A career at The Ohio State University provides a full spectrum of opportunities to make a lasting impact on the world.
For Angie Wellman, that opportunity lies in fostering and sustaining a sense of community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Ohio State students; connecting them with social and academic resources; then watching them walk across the commencement stage with an Ohio State degree.
“It was an accident,” said Angie about becoming a counselor. “I had planned to become a high school English teacher.” She worked at a camp during college when, one day, Angie noticed a pattern of youth struggling with identity issues. After helping them through their challenges, a new door—and career path—opened.
Recently, Angie accepted the position of Associate Director of the Office of Student Life’s Multicultural Center, after serving as the Intercultural Specialist for LGBTQ Student Initiatives in the department for the past six years. She is a 2016 recipient of the university’s Distinguished Staff Award.
Before coming to the university, Angie was the director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a drop-in and resource center for Central Ohio LGBTQ youth. In January 2010, a board member at the center recruited Angie for her role in Ohio State’s Multicultural Center.
What impressed Angie the most during her recruitment process, and what sealed the deal for her to launch an Ohio State career, was the passion she encountered with every interaction, combined with the unique scale and breadth of opportunity Ohio State provides.
“Diversity isn’t just in the recruitment brochure, it’s in the fabric of the university,” Angie said.
Angie’s most impactful work at the university lies in her opportunity to provide meaningful experiences for Ohio State students. At the end of the day, her ultimate reward is seeing students who she knows have struggled walk across the stage at graduation.
“We get to show students an example of an affirming and inclusive environment before they enter the workforce,” Angie said.
She believes the culture and climate of the university is set at the very top. About President Michael V. Drake’s steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, Angie said, “He sets the tone for how we interact with students and how they interact with each other.”
Thanks, in part, to Angie’s advocacy for LGBTQ students, a myriad of resources are now provided by the university, including gender-inclusive housing, student cohorts groups, gender transition expenses supported by student health insurance coverage and the ability to self-identify as LGBTQ on Ohio State applications.
Learn more about Angie Wellman and the Multicultural Center.