Telling the story of Southeastern Ohio: Cathryn Stanley’s journey from student to regional advocate

For Ohio University alumna Cathryn Stanley, storytelling is at the heart of her work.

Today, that passion continues not through newspaper bylines, but through tourism campaigns, museum exhibits and historical preservation efforts that celebrate the heart of Southeastern Ohio.

Stanley, a vital community partner at Ohio University Eastern, began her college journey as a high school student taking College Credit Plus courses at OHIO Chillicothe.

After graduation, she continued her studies at OHIO Lancaster before transferring to the Athens campus to pursue a journalism degree through the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

From those early classroom experiences to her current role curating and promoting the region’s rich history, Stanley’s path reflects the strength and impact of Ohio University’s regional campus system and how it helped her find both her career and the place she now proudly calls home.

“I originally wanted to pursue advertising,” Stanley said. “But I was drawn to writing and storytelling, and the professors I met along the way encouraged me to follow that path.”

Preparing her to reach her career goals

That path led Stanley to earn a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Along the way, she found a tight-knit community at Ohio University’s regional campuses, which offered academic rigor along with personalized support and meaningful connections.

“The professors at both OHIO Chillicothe and OHIO Lancaster were fantastic,” she said of her time on the regional campuses. “I was even able to take classes taught by visiting journalism faculty from Athens, which gave me an early connection to the main campus experience. That kind of access was invaluable.”

Stanley cites Dr. Michael Bugeja and Professor Cassandra Reese as two of the most influential figures in her college experience.

“Dr. Bugeja taught my magazine and ethics classes, and I worked as his editorial assistant," Stanley said. "Professor Reese stayed on as my advisor even after I changed my academic focus. They both had time to talk to me, guide me and connect me with opportunities.”

Those connections helped launch her journalism career, which included roles at weekly and daily newspapers, ultimately leading her to serve as an editor. But today, her passion for storytelling has taken a new shape.

Taking her career in a new direction

“I never imagined I’d work in tourism or at a museum,” Stanley said. “But everything I’ve done has led to this. Tourism marketing is all about storytelling. So is curating exhibits at the museum. I use my writing, editing and research skills every day.”

Stanley, who has worked in tourism for eight years and at the museum for five, now finds herself speaking publicly, hosting community events and spotlighting the region’s rich history, including partnerships with OHIO Eastern.

“Cathryn Stanley has been a valuable partner in strengthening the connection between Ohio University Eastern and the local community,” said Donielle Flynn, OHIO Eastern manager of communications and external relations. “Through collaborations that highlight our campus’s rich history, including the 65th Anniversary exhibit at the Belmont County Heritage Museum in 2022, leadership events hosted on campus, and the inclusion of historic landmarks such as the Great Western Schoolhouse and the Shaeffer Campbell Covered Bridge, both located on our grounds, we are able to showcase the unique heritage and vibrant culture of the region.”

It’s a full-circle moment for someone whose story began in the classrooms of Ohio University’s regional system.

“To anyone considering a regional campus: do it,” she urged. “You’ll save money, get excellent instruction and build relationships that support you every step of the way. I was more successful academically in the smaller classes, where professors were accessible and invested in me.”

Advice for current students

With her experiences in mind, Stanley encourages students to explore every opportunity, whether it’s poetry readings, student publications or spontaneous internships.

“I didn’t plan this career, but it’s turned out to be the perfect fit,” she said. “Find what excites you and build your career around it. There’s power in starting small and growing into something bigger than you imagined.”

For Stanley, that growth has led her to a place where her passion and purpose align. She’s now rooted in a community she values, not only telling the stories of Southeastern Ohio’s heritage, but actively helping to shape them.

To learn more about Cathryn Stanley’s work, plan a visit to the Belmont County Heritage Museum, or discover all that Belmont County has to offer, explore visitbelmontcounty.com.