Fall Grad Spotlight: Jamie Price

William (Jamie) Price is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in specialized studies from the University College at Ohio University Eastern.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My immediate plans are to catch my breath. I have been working on this degree on and off for 32 years. I am just glad the end is in sight and am proud my wife, Tammy, and my sons get to see me reach this long-sought-after goal. 

What memory stands out from your time at OHIO Eastern?
Being that Covid had such an impact on the last few years, I never was able to attend any classes in the building. However, the interactions that I have had with professors and staff have been extremely positive and OHIO Eastern has created an environment that allows you to succeed if you make the effort.

Why did you choose OHIO Eastern? 
OHIO Eastern offers a wide variety of online classes. That was key for me as a non-traditional student with work and family obligations. Every instructor was accommodating in the aspect that they realized that balancing work and family, with things like sports for the children, and their educational obligations had to be a factor in an adult student’s education. OHIO Eastern was perfect for me in that regard.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Kevin Spiker. He makes you want to be in class. He loves to interact with his students, and he is inclusive of all opinions and viewpoints. He is extremely gifted at boiling any issue down to how a student can relate to it, be it by using pop culture or other commonly known references, and thus, you grasp the concept he is trying to get across very easily. I tell every person, young or old, who is going to OHIO Eastern to take a class with Dr. Spiker at some point. You will not regret it and you will have fun.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Eastern? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
Political Science Statistics. I had not had a math class since sometime in the 1980s. I was terrified I was going to get a low grade and blow my GPA or possibly fail it. Dr. Spiker and Jennifer Kellner-Muscar convinced me that I had what it takes to get through it and if I worked hard, despite my lack of math skills, I could get through. I did and it was such a personal triumph. 

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
At the age of 50, I will walk away with a bachelor's degree I have been pursuing for 30+ years. OHIO Eastern made that possible and I will be forever grateful I chose to be a Belmont County Bobcat. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Just the school in general. The staff and the instructors are top-notch and make sure you succeed if you give them your effort. Oh, and the 10 percent discount at Wally’s pizza at the gas station.