Spring 2021 Graduates

Congratulations to the 34 Arts Administration, Education and Policy spring 2021 graduates! As we say goodbye to these students we welcome them to our alumni - a rich and vibrant group of arts practitioners, professionals and administrators paving the future of the arts in a wide range of arts education and policy related fields.

For the first time in over a year, Ohio State will host commencement in person. Two ceremonies will take place on May 9th at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM in Ohio Stadium. The university will welcome Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, as spring commencement speaker, whose remarks will be delivered virtually. Visit Ohio State's Commencement page to learn more.

Michelle Attias

Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Awards and recognition:

2021 Manuel Barkan Dissertation Award

What is something positive you have learned about yourself? "Artmaking is a rhetoric of expression, and a means of creating connection and inclusion which is vital for all educational environments. My research would not have evolved without the mentorship of Dr. JT Richardson, who shares my passion for artmaking. I learned the importance of relationship building, and that research is not an activity which occurs in isolation."

Olivia Huffstetter

Hometown: Tyler, TX
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Specialization: Art Education
Who was your greatest mentor? "My greatest mentor was, without question, my advisor, Dr. Dana Carlisle Kletchka. She was assigned to be my advisor when I first entered the program, and I loved working with her from the start. I am forever grateful for her support and encouragement throughout these past 3 years."

Allison Paul

Hometown: Yellow Springs, OH
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Specialization: Art Education
Awards and recognition:

2016-2017 Albert Schweitzer Fellow

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "I am grateful for an inspiring and supportive committee throughout unexpected challenges over the long haul of my dissertation process. I have gained a greater understanding and deep appreciation of the interconnectedness that is essential to our wellbeing and a critical foundation for pursuing arts and education as part of practicing peace and justice in our communities."

Ava Truman Morgan

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Who was your greatest mentor? Dr. JT Richardson (advisor) and Tracie McCambridge, Director of Art & Resilience, Wexner Center for the Arts

Xuan Zhang

Hometown: Beijing, Ching
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Specialization: Art Education
Awards and recognition:

2021 AAEP Outstanding GTA Award, The Ohio State University

Who was your greatest mentor? "Dr. Joni Acuff, a very respectable, responsible, and supportive mentor who has helped me with tremendous guidance in every stage of conducting my research."

Biyun Zhu

Hometown: Beijing, China
Degree: PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Specialization/Minor:

Cultural Policy and Arts Management (specialization)
Public Policy and Management

Awards and recognition:

2020 University Graduate Associate Teaching Award (GATA), The Ohio State University
2020 Barnett Dissertation Fellowship, The Ohio State University
2020 AAEP Outstanding GTA Award, The Ohio State University
2020 Gordon P.K. Chu Memorial Scholarship, The Ohio State University
2020 Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum Award Winner (3rd Place), The Ohio State University
2019 The Fulbright Annual Conference Travel Grant, Fulbright Association
2018 Emily D. Mulcahy Award for Student Research, Social Theory, Politics, & the Arts Conference
2017, 2018 & 2019 Arts & Humanities Graduate Research Small Grants, The Ohio State University
2016- 2017 Barnett Fellowship, The Ohio State University

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "I have learned to embrace complexities and uncertainties. Stay calm and keep writing. Everything will be just fine."

Lisa Brunswick

Hometown: Celina, OH
Degree: Master of Arts (Art Education)
Who was your greatest mentor? "My two biggest mentors in completing my master's degree were Dr. MaryLouise Poling, who was my advisor when I began this journey, and Dr. Ruth Smith, who was my teacher, mentor and support as I finished my degree this past year."

DeAvin Mitchell

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Degree: Master of Arts (Arts Policy and Administration)
Specialization: Public Affairs and Nonprofit Management
Awards and recognition:

2019-2020 Graduate Enrichment Fellow

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "I can be less guarded about sharing my full self and the appropriate opportunities for me will still reveal themselves!"

Ashton Peck

Degree: Master of Arts (Art Education)

Hannah Buckey

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Luke Crosby

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Mara Dennison

Hometown: Columbus, OH
Degree: Bachelor of Art Education
Awards and recognition:

Magna Cum Laude
Dean's List every year at Ohio State

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "I learned to not be afraid to make hard decisions and to stick by my gut."

August Drobney

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Miriam Light

Hometown: Solon, OH
Degree: Bachelor of Art Education
Awards and recognition:

Fall 2019 - Featured in Curated Exhibit "Assemblage"
Summa Cum Laude
Recipient of the Schwartz Scholarship Fund
Recipient of the Snow Endowment Fund

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "Ohio State has taught me how to think in a more divergent and open-minded way. My time here has made me a more creative thinker, and student teaching has taught me that I am a more patient person than I originally thought I was."

Madison Lyons

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Keely (Kathleen) Murray

Hometown: Copley, OH
Degree: Bachelor of Art Education, Associate of Arts
Awards and recognition:

Dean's List 2019-2021
Magna Cum Laude

What is something positive you learned about yourself? "I came to college unaware of my life purpose. After stepping foot into Mark McGuire’s Intro to Art Education class, I immediately changed my major to become an art teacher. After the past couple years of pursuing this dream, I have found my purpose of showing anyone and everyone that they too can be an artist. With creative thinking and autonomy in mind, I hope to show young students the importance of thinking outside the box, and accepting and embracing their unique attributes."

Mia Oberfield

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Jessica Shirley

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Hailee Stay

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education

Giovanna Todd

Degree: Bachelor of Art Education