By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ’25MLD

As another academic year has come to a close and the end of our fiscal year approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on the incredible year Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has had. Bringing in more than 200 students in the fall of 2025 to campus programs, while welcoming online and graduate students throughout the year, reflects the exciting reality of the place that many of us consider as home.

As a member of The Woods family, you understand that a journey at SMWC is about more than earning a degree. Just recently at Reunion 2026, I connected with many alumni who shared stories about their Woods journey. Common themes shared was that The Woods is a rewarding place that helps you grow as a person and professional.

SMWC is about finding your passion and vocation to make a difference in the world. It’s about absorbing information, learning and developing leadership skills that will set you apart in the world. It’s about building relationships that last beyond the classroom, discussion or group project. I feel blessed to witness how our donor support drives the future of SMWC and its students.

Gifts from alumni make dreams a reality for Woods students, and that makes the difference. Your gift is more than a monetary donation. It’s an investment in people. Together, we are continuing the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Together, we are empowering students to earn their degree and leave a lasting impact on their communities.

Thank you for believing in our students and for helping shape the future through your generosity. Because of your support, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will continue its mission through the promises and miles left to go.

Still need to make your gift? Gifts made by June 30, 2026, will count towards the 2025-26 fiscal year.

There are multiple ways to make a gift to the Woods Fund:

• Make a one-time gift by visiting giving.smwc.edu
• Fulfill your pledge by visiting giving.smwc.edu or call 888-769-0013

The post Another Season (Almost) Coming to a Close… appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

“I am grateful to have this opportunity to serve the College in this role. I am honored to continue to promote the mission of The Woods and develop meaningful relationships with the SMWC community,” Riley said. 

Riley took over as SMWC’s interim vice president for advancement following the departure of Catherine Saunders ’98 in February. 

“I am excited to officially name BJ Riley as the next Vice President for Advancement at SMWC,” said Brennan Randolph, president of SMWC. “He brings to this role a deep care for West Central Indiana and SMWC. BJ has been with the institution since 2019 and has faithfully served our mission in the marketing and advancement areas.” 

During her tenure, Saunders led SMWC to several historic achievements, including reaching a fundraising high of almost $9 million in a single year in 2023-24 and guiding the Woods Fund to its highest level in institutional history of over $3.5 million last year. These accomplishments strengthened the College’s philanthropic foundation and expanded support for scholarships, academic programs and student success initiatives.  

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The Governor’s Fellowship provides a unique experience in Indiana State government. The program is highly selective, recruiting students from across the state to serve in the Governor’s office and various state agencies on a rotating basis for 12 months. Henderson will wrap up the program on June 30, 2027. 

“During that time, I will complete four rotations – three in state agencies and one in the Governor’s office,” said Henderson, who majored in criminology and was a member of both the women’s golf team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes while at SMWC. “I’ll be learning about each agency, helping with projects and gaining experience in different areas of state government.” 

Fellows participate in the daily activities of the state government, complete special projects, travel to observe how work in the Capitol translates into action throughout the State and experience firsthand how policies are made. Interns spend at least 50% of their time on a predetermined project that enhances college-level skills and abilities. The other 50% of their time is spent in meetings and managing administrative functions within their agency. 

“I learned about the Indiana Governor’s Fellowship Program through online articles, news stories, social media pages of people working in the Governor’s office and through my dad,” Henderson said. “I haven’t participated in a fellowship like this before, but I have completed internships in both high school and college at the Parke County and Vermillion County Courthouses in their probation departments. Those experiences helped me gain professional experience and sparked my interest in government work.” 

Created in 1989, the program introduces college students to the operations and officials of state government. Interns can work with state agency officials and participate in co-curricular components to enrich their experience. 

“Phoebe is a dynamic student with exceptional academic talents and a sense of dedication, responsibility and commitment. Her selection for this opportunity is a result of all of these traits and her ability to stand out among the crowd,” said Louis Reeves, MS, visiting assistant professor of criminology at SMWC. “This opportunity will serve to challenge her and offer great experiences to build her skillset. It will also allow others to collaborate with her and learn from what she brings to the experience.” 

While apathy and complacency allow great societies to wither and withdraw, Reeves said getting students engaged in government and civic opportunities actively builds a greater future. 

“The opportunity afforded by this type of program engages students in government and shows it as a necessary function of our society, and shows them they have a place in it,” Reeves said. “Students should always be encouraged to seek out these opportunities regardless of partisan affiliations or ideals. It is apathy, not one partisan ideal or another, that is most destructive to our society.” 

The Governor’s Fellowship Program is open to college graduates who earn their bachelor’s or associate degrees in either summer or fall 2025 or spring 2026. Applicants submitted an application, along with a current official college transcript or detailed work experience, an essay, three to five letters of recommendation and a resume. 

The Governor’s steering committee conducted an initial review of the applications, and the most qualified candidates were selected to interview with the committee at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. After the interviews, the committee forwarded its recommendations to the Governor based on leadership skills, academic record/qualifications, references, essay quality and overall interest in State government. The Governor then made the final selection of Governor’s Fellows. 

Governor’s Fellows receive a competitive salary, plus full fringe benefits during the Fellowship year. 

“This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in government and learn more about different career paths,” Henderson said. “Since the fellowship includes rotations through different agencies, it will help me figure out what areas I enjoy most while also helping me build connections and gain experience that could lead to future job opportunities.” 

The post SMWC Grad Heads to Statehouse for Year-Long Fellowship Program appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

In May 2023, Edwards’ story developed an unexpected plot twist. She retired from teaching, earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, and fell into a second career she never expected, which led her to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). 

“I always thought when my kids were on their own, I would see where the wind blew me, but nursing was never on my radar,” she said. “I got my CNA to have a summer job since my kids weren’t at home, but I ended up leaving school at the end of May 2023 to work in a long-term care facility because I loved it. It became my happy place. I loved my residents. I loved my work.” 

After nursing unexpectedly crept into her life, Edwards knew there was only one place to go for guidance. 

“I prayed on it and told God I needed a burning bush. That was on a Tuesday morning. That week, I got accepted into the nursing program (at SMWC),” said Edwards, of Shelburn, Ind. “I didn’t choose this. I really believe I was led here because this is what I’m supposed to be doing in this stage of my life.” 

Three years ago, Edwards started the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at SMWC at the age of 55. She walked across the stage at the Hamilton Arena in the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center on May 9 and received her diploma at the age of 58. 

“My daughter, Emily, is a nurse, and when I was talking to her about getting my nursing degree, I told her I’d be almost 60 by the time I finished, but I’d be crowding 60 anyway and might as well have an adventure,” Edwards said. “Emily was working as a CNA in nursing school at the time, and I was always her patient when she was practicing. When I texted her and said I was thinking about getting my CNA, she asked me if I still fainted when I saw blood. I told her I was fine with it now.” 

Emily, who graduated from nursing school three years ago, helped her mom practice her CNA skills and even quizzed Edwards through her schooling – a practice she continues to keep her mom’s abilities sharp. 

“I was so excited when my mom said she wanted to be a nurse. Before she got her CNA, I never pictured my mom doing this, but her career move makes sense now,” Emily said. “I’ve tried to offer the same support my mom gave me when I was going through nursing school. I understand everything she went through, and I knew that if I could do it, my mom was more than capable of doing it, too. My mom’s about to be a nurse and follow her dream. It’s encouraging to see that you can do anything you want, whenever you want.” 

After being out of school for so long, though, Edwards said it was difficult to find a school that would accept her credits. 

“SMWC was the most welcoming, and they worked with me. They accepted my master’s degree, and I got a nice scholarship,” she said. “When I got on this campus, started nursing classes, and met the people who make it what it is, I saw why this is such an incredible place.” 

She got her Woods Ring last year and credits much of her success in the nursing program to the “incredible leaders in the department”. Last semester, Edwards was inducted into SMWC’s Omega Pi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. After earning three degrees, she attended her first commencement for herself. 

“My family’s coming for it, and I’m excited to celebrate with the people who supported me on this journey,” she said. “I have an education degree and a Master of Education, but this has been the most rigorous thing I’ve ever done. You’re not just learning stuff for a test; you’re going to be taking care of someone’s baby or someone’s grandpa, sister or brother. You must have your act together and know what you’re doing.” 

Edwards’ post-graduation journey continues in the emergency room at Union Hospital, where she was selected for an apprenticeship. 

“My capstone is at the Sullivan ER, and I’ve worked as a tech in the ER and loved it. I worked nights, which is a whole vibe, and the people made that job so fantastic,” said Edwards, who hopes graduation is followed closely by sitting for the National Council Licensure Exam – the national exam for licensed nurses. “I just can’t ever imagine not loving what I’m doing. I was blessed to love teaching until it was time to leave it. (Last) semester, though, I taught the human growth and development class on campus, which was the best of both worlds to me.” 

The post Susan Edwards’ Calling to a New Career appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

As the Office’s director, Zach Reel, MS, FAAC®, oversees staff counselors and works closely with student accounts. He has spent much of the first few months of the year focused on getting financial aid packages ready for new and returning students, specifically distance learners. Another financial aid counselor has overseen on-campus and commuter students, while another counselor works primarily with graduate students. 

“I don’t meet with students on a normal day-to-day basis, but I’m always willing to meet with them, especially during our registration events and during our Last Monday and First Monday,” he said. “On Last Monday, we make sure all student financial aid issues are wrapped up before they head home for the summer. Then, on First Monday, we meet with all students who have outstanding requirements from the financial aid office. It’s our office’s last required touchpoint with students to address any critical issues before the semester starts.” 

The most common question his office receives: “How much is college going to cost me?” 

“We have conversations about student loans, payment plans and scholarships, though we don’t currently offer a service to help students locate scholarships beyond the resources on our website,” Reel said. 

The biggest changes he’s experienced so far in financial aid are updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The changes began in 2024-25 when the Department of Education implemented FAFSA simplification. 

“There were a lot of challenges to overcome,” he said. “On the backside of things, for state organizations and institutions, it was not as simplified as everyone hoped it would be. It has gone through review processes and bug fixes since then, and the 2025-26 FAFSA, as part of simplification, seems to be doing pretty well.” 

Reel’s No. 1 financial aid tip for SMWC students: Pay attention to your deadlines. 

“For Indiana residents, the state deadline for the FAFSA is April 15,” Reel said. “Once they are admitted or deposited, my office’s primary pathway of communication is their student portal and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College email, so they should be checking those regularly.” 

Students who receive their admissions letters are also encouraged to activate their portal. 

“We’ll indicate any missing items or changes. Your financial aid award will be represented in their portal and will be the best sources of real-time information,” Reel said. “For the generation we’re working with, and the one we’re moving into, email is kind of an old-fashioned concept, but the best way for us to communicate data is through email, the portal and phone calls.” 

Reel has worked in financial aid for almost 15 years, including three years in SMWC’s Office of Financial Aid where he has been director for almost two years. Before coming to SMWC, Reel started at Indiana State University as a telephone counselor for financial aid in 2011.  

He eventually moved to Indianapolis to work as a full-time counselor for the former Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Reel returned to Terre Haute to take an admissions processing specialist position with ISU, where he helped make admissions decisions. He later became a financial aid counselor, then a client services coordinator.  

As he pursued a master’s degree at Indiana State, Reel took a practicum as an academic advisor at SMWC before coming on board at the College in 2023. It was an unexpected career path after he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in print journalism. 

“I thought I would be a writer for a newspaper or get into radio, TV and film, so I started out of college in broadcast journalism, but eventually I applied for a financial aid role and was offered the position,” he said. 

There’s a saying in the field, Reel said, ‘If you stay for five years, you’re not getting out of financial aid.’ 

“It’s the students and their families who keep me coming back. Even though I don’t get the opportunity to meet with them as much as I used to, I’m still able to have those conversations and see the lights come on,” he said. “Part of my job and the job of my counseling staff is to help with the now and build life skills around money and financial planning. Having the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with families, hear their circumstances, and be able to potentially make SMWC, or education in general, more accessible to them, that’s what this career is all about.” 

Office of Financial Aid

First Floor, Rooney Center 

Phone: 812-535-5100 

Email: financialaid@smwc.edu (not monitored 24/7) 

The post How Zach Reel Supports SMWC Through Financial Aid Process Copy appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

As the Office’s director, Zach Reel, MS, FAAC®, oversees staff counselors and works closely with student accounts. He has spent much of the first few months of the year focused on getting financial aid packages ready for new and returning students, specifically distance learners. Another financial aid counselor has overseen on-campus and commuter students, while another counselor works primarily with graduate students. 

“I don’t meet with students on a normal day-to-day basis, but I’m always willing to meet with them, especially during our registration events and during our Last Monday and First Monday,” he said. “On Last Monday, we make sure all student financial aid issues are wrapped up before they head home for the summer. Then, on First Monday, we meet with all students who have outstanding requirements from the financial aid office. It’s our office’s last required touchpoint with students to address any critical issues before the semester starts.” 

The most common question his office receives: “How much is college going to cost me?” 

“We have conversations about student loans, payment plans and scholarships, though we don’t currently offer a service to help students locate scholarships beyond the resources on our website,” Reel said. 

The biggest changes he’s experienced so far in financial aid are updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The changes began in 2024-25 when the Department of Education implemented FAFSA simplification. 

“There were a lot of challenges to overcome,” he said. “On the backside of things, for state organizations and institutions, it was not as simplified as everyone hoped it would be. It has gone through review processes and bug fixes since then, and the 2025-26 FAFSA, as part of simplification, seems to be doing pretty well.” 

Reel’s No. 1 financial aid tip for SMWC students: Pay attention to your deadlines. 

“For Indiana residents, the state deadline for the FAFSA is April 15,” Reel said. “Once they are admitted or deposited, my office’s primary pathway of communication is their student portal and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College email, so they should be checking those regularly.” 

Students who receive their admissions letters are also encouraged to activate their portal. 

“We’ll indicate any missing items or changes. Your financial aid award will be represented in their portal and will be the best sources of real-time information,” Reel said. “For the generation we’re working with, and the one we’re moving into, email is kind of an old-fashioned concept, but the best way for us to communicate data is through email, the portal and phone calls.” 

Reel has worked in financial aid for almost 15 years, including three years in SMWC’s Office of Financial Aid where he has been director for almost two years. Before coming to SMWC, Reel started at Indiana State University as a telephone counselor for financial aid in 2011.  

He eventually moved to Indianapolis to work as a full-time counselor for the former Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Reel returned to Terre Haute to take an admissions processing specialist position with ISU, where he helped make admissions decisions. He later became a financial aid counselor, then a client services coordinator.  

As he pursued a master’s degree at Indiana State, Reel took a practicum as an academic advisor at SMWC before coming on board at the College in 2023. It was an unexpected career path after he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in print journalism. 

“I thought I would be a writer for a newspaper or get into radio, TV and film, so I started out of college in broadcast journalism, but eventually I applied for a financial aid role and was offered the position,” he said. 

There’s a saying in the field, Reel said, ‘If you stay for five years, you’re not getting out of financial aid.’ 

“It’s the students and their families who keep me coming back. Even though I don’t get the opportunity to meet with them as much as I used to, I’m still able to have those conversations and see the lights come on,” he said. “Part of my job and the job of my counseling staff is to help with the now and build life skills around money and financial planning. Having the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with families, hear their circumstances, and be able to potentially make SMWC, or education in general, more accessible to them, that’s what this career is all about.” 

Office of Financial Aid

First Floor, Rooney Center 

Phone: 812-535-5100 

Email: financialaid@smwc.edu (not monitored 24/7) 

The post How Zach Reel Supports SMWC Through Financial Aid Process appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

The NAIA Scholar-Athlete distinction recognizes student-athletes who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport and have attended their institution for at least one full year. 

SMWC’s honorees represented on this spring’s list include: 

• Brianna Andres, Junior, Women’s Golf
• Ryan Banister, Sophomore, Men’s Volleyball
• Bailey Barker, Senior, Women’s Golf
• Caeden Bennett, Senior, Softball
• Jordan Booth, Sophomore, Men’s Golf
• Brooklee Bussing, Graduate Student, Women’s Golf
• Chloe Field, Senior, Women’s Track & Field
• Gwendolyn Garman, Sophomore, Women’s Track & Field
• Madelyn Helmkamp, Senior, Softball
• Phoebe Henderson, Sophomore, Women’s Golf
• Jaicee Jackson, Sophomore, Softball
• Renae Jaeger, Junior, Women’s Golf
• Raegan Manhart, Sophomore, Softball
• Lanna Martinez, Senior, Softball
• Yammiel Martinez, Senior, Men’s Volleyball
• Kyar McVey, Sophomore, Softball
• Nolan Mishler, Sophomore, Men’s Golf
• Evelyn Morales, Graduate Student, Women’s Track & Field
• Michael Olak, Senior, Men’s Volleyball
• Jaryn Patterson, Senior, Men’s Track & Field
• Evan Polley, Sophomore, Men’s Track & Field
• Callee Riggle, Sophomore, Women’s Track & Field
• Macie Shirk, Senior, Women’s Golf
• Maddeline Smith, Junior, Softball
• Selena Sosa, Junior, Women’s Track & Field
• Quinlan Teague, Senior, Women’s Track & Field
• Isabelle Waldron, Sophomore, Softball
• Clara Westcott, Sophomore, Women’s Track & Field
• Jacob Wisniewski, Senior, Men’s Volleyball

The post SMWC Students Named NAIA Spring Scholar-Athletes appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Hello! My name is Nolan Mishler, and I am a junior from Terre Haute, Indiana, majoring in Business Administration and Marketing here at SMWC. On campus, most people know me as a player on the men’s golf team, where I serve as a co-captain. 

Although golf takes up a major piece of my life, my experience at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has been shaped by much more than the time I’ve spent on the course. Despite the fact that I’m not currently involved in any traditional campus clubs, I have stayed busy through outside work. 

I serve as a club technician and salesman at Fairway Custom Golf and am the assistant golf coach for Clay City High School. At Fairway, I handle custom club fittings and repairs. On the other hand, I give swing lessons to the boys’ golf team at Clay City. These roles allow me to take what I am learning in the classroom and apply them so I can help others. Being involved in the local business community has shaped my college experience by teaching me how to lead, communicate and manage high stress workloads. 

With a packed schedule of tournaments, work shifts and classes, staying connected to campus events calls for a good strategy. I stay in the loop by checking the SMWC Athletics Instagram page, as well as staying close with fellow student-athletes in my classes. New students looking to get involved should look for opportunities that align with their future. There are advertisements all over campus for community events. Join that club, go to that event, apply for that job! Showing up is the first step toward making lifelong friends and starting your dream career! 

College is for making memories, and the best thing to do is show up and do your best! With busy schedules, it’s crucial to de-stress and stay energized. I prioritize quiet time in my Bible to relax and recharge, as well as study table hours in the Learning Resource Center to get help when I need it. Managing a busy schedule is intimidating, but staying active in both my sport and my professional life makes my time at SMWC feel complete! 

The post Beyond the Jersey with Nolan Mishler appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

A psychology major with a digital marketing minor from Terre Haute, Fields accepted a position as a case coordinator at Hamilton Center in Terre Haute more than a month before the May 9 commencement ceremony. 

She jumped into her job right after graduation. The bonus: Hamilton Center will help Fields with tuition when she begins the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SMWC to pursue her dream of becoming a therapist.

“I’ll be working in an outpatient setting with people of all ages in the community,” she said. “They might have addictions or serious mental health problems, and I’ll be there to help them get back on their feet by taking them to appointments, helping them develop coping skills and setting budgets.” 

She expects every day to be different as she travels around to visit and connect clients to community resources. 

“I’m grateful that I’ll be working with Hamilton Center because they work with a wide variety of communities,” Fields said. “I’ve always wanted to help others and let them know that things get better. Healing isn’t linear.” 

An introvert at heart, Fields stepped out of her comfort zone when she came to The Woods. She became a resident assistant (RA), an orientation leader and the treasurer for Student Senate.

“I’ve been able to work with a lot of people on campus in different ways, which I feel like I might not have gotten to do at a bigger school,” she said. “I love that being here gives me a sense of purpose. Sometimes it’s ok to try new things, even if you aren’t sure. Don’t be afraid to get out there.” 

Once Fields was settled at SMWC, she started making memories that will last long after commencement. 

“It’s the people I’ve met here who have been my biggest blessings. A lot of my friends are from elsewhere, from London to Texas, and it’s great to meet people from different backgrounds,” she said. “I wasn’t sure about coming here at first, but I fell in love with this place when I went through the gates. I just knew it was the place I needed, and I still feel that way.” 

The post How Aislinn Fields Found Her Calling at The Woods appeared first on Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Available concentrations include: 

• Artificial Intelligence 
• Cybersecurity 
• Business Analytics 
• Finance 
• Healthcare Administration 
• Not-for-Profit Management 
• Organizational Leadership 

SMWC’s MBA program is delivered 100% online and is designed for students seeking to complete their degree in as little as one year. The integration of these concentrations enables students to tailor their academic experience to their career goals while enhancing their marketability in a competitive job market. 

Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, shared, “We are excited to incorporate these concentrations into the 36-hour MBA requirements. Students will graduate with a strong foundation in their chosen area of focus, combined with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they develop at SMWC—preparing them to achieve their professional goals.” 

SMWC has been recognized among the 2026 Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

For more information on the MBA program, visit smwc.edu/mba or email admissions@smwc.edu. 

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