Press Release

August 8, 2022 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan’s 2022-2023 Education Fellows include nine first-year students selected for their high potential for success at OWU and their intention to become classroom teachers. (Photo by Jayson Blankenship ’20)

2022-2023 Education Fellows

Ohio Wesleyan Taps Nine First-Year Students, Future Teachers for Competitive Program

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University has selected nine students as 2022-2023 Education Fellows.

The four-year fellowships are awarded each fall by Ohio Wesleyan’s Department of Education to first-year students with a high potential for success at the university and a stated interest in teaching at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or high school level.

OWU’s newest Education Fellows are:

  • Jillian Brough of Morristown, New Jersey, who plans to study elementary education.
  • Shaelyn Cretu of Livonia, Michigan, who plans to study integrated science education.
  • Emerson Freas of Oberlin, Ohio, who is still determining a course of study.
  • Leona Messer of Cincinnati, Ohio, who plans to study art education.
  • Annika Pardee of Johnstown, Ohio, who plans to study inclusive elementary education.
  • Etta Pierce of Tai Tam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, who plans to study inclusive elementary education.
  • Isabella Williams of Lewis Center, Ohio, who plans to study inclusive elementary education.
  • Sydney Wilt of Sunbury, Ohio, who plans to study inclusive elementary education.
  • Audrey Young of Delaware, Ohio, who plans to study special education.

The fellows also are selected in recognition of having demonstrated both leadership in high school and a passion for making the world better by educating its future citizens.

The benefits of being named an Education Fellow include receiving an OWU scholarship, mentoring from both upper-level Education Fellows and professors, and an invitation to participate in forums, field trips, and other career-related events.

Ohio Wesleyan offers education majors in Inclusive Elementary Education (PreK-grade 6), Elementary Education (preK-grade 6), Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9), Special Education, and Integrated Science for Teachers. The university offers education minors in Adolescent to Young Adult Education (grades 7-12) and in Multi-Age Education (preK-grade 12), with specialization available in English language arts, social studies, and mathematics (7-12) as well as world languages, music, visual art, and drama (preK-12).

The OWU Department of Education is accredited in Ohio by the state Department of Education and nationally by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Learn more about the department at owu.edu/education.


Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “Best Colleges” lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.