“If you want a school that is about building relationships and opportunities, then Wittenberg is the place for you!”
Rachel Ross from Westerville, Ohio, knows what it means to be a scholar-athlete. The math major, with a statistics concentration, and business minor came to Wittenberg with a knowledge of numbers and a passion for athletics.
“I have always been good with numbers and have enjoyed being around people and that's why I chose the combination of math major and business minor. I felt having a math major would open a lot of doors for me in the future since a lot of people do not like math and find it challenging,” Ross recalls.
Performing well in the classroom and on the field, Ross has earned no small number of accolades.
“There are a lot of accomplishments that I am really proud of at Wittenberg but what stands out is being nominated for the John Wooden Citizenship Cup Award as well as being an Academic All-American. These awards represent what Wittenberg is all about: academics, extra-curricular activities, athletics and leadership. I was pretty excited about breaking the all-time career wins record as a pitcher as well.”
Knowing that victories are often the result of team efforts, Ross cites her professors and coaches as playing a significant role in her success.
“One of my professors that I really look up to is Dr. Wendy Gradwohl. She has helped me grow both as a student and person and encouraged me to try things out of my comfort zone. Her care for students’ learning, her positive nature in all situations, and her praise of students’ accomplishments have made her someone that I admire. I could name at least 10 other professors, coaches and administrators who have had positive impacts on me and helped me obtain my goals through out college.”
Following graduation, Ross will take up a position with Fifth Third Bank’s Commercial Leadership Program in Cincinnati.
Her advice to future students: explore every opportunity to try something new.
“If you want a school that is about building relationships and opportunities, then Wittenberg is the place for you! I have been able to hold multiple leadership roles on campus, excel and have success as an athlete, conduct research, attend academic conferences, have dinner at my professors’ homes, get internship experience and join a sorority. I don't think any other school would have allowed me to have all these opportunities. Both the opportunities and people make Wittenberg such a special place!”
