Empowering success: A family's journey through the BGSU Pathway Program

Siblings inspire each other, thrive at BGSU

By Patrick Pfanner ‘14

One family’s experience at Bowling Green State University serves as a compelling example of the personal success and academic achievement that is possible through the University's signature Pathway Program.

Jalen, Devin and Kortni Clisby, each with their unique aspirations and challenges, found a nurturing and structured environment in the BGSU Pathway Program that propelled them toward success. Designed to help students transition smoothly into college through personalized support, small class sizes and connections to University resources, the program played a significant role in shaping their educational journeys and future careers.

When Jalen Clisby ‘24 decided to attend BGSU in Fall 2019, he was drawn to the beauty of the campus and the access it offered. But what truly set his college experience apart was the Pathway Program’s community, which provides a supportive and structured environment for first-year students.

Jalen, who majored in communications, quickly realized that this program was designed to ensure students thrive in their first year of college. The small classes, where faculty are trained in the first-year experience, allowed Jalen to build close relationships with his professors and classmates, creating a strong foundation for his academic journey.

The transition to college can be daunting, and for Jalen, it was particularly challenging when he faced a personal tragedy early in his college career. In February 2020, Jalen's grandmother passed away, which caused him to miss important project work and lectures. The personalized support from his Pathway advisors and professors helped him stay on track.

"The program helped with the transition by setting my schedule for me," Jalen said. "I was able to sit down with my counselor, who guided me down the right path when deciding my major."

On the path to success

Inspired by his brother's positive experiences, Devin Clisby enrolled at BGSU in 2020 and is majoring in healthcare administration. For Devin, the Pathway Program's academic support and resources were crucial in helping him transition smoothly into university life.

"The Pathway Program helped me by guiding me to create my resume, having me do assignments that required visits to the library, and making me feel comfortable to ask questions," Devin said.

This structured support was particularly important during the pandemic, which made it challenging to interact with peers and stay focused during online classes.

Despite these challenges, Devin thrived in the small classes and formed meaningful connections with his classmates and professors. The relationships were instrumental in his academic success and provided a network of support and collaboration.

"The small class sizes have benefitted my learning experience substantially as I was able to get to know more of my classmates," Devin said. "We were able to work outside of class and then also better connect with the professor."

As campus life gradually returned to normal, Devin became actively involved in various organizations, including Delta Sigma P business fraternity and the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students.

His role as the risk and safety executive in Delta Sigma Pi and the community service executive in the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students helped him grow both personally and professionally.

"This helped me learn how to get out of my comfort zone to join groups," he said. "I learned that in life, all you have to do is apply yourself, and once you do that, you start to see more things you never would have thought possible."

Devin's interactions with Pathway advisors also played a significant role in his academic progress. The advisors' genuine care for his success provided him with the confidence to seek help and utilize university resources effectively.

"The Pathway Program involving my family in my education experience has been amazing," Devin said. "My advisor and mom were able to connect, making my learning experience even better."

This connection ensured that the Clisby family was always in the loop regarding his academic progress and available resources, providing an additional layer of support.

This support was crucial in helping Jalen make it onto the dean's list that semester.

Living on campus and being part of the BGSU Pathway Program also provided Jalen with the ultimate university experience. He joined various clubs and organizations, making friends and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Before the pandemic, he enjoyed the vibrant residence hall life, meeting new people, and participating in campus events. During the pandemic, Jalen adapted by joining the eSports club, where he found a community of students with similar interests. These experiences enriched his college life socially and personally, reinforcing his love for BGSU.

Jalen's journey at BGSU also led him to discover his passion for marketing. Through his involvement with the University's social media and an internship with the BGSU football team, Jalen realized his interest in this field.

"I am in the communications field because of my experience at BGSU," he said. "I wanted to help out with the BGSU social media or help out with social media in some way, and this led me to my internship with the football team and helped me realize that I like marketing also."

Building on success

Kortni Clisby, the youngest sibling, enrolled at BGSU in Fall 2021, and is majoring in early childhood education. Kortni's decision to attend BGSU was influenced by her brothers' positive experiences and the supportive environment of the Pathway Program.

Her journey was not without its challenges. Struggling with a math class early on that was essential for her major, Kortni faced moments of doubt about her chosen career path.

"I became discouraged and was at a loss if teaching would be right for me,” Kortni said.

The personalized support from her Pathway advisors and instructors was crucial in helping Kortni overcome challenges. Her instructors took the time to provide one-on-one support and guidance, which made a significant difference in her academic performance.

"They took time out of their day to speak with me and guided me to new possibilities for education," Kortni said.

Kortni's involvement in the Pathway Program also provided her with practical experience in education, her chosen field of study. The program's focus on early involvement in educational settings allowed her to apply her learning as a student teacher in the classroom.

"I was given the opportunity to apply my learning as a student teacher in the classroom," she said. "This experience has helped me realize why I want to become a teacher and reinforced the purpose of showing love to all students, especially toward students who do not have the best environment at home to progress in school."

Jalen's reflection on his experience encapsulates the program's impact: “This program helped me achieve everything I could ask for from a college."

The Pathway Program not only prepared the Clisby siblings for their respective careers but also enriched their lives by fostering a sense of community, resilience and self-confidence.