From a young age, Logan Blakeman (’23) knew he wanted to study psychology. With a younger brother diagnosed with Autism, Blakeman had a desire to learn more about ways to give back and saw a degree in psychology as the outlet to make the first step.
After graduating from Waynesburg University this past May with his bachelor’s degree, Blakeman secured a position at Rankin Christian Center and is now fulfilling his dream of giving back. In his role, Blakeman serves as a supports coordinator for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, where he is using the skills he learned in the classroom to make a difference.
“Our psychology program gave me a quality education on a very diverse range of topics,” said Blakeman. “I have knowledge of child psychopathology and abnormal psychology. This helps greatly with my career.”
“I use a wealth of knowledge that I gained from our psychology program every single day to ensure that I am supporting my community to the best of my ability,” he added.
Some of Blakeman’s favorite courses within the psychology program were PSY 406 Psychotherapy, PSY 319 Child Psychopathology and PSY 106 Social Psychology. These courses, among others, he said, helped prepare him for his current position.
“I genuinely believe the program helped me be immediately prepared for the work force as far as my actual knowledge,” said Blakeman.
As a first-generation college graduate, Blakeman’s journey towards his post-secondary education was not an easy or traditional path. But, his perseverance and drive kept him focused on his end goal.
“Being a first-generation graduate means the world to me,” he explained. “There is a dialectical truth to it; I feel as though I shouldn't be here, and I know I worked very hard to be in this position. I grew up with some very challenging disadvantages in my life. Earning this degree is the first step toward establishing an expectation of excellence in my family for generations to come. I am both proud to be a Waynesburg graduate and thankful for everyone who helped me get here.”
Earning this degree is the first step toward establishing an expectation of excellence in my family for generations to come. I am both proud to be a Waynesburg graduate and thankful for everyone who helped me get here.”
When Blakeman began researching different colleges and universities, it was the personalized focus at Waynesburg that made the institution stand out from the rest.
“I had an outstanding visit to Waynesburg,” Blakeman recalled. “I met my advisor, Dr. Jenny Jellison, and I immediately felt like this university was different. At the time, it just seemed like people at Waynesburg cared more than they did at any other school I visited.”
And for Blakeman, that care carried through his time as a student.
“I think individual care—going the extra mile—is what sets Waynesburg's psychology department apart from anywhere else in the world,” he continued. “In my personal experience, I don't think I would have thrived anywhere else. There is a next-level amount of care that our professors put into the success of the students in our program.”
Specifically, Blakeman said he is thankful for both Dr. Jellison, professor of psychology, and Dr. Marissa Mendoza, assistant professor of psychology, stating they “went above and beyond the role of a professor” to provide mentorship and the encouragement he needed to reach his full potential.
“Because of their combined efforts, I am a success story,” Blakeman added.
Another mentor for Blakeman was Dr. Cornelius Coleman, assistant provost for undergraduate learning experiences and head football coach. Dr. Coleman not only encouraged Blakeman both on and off the field, he also pointed Blakeman in the direction of the Rankin Christian Center.
Blakeman’s story of growth and success serves as a reminder to never give up on your goals.
“I feel proud,” said Blakeman. “Not just of myself, but of the program, too. The program made me grow, but I’ve also watched our psychology program change and develop in my time at Waynesburg. It’s really headed in a great direction. To anyone considering psychology at Waynesburg, do it. You’re going to get a great education and you will find a career in the field.”
