goicochea one of the pivotal moments of her time at Stevenson. Allison and Dr. Goicochea presented their work at the 2025 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Research Conference.

“Most of all, I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Goicochea of the Biology department in cell culture with the goal of creating a new therapy for blood-based cancers based around natural killer cells,” Allison said. “Stevenson offering on-campus research is itself an amazing opportunity, but getting to research with Dr. Goicochea has been a highlight of my Stevenson career. My success with that experience encouraged me to pursue an additional research opportunity at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. I believe I qualified for this because of the knowledge and hands-on skills I learned at Stevenson.”

Allison is also enrolled in Stevenson’s Bachelor to Master’s Option. The program allows Stevenson undergraduate students to complete their master’s degree online in just one extra year. Students in Stevenson’s online bachelor’s to master’s programs can earn up to 50% of the credits for their graduate degree while still an undergraduate and at the same cost as undergraduate credits, saving students time and money. After earning her Master’s in Healthcare Management from Stevenson, Allison plans to apply to medical school and become a physician.

“Beyond Stevenson, I will be applying to medical school with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician,” Allison said. “I would love to go into pediatric immunology. I have always been passionate about immunology and have only become more interested in the field after my experiences in an immunology class and conducting research at Stevenson.“

In addition to her busy academic life, Allison threw herself into campus life and has also been active in the community. She is a student-athlete on the Women’s Swimming team, served as president of Stevenson’s Student Government Association (SGA), is a member of the Leadership Scholars program, provides tours to prospective students and their families as a student ambassador, served as treasurer of the First Responders Club, is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority, and volunteers as an EMT in the community.

“By being involved on campus in clubs, athletics, and on-campus employment, I have grown and developed my leadership skills,” Allison said. “But, also, as a member of this campus, I can confidently say Stevenson has been my home over the past four years.”

Asked about her advice for students considering studying Biology or enrolling in the Pre-Medical program at Stevenson, or both, Allison encourages students to keep their minds open, follow their passions, and develop relationships with their professors.

“The first piece of advice I have for students who are considering a Biology or Pre-Medical track is to be open to new classes and experiences: whether in a lab, an elective, or other experience,” Allison said. “You may surprise yourself by finding a new passion or something that could ultimately shape your future career. My second piece of advice would be to utilize your professors! All of the science faculty (and any faculty on campus) are extremely supportive and want you to succeed. Don’t wait to ask questions, go to office hours, and seek out support. These are the people that will help you grow into your future career and graduate programs.”

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Since graduating, Richie has been working as a thermal blanket specialist at Aerothreads—a manufacturer of multi-layer insulation located in College Park, Maryland. He creates the company’s unique insulating textiles that are deployed on satellites, spacecraft, and aircraft for a variety of corporate and government clients.  

“I never thought I would end up anywhere near the aerospace industry,” Richie said. “A lot of the workers there have a background in some type of design or sewing. It’s a lot of precise cutting and crafting, and it helps because we’re good with our hands. It’s kind of like making clothes, but for machines.” 

While at Stevenson, Richie made connections among his peers and professors, and participated in the Fashion Design & Apparel (FAD) club. In the summer before his senior year, Richie received a Student Scholarly and Creative Works Summer Grant. The grant allowed him to spend a summer working closely with Stevenson faculty to create a line of sustainable bamboo fiber T-shirts. Not only was he able to create the shirts, but the connections he made during the summer led him to an internship at Baltimore Uniforms & Tailoring, a clothing manufacturer located in Baltimore.  

During his time in the program, Richie enjoyed collaborating with his classmates and professors on a variety of projects, including his capstone.  

“Collaboration was natural and we definitely helped each other out,” Richie said. “The professors were always helpful and supportive. They didn’t shy away from helping. Especially if they could see students were struggling, they would always ask what we needed and offer help with the design. They helped throughout the entire process.” 

In addition to studying Fashion Design, Richie minored in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, one of the Professional Minors offered at Stevenson. Professional Minors are a unique program that allows students to further shaper their educational experience to meet their specific career goals, gain a competitive edge in the job market, and take courses tied to a specific in-demand industry or profession.  

Richie credits all the experience he gained and connections he made during his time at Stevenson with bringing his dream of starting his own brand closer to reality.  

“I’m working on a long-term design project, my own fashion brand,” Richie said. “I minored in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, and it helped me realize that I don’t want to just launch another brand that’s going to die out in a few years,” Richie said. “I’m going to take my time with this, put real intent into it. I want it to grow naturally.” 

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“Nursing sparked my interest because it gives me the ability to make a positive impact in someone else’s life,” Meghan said. “Plus, the field offers so many directions and specializations, so you never feel stuck in one place.” 

A native of Maryland, Meghan was familiar with Stevenson but only began taking a closer look at the school once she decided to study Nursing. Exploring the Nursing program at Stevenson University, Meghan learned about its deep connections to local hospitals and health systems, an advantage for clinical placements. She was also attracted to Stevenson for its small class sizes, reputation for personalized support, vibrant student life, and strong athletic program.  

“I had always known Stevenson existed, but nothing beyond that,” Meghan said. “When I started really thinking about college, I realized I wanted a school where I could get a degree in the medical field while also furthering my passion for running. Stevenson was a good fit for me as soon as I first toured the campus. I knew I would be successful with the opportunity to know my professors and classmates in a personable environment.” 

Meghan appreciates the experiential and hands-on approach of the Nursing courses at Stevenson. And, as an athlete on both the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, an Honors Student, and a Leadership Scholar, Meghan has fully dived into campus life at Stevenson. Meghan believes that by challenging herself on the field and in the classroom, engaging with the community, and developing her leadership skills, she is giving herself an edge in her future career in sports medicine.  

“I plan to work as a Sports Medicine Nurse after graduation,” Meghan said. “My experience as a three-season athlete will give me a solid background to enter the field and work with athletes and coaching staff. I didn’t know what specialty of Nursing I wanted to pursue before coming to Stevenson, but after the experience I have gained throughout my athletic career I have developed a deeper appreciation for sports rehabilitation and orthopedic nursing.” 

Meghan recommends Stevenson to any student considering a career in Nursing, especially those looking for a well-regarded program that offers hands-on, career-based experiences.  

“Stevenson is surrounded by some of the top hospitals in Maryland,” Meghan said. “It made such a difference in my college decision process knowing that I chose a school that encourages and helps students gain experience in their field before they graduate. My advice to new Stevenson students is to be engaged. You get out what you put into any course or program, so get involved! 

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“The professors at Stevenson have been so great and so supportive,” MacKenzie said. “They’ll help you with any class you need help with, and they have connections. If you work hard and you’re passionate about what you want to do they’ll help you. You just have to reach out and talk to them.”

As a Leadership Scholar and an active member of Stevenson’s Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences, MacKenzie experienced the rich campus and academic life Stevenson offers. During her junior and senior years, MacKenzie participated in Stevenson’s Summer Science Scholars Research Program (S3RP). S3RP allows students to work full-time for 8 weeks during the summer in one of Stevenson’s research laboratories, computer labs, or in field studies under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

“I had so many things to talk about in grad school interviews,” MacKenzie said. “I had the opportunity to present my summer research at the American Chemical Society conference last year in New Orleans. And this year, I went to the conference in San Diego to present my capstone research project.”

Now, after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Stevenson, MacKenzie is enrolled in the highly-specialized Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion at the University of Northern Kentucky.

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More than Just an ID Number 

Tamar was drawn to schools with smaller class sizes when conducting her college search. The 15:1 student-to-professor ratio is part of what made Stevenson stand out to her.  

“I liked the idea of being a student with a face, not merely another ID number to check off a list,” Tamar said. “I’ve found an ever-growing, tight-knit community of friends and mentors here at Stevenson, and to me, that has made my college experience all the more meaningful.” 

An Active Member of a Vibrant Campus: Tamar’s Experience as a Chemistry Major

Tamar flourished with the tight-knit community within the Chemistry program in Stevenson’s Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences. An active American Chemical Society Club member, Tamar served as the club’s president during her sophomore year.  

“My American Chemical Society executive board experience was an incredible learning opportunity – one that also lent itself to a lot of fun,” Tamar said. “We hosted community engagement events, like the Chemistry Magic Show—where schoolchildren are invited to learn about chemistry through exciting laboratory demonstrations—and St. Baldrick’s Day at Stevenson University, which raised money for childhood cancer research.” 

Gaining Valuable, Hands-On Experience 

From internships and summer research to her honors project, Tamar took advantage of the many experiential learning opportunities offered at Stevenson.  

During her work as a lab intern at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Tamar researched the proteins that play a role in inflammatory diseases and cancer cell expression.  

“In the Nathan Schnaper Intern Program (NSIP) in Translational Cancer Research I worked in the lab under a UMB mentor during the spring and summer,” Tamar said. “This allowed me to gain more research experience and learn more about the connections between laboratory research and its clinical applications.” 

Empowered to Make a Difference: The Honors Program at Stevenson

Like all members of the Honors Program at Stevenson, Tamar was responsible for creating two independent projects. For one of her projects, she worked one-on-one with a faculty mentor to create and distribute educational material about human papillomavirus (HPV), both on Stevenson and in the broader community. The pamphlets Tamar were ultimately provided to Stevenson’s wellness center and a low-income clinic in downtown Baltimore.  

“I believe that project highlights one of the main goals of Stevenson’s Honors program: empowerment through education,” Tamar said. “I like how Honors contracts allow students to gain insight into a field of their choice, where they can further their personal goals and expand their horizons while creating a project that can truly make a difference in people’s lives. This project would not have been possible without the help of my incredible mentors, both at SU and at off-site locations, and I’m incredibly grateful to all of them.” 

Tamar’s Advice to New Stevenson University Students 

“Do your best and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The plans you have on day 1 of college may not be the ones you graduate with. You’ll figure out what strategies work for you, for studying and otherwise. Know that it’s okay for plans to change, and know that you’ll be able to find professors and mentors to advise you.” 

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Student, Athlete, and Active Community Member

Throughout his time at Stevenson, Jai has been heavily involved with campus life. He has participated in athletics as a member of the Men’s Track and Field team, including holding a team leadership position, and served as a team representative to the University’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).  

Jai has also been an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Black Student Union (BSU), Men’s Bible Study Club, Leadership Scholars, and the Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) National Mathematical Honors Society. 

“My favorite memory of my time at Stevenson must be getting inducted into Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) National Mathematics Honor Society,” Jai said. “I have always enjoyed math, so I found additional pleasure in being inducted into KME. I also have countless memories from the lifelong friends I have made during my time at Stevenson.” 

Building a Foundation for the Future

Jai has taken advantage of Stevenson’s commitment to connecting students to their careers to build a strong foundation for his future. In addition to his coursework, Jai has conducted research alongside the Biomedical Engineering faculty and presented at regional and national conferences.  

“I am most proud of my research progression,” Jai said. “In a year, I assisted in and conducted research in two different labs, presenting at three regional and two national conferences. I even received a full travel award that covered my flight, hotel, and conference fees.” 

Gaining Applicable Experience in the Workforce

Like all Stevenson students, Jai took part in experiential learning. In his case, Jai participated in two internships.  

“My first internship was at AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, where I learned how to create effective standard operating procedures (SOPs),” Jai said. “My second internship was research based in the Neural Interface and Modeling Lab at the University of Southern California through the Viterbi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program sponsored by Amazon. At the USC internship, I researched neural modulation, specifically how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects spatial learning and memory in rats.” 

Jai’s Advice to New Stevenson University Students

“The biggest struggle in the transition between high school and college is knowing how to manage your time effectively. I encourage incoming freshmen to find the method that works for them, as it differs for everyone. This will tremendously help you in the long run.” 

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Writing a New Chapter: Samantha’s Experience as an English Major

As an English major at Stevenson, Samantha focused on developing her writing skills. Her courses provided valuable opportunities for growth. Not only was she able to engage with and learn from her peers and professors, but Samantha also took advantage of opportunities for off-campus learning, including attending conferences like the Association of Writers and Writing Programs conference.  

“It was my first time ever attending a conference,” Samantha said. “It was a really important piece of my professional growth to be able to transfer my networking skills off-campus.”  

Samantha also served as editor-in-chief of The Greenspring Review, Stevenson’s literary magazine. Her time leading the publication was her proudest achievement at Stevenson.  

“It’s so fun to lead meetings and host amazing events that are centered around creative writing,” Samantha said. “Our members are amazing people who are so fun to be around. Students really appreciate it when we give them opportunities to express themselves on campus. It’s great that every year we create this amazing final product that many students value!” 

Samantha especially enjoyed being able to plan the magazine’s poetry competition, the Verses Competition, the same contest she won as a sophomore.  

“To have my work validated by the professors and other representatives of Stevenson that I respected was a great honor,” Samantha said. “Then, planning that same competition two years later, it felt great to give students the same opportunity I had to explore their writing and put themselves out there for other students to see.” 

A Full and Varied Campus Life

In addition to her studies and work with The Greenspring Review, Samantha enjoyed an active campus and extracurricular life. As president of Stevenson’s Food Recovery Network, Samantha organized food recovery—enabling students to take leftover food from dining halls and donate it to local homeless shelters. 

During her four years at Stevenson, Samantha also DJed at Wild Stang Radio, the school’s student-run radio station, and worked at the Writing Center, where she helped other students improve their writing.

Samantha’s Advice to New Stevenson University Students 

“When you start college, it’s scary. Everything seems unfamiliar and it’s hard to be confident in what you’re doing. Remember, everyone was in that place once! So, instead of being afraid to speak up or break the ice with the person sitting behind you in class, try to be the first to say hello. It’s a small thing, but that might start a friendship with them or someone else. Odds are, the other people around you are nervous too!” 

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