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Ana-Maria M'Enesti, French instructor for Oregon State University Ecampus

French online instructor creates an active, effective learning environment

2 minute read Learning a new language can be a rewarding experience. But it also implies taking risks, being vulnerable and sometimes working through confusion and frustration. It’s with this understanding that instructor Ana-Maria M’Enesti develops French online courses for OSU Ecampus. “I create my lessons and assessments with a compassionate approach, aiming to encourage deep learning through meaningful interactions,” she says.

Headshot of Monique Lanier, an Oregon State University Ecampus religious studies student

Oregon State Everywhere: Grateful after a 20-year battle

3 minute read “At the time of the stroke, I was enrolled in the local community college, just about to graduate and start nursing school. I even considered becoming a doctor. As I started to recover, I found out none of my plans were possible. Among other things, I had lost the ability to comprehend written words. … It took 20 years to get here, and I don’t mind a bit. I’m just grateful for the chance and the people at Oregon State who are making it possible.” – Monique Lanier, religious studies student

Joshua Chan Burgos, an OSU Ecampus graduate, wears a graduation cap and gown while surrounded by his family and OSU's mascot, Benny the Beaver

Sustainability, anthropology grad finds inspiration amid poverty, disaster

6 minute read Inside a classroom in the remote countryside of Central Asia in 2013, Joshua Chan Burgos was jolted into a new and ambitious sense of what he needed to do. Volunteering for a nonprofit, he was surrounded by orphans and saw young faces filled with excitement. He saw children determined to get educated so they could give back to their small communities. Something clicked. Chan Burgos knew his next step was to find a place where he could prepare to put into practice his belief that learning and community-building can occur anywhere on the planet. That place was Oregon State.

Maria Reading, Spanish graduate from Oregon State University Ecampus

Online Spanish studies help alum take her career to a higher degree

3 minute read Maria Reading was a young child when she moved with her family from Mexico to Southern California. Spanish was her first language. But as she and her nine siblings began school, their world became immersed in English. While working with students many years later, Reading realized she still wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream to earn a college degree and reclaim her native language.

Brenda Kellar, Ecampus anthropology advisor. Brenda wears a pink floral patterned button-up shirt and has short gray hair. She is seated in front of a bookshelf across from a person to whom she is speaking.

Anthropology in action explores complex human issues

5 minute read “I love finding practical ways to make students’ goals a reality.” Ecampus anthropology advisor and instructor Brenda Kellar has been a leader in the anthropology program since Oregon State first began offering the degree online, but as a three-time OSU alumna, her roots go even deeper.

A Buddhist temple, part of the focus of Oregon State's religious studies online degree program.

Religious studies online program puts Oregon State in rare company

2 minute read Someone who wants to earn a religious studies degree online doesn’t have many options when it comes to programs that focus on the academic study of world religions. Thanks to Oregon State University, students not only have a new option to consider, but they can also do it while enrolled with one of the nation’s best providers of online education.

Gustavo Ramos Nunez, who earned a Spanish degree online with Oregon State Ecampus, smiling on his graduation day.

Strengthening native roots with higher education

2 minute read Accepting comfort was not enough of a challenge for Gustavo Ramos Nuñez, whose decision to enroll in the Spanish bachelor’s degree program online through Oregon State Ecampus arose from honoring his Peruvian roots and a desire for self-improvement.

Oregon State instructor Raven Chakerian is seated in a red office chair in front of a wall with two large windows. She wears a red and white patterned sleeveless shirt, and she holds her arms loosely crossed on the table in front of her.

Behind the scenes with Raven Chakerian, Spanish and Italian instructor

5 minute read Teaching immediately-applicable skills and guiding students on their multilingual journeys? Now you’re speaking Raven Chakerian’s language. Raven is an online instructor of Spanish and Italian at Oregon State University who realized her passion for languages and communication early on. Even outside of her formal education in Spanish, she pursued language learning through travel, community development, and social interactions. When she joined Oregon State Ecampus five years ago, teaching online was like learning a new language – conquering its challenges and new possibilities, she’s working toward fluency. 

Ecampus anthropology alumna Rachel Hensley poses on a balcony with her two children and a black dog that she holds on a leash.

Moving up – and lifting up others along the way

2 minute read After she dropped out of high school to meet the demands of parenthood, Rachel Hensley’s passions for community and cultural engagement led her to rediscover her educational path through Oregon State University Ecampus’ anthropology program. After an Oregon State faculty-led study abroad trip to Guatemala, Rachel’s set her sights on pursuing a law degree that will allow her to work toward international human rights.