EHE News
EHE alumni receive positive return on smart investment
Last year, Smart Money magazine ranked Ohio State as 11th best for return on investment among all the universities in the U.S. The magazine compared tuition costs to graduate earning power, showing an average return of 179 percent on tuition investment.
Three Education and Human Ecology alumni ranging from early to mature career experience weigh in on how their EHE degrees are giving them a positive return in their careers.
Sharon Cowen
('75 BS, Family and Consumer Sciences Education; '81 MS, Consumer Economics)
Hometown: Bexley, Ohio
Sharon Cowen
I've had three great careers, all related to my degrees. I'm watching my kids figure out college and careers and keep coming back to how my degrees from Ohio State really hit the nail on the head. I currently work for the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension as a county-based educator, a terrific position that uses my skills and experience to educate others.
Right out of college, I worked for United Cerebral Palsy in Columbus, providing independent living training for adults with developmental disabilities. Shortly after graduate school, I moved to Cincinnati for a training program in market research. I spent about 18 years total in market research for several companies as an account executive, analyst and project director. Then 11 years ago, my husband and I moved to Manchester, New Hampshire.
I chose Ohio State for my degrees because I knew it had one of the best human ecology programs in the country. I've always been glad I did.
Craig O. Mattern
('02 PhD, Exercise Physiology)
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Craig O. Mattern
Ohio State, along with my advisor, Dr. Steve Devor,* gave me a balanced exposure to all facets of academia--research, teaching and service--which is exactly what I needed to be successful as a college professor. I am now an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, College at Brockport-SUNY.
Early in my career as a Ph.D. student at Ohio State, I taught in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science. This experience, along with the opportunity to continually watch my mentors deliver effective lectures with meaningful content and rigor, supported my development into a successful instructor. Today, I consistently earn high marks for my teaching effectiveness.
Ohio State afforded me multiple opportunities in research. I worked with Dr. Janet Buckworth on a research grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. I reviewed manuscripts for the International Journal of Sports Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Mike Sherman. I conducted research with Dr. Devor, which I published in peer-reviewed journals. Today, my research program, focused on exercise nutrition and metabolism with varied populations, both clinical and athletic, is progressing well.
Overall, I have found a career that I love and about which I am passionate. I use the skills garnered at Ohio State on a daily basis.
*Associate Professor Steven T. Devor, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, Sport and Exercise Science Program, received a 2006 Ohio State Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, an honor bestowed by current students and alumni.
Brandon W. Deford
('07 BS, Family Resource Management)
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
Brandon W. Deford
During the couple of years since my graduation, I have come to realize the value of a great education and skill set. My degree from Ohio State has given me both of these things and has acted as a springboard into my career as an associate financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual in Columbus. My career has allowed me to utilize the skills I learned in school and expand on them as products and regulations change.
Through the Family Resource Management program and its graduation requirements, I was able to be part of a top 10 internship with Northwestern Mutual while in school. My skills and knowledge learned through my degree allowed me the opportunity to turn my internship into a full-time position. Since then, I have enjoyed the work I do and look forward to continued success in my career.
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