The Ohio State University Inspire

A couture dress in a thrift store, a story about race

A thrift store debutante gown turns out to be a creation by Ann Lowe, the first Black designer and maker of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress. Behind the exquisite stitchery, a tale of race and daunting odds.
 
Click here for transcript.  See the dress in our YouTube Premier event.
 

Racial Reckoning: Black students tell their stories

Five Black Ohio State students tell the shocking stories of racism they've endured, and how "emotionally exhausting" being young and Black in America can be. How educators can help, and how these students intend to turn the tide through education.
 
Transcript available here.
 
 
 
 
 

Fighting hunger through science

She grew up sheltered from poverty in her comfortable home in Ghana. But when Irene Hatsu came face-to-face with extreme hunger, she decided to do something about it. At Ohio State, the associate professor of nutrition teams up with a top researcher to help a vulnerable population in novel ways.

Year of upheaval and innovation: 1968

Michael Allen came to Ohio State in the late ’60s expecting to study under leading experts in human engineering. Instead, he pioneered computer-based educational technology at the university, commanding the attention of IBM, Apple and other technology heavy-weights.

Throwing the shackles off mathematics

Mathematics works to hold some people back: Children fitting a stereotype are encouraged to think; others are told to follow. 9/11 changed Associate Professor Theodore Chao’s purpose. He’s out to prevent math trauma by helping children engage in mathematics in “amazing and deep ways.”

Awakened to privilege: ‘Rich, white guy’ finds the sweet spot

Higher education expert and Flesher Professor Matthew Mayhew believes that college is "the great intervention" that motivates students to understand difference — in race, religion and world view. How did an evangelical Christian who grew up with packaged privilege come to that conclusion?

Black and gifted: A trailblazer's backstory

Nationally recognized expert Donna Ford tells her backstory on being gifted, black and poor in East Cleveland, and how it motivated her to create change for gifted children of color.
 
-Robin Chenoweth is a writer for The Ohio State University's College of Education and Human Ecology. She spoke to Dr. Donna Ford, a professor of special education.
 
The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology is a tapestry of people with fascinating stories to tell. Individually and collectively, faculty, staff, students and alumni are led to improve lives, create change and help those outside privilege — often led by their own personal experiences to make change. Here are their stories

The Ohio State University Inspire trailer

Where does the spark to innovate come from? Faculty, alumni and students at Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology tell how they discovered their calling sometimes against incredible odds. Despite the curve balls thrown at them, these pioneers are led to improve lives and create change for those outside privilege. Our monthly Inspire podcast tells their stories.