Accelerating the Scientists of Tomorrow

After her first year working at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, Betsy Mitchell sought to advance her education by pursuing a master's degree in the natural sciences. She was set on attending Northern Kentucky University. However, NKU didn't offer the particular program she needed-but this didn't deter her. The faculty and advisors were convinced by her determination, so they curated a class schedule matching the requirements for a degree in Environmental Education. "My unique experience and the course flexibility are what sold me on supporting NKU," says Ms. Mitchell.

After graduating from NKU, Ms. Mitchell went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics Education, completing all but her dissertation. She left the program after landing a position with the Human Genome Project, a job she couldn't refuse and which kicked off her long academic career. No matter where Ms. Mitchell has found herself working or studying, NKU has always held a special place in her heart. "The faculty and atmosphere on this campus are invaluable. I've been involved with both larger and smaller universities and found that NKU is like the tale of Goldilocks, just the right size," she says.

Recognizing her appreciation for NKU and her desire to see her giving in action, Ms. Mitchell chose to jumpstart the endowed Betsy Mitchell Diversity Scholarship for the Sciences, a scholarship for students majoring in the natural sciences, with preference given to those who identify as Latin or Hispanic. By donating a portion of the gift now and leaving the remainder of the gift through her estate plans, she ensured that students could benefit from her philanthropy immediately while also impacting students long into the future.

While working at a university near the Mexico border, Ms. Mitchell got a glimpse into the educational struggles that Latin and Hispanic students often faced. With many hailing from high schools and homes where English was not the primary language, they encountered more obstacles on their path to academic opportunities. Working with those students greatly influenced Ms. Mitchell's charitable goals. "I wanted to assist the Latin and Hispanic community back home," she says. "In order to receive a well-rounded education in the sciences, there needs to be a diverse group of people meeting and participating in these discussions."

Ms. Mitchell is excited to watch the natural science programs at NKU continue to evolve with the rapidly progressing advancements in science. She envisions NKU's future as one of growth, particularly in our innovative endeavors and in developing students who will lead that innovation. To the recipients of her scholarship, Ms. Mitchell urges them to remember that nobody succeeds on their own. "Talk to your professors because professors can open the world for you. If you need to be tutored, go to tutoring. If you need mental or physical care, please use the available resources," she says.

Gifts from donors and alumni like Ms. Mitchell encourage students to persist, meet each challenge with confidence and seek the help of others as they strive to advance themselves and their communities. "NKU needs alumni and donor support, especially those who are excited about education and willing to contribute to the areas where they think their commitment would best serve students," says Ms. Mitchell