College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom
Communication student finds success through UD Sinclair Academy
By Ashley Junkunc '21
University of Dayton senior Natalie Schulte didn’t expect to find her academic and career paths in her own backyard. After being diagnosed in second grade with auditory disabilities, Schulte was told college wouldn’t be in her future.
“My catchphrase and life motto is: ‘And so I did,’” she said. “I was told, ‘You won’t go to college,’ and so I did.”
Schulte, a communication major from Dayton, attended Sinclair Community College with plans of studying culinary arts to work at a restaurant. While there, she studied visual communication for one semester before her advisor suggested that, despite her fear of public speaking, Schulte would excel in communication.
“The school really encouraged me to get out of my shell. Public speaking and communication isn’t really that scary. Everyone has a story and that story is worth sharing.”
In spring 2019, Schulte transitioned into the University of Dayton through the UD Sinclair Academy. She will graduate from the University in December 2020.
Launched in 2016, the partnership provides students the opportunity to start their college career at Sinclair with a direct pathway to the University to complete their bachelor’s degrees. With the support of academic advisors at Sinclair and UD, academy students are guided through the course requirements for their choice of over 50 academic pathways. While attending Sinclair, students have free access to the University’s amenities, including sporting events and extracurricular clubs. The program’s goal is to create a more affordable path to a University degree.
Schulte didn’t think the University was a reachable option until she was introduced to the Academy. With a concentration in communication management, Schulte was eased through the transfer with the help of Heather Parsons, coordinator of academic advising and departmental initiatives in the Department of Communication.
“I refer to her as my UD mom,” Schulte said of Parsons.
Parsons appreciates the different perspectives and experiences transfer students bring to the University’s community.
“Natalie’s willingness to get involved on campus and her determination to create strong relationships with her peers and mentors have made her journey a smooth transition,” Parsons said. “She is truly a UD Flyer and a phenomenal representative of how successful the UD Sinclair Academy Program is.”
Schulte has explored her passions and met other peers on campus through her involvement as a summer University of Dayton Magazine student photographer and social media specialist, Amnesty International club member and Academy ambassador.
She plans to pursue a Master of Arts degree to become a communication professor, and already is working toward that goal as a supplemental instructor for the Foundations of Communication Theories and Research course. Schulte serves as a peer facilitator by attending weekly classes and then holding two weekly review sessions for students.
“This opportunity has given me the foundation to be able to teach communication classes,” she said. “It has given me invaluable experience that I am very fortunate to have received.”
Schulte is thankful for the Academy for providing her with the opportunity and resources to pursue a University degree. She recommends the program to other Sinclair students and advises them to research and learn about its advantages.
“Just do it,” Schulte said. “Talk to people at the University and reach out to get as much information as you can. There’s a path for everyone.”
Julia Thompson, associate director of admission and financial aid, wants all Sinclair students to understand the opportunities the Academy provides. She emphasizes how students, like Schulte, contribute to the overall learning that happens in and out of the classroom.
“To a Sinclair student who thinks they may want to transfer to UD, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make a personal connection with someone from UD as soon as possible,” Thompson said. “We want to help students review the classes they are taking and ensure they are on the right path to find success in transferring.”
For more information, please visit the UD Sinclair Academy website.
Above photo (L to R): Former Ohio Governor and Distinguished Research Associate Robert A. Taft, Ohio Chancellor of Higher Education Randy Gardner, Communication Management student Natalie Schulte and University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina.