Three sisters, one campus: The Gardner sisters’ journey at OHIO Eastern

When Miley Gardner enrolled at Ohio University Eastern to study human biology, she didn’t anticipate starting a family tradition. But her decision inspired her twin sisters, Gracie and Lanie, to follow in her footsteps. Now, all three sisters are building their futures together—right on the same campus.

For the Gardners, the choice to attend OHIO Eastern was about more than academics. Affordability, flexibility, and proximity to family made the regional campus a smart and supportive option. Miley, a junior, is studying human biology. Her twin sisters, Gracie and Lanie, are wrapping up their first year, each charting her own course while sharing the experience of college life side by side.

“When I first applied, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study,” Miley said. “Ohio University Eastern was a good starting point to help me decide what I wanted to do.”

Gracie echoed that feeling, describing the campus as “a great place to take basic classes while I figured out what I wanted to do.”

Lanie, who plans to transfer to West Liberty University for dental hygiene, said the small, supportive environment helped her feel grounded in her first year.

“It felt like the right place to lay a strong foundation for my future,” she said.

Staying close to home also played a central role in their decision.

“Being close to home, especially for my first year, was ideal,” Gracie said. “I wanted to experience college life while still being so close to my family.”

Though they share a campus, each sister is on a distinct academic path. Inspired by her high school anatomy and biology courses, Miley is preparing for graduate school with a goal of becoming a physician assistant. Lanie’s interest in health sciences led her to the pre-med track as preparation for a future in dental hygiene. Gracie is still exploring her options, grateful for the flexibility that allows her to take time deciding on a career direction.

Being together has created a strong support system for the sisters.

“Going to the same school makes it easier to communicate about our busy days and schedules,” Gracie said. “It’s helpful to have my sisters to lean on during difficult decisions and processes.”

Miley has also appreciated the unique opportunities at OHIO Eastern, including working with cadavers in the biology lab.

“It’s a unique and meaningful experience,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful and have deep respect for the donor bodies that make this kind of hands-on learning possible.”

Whether preparing for medical school, dental hygiene, or exploring different possibilities, the Gardner sisters are making the most of their time at Ohio University Eastern—staying close to home while building bright futures.