2026 Blog Articles
October 22, 2026
What the Collegiate Purple Star Designation Means for Military Students
Due to its exceptional support for military-affiliated students and their families, Marian University has been recognized as a Tier 2 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Institution during the 2025-26 school year.
October 19, 2026
Our First Patients
Before caring for living patients, medical students learn from those who gave an extraordinary final gift. One MU-WCOM student reflects on the donors who became their “first patients” and left a lasting impact far beyond the anatomy lab.
October 15, 2026
Applying to Competitive Residencies as a Medical Student and Osteopath
What does it take to stand out when applying to a competitive medical residency? Marian University medical student Kapil Reddy shares insights from two Ascension St. Vincent physicians on board scores, audition rotations, and strategies to strengthen your application and improve your chances of matching into your desired specialty.
October 12, 2026
Associate degree vs. bachelor's degree: What’s the difference?
Choosing between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree is an important decision when planning your education and career path. An associate degree typically takes two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree takes about four years. While both degree options can prepare you for the future, they differ in length, coursework, cost, and career opportunities.
October 12, 2026
Shaping the Next Generation of Anesthesiologists
What does it take to become a skilled anesthesiologist and an effective leader in medicine? Dr. Jennifer L. Stewart shares how perseverance, perspective, and hands-on experience shaped her career and her approach to training the next generation of physicians.
October 09, 2026
Supporting Your Knight: Guidance for Families Navigating College
Learn how families can support autistic and neurodivergent college students by shifting from fixing problems to coaching independence and self-advocacy.
October 05, 2026
The Art of Psychiatry: Where Medicine Meets Human Connection
Psychiatry goes beyond symptoms and diagnoses to uncover the stories behind each patient. Discover what makes this specialty uniquely human—and why empathy, curiosity, and connection are just as important as clinical expertise.
October 05, 2026
Marian Is Here to Support You at Every Step of Your Academic Journey
Discover how Marian University provides adult learners with advising, tutoring, technology help, and career resources. Explore everything available to fuel your success.
October 05, 2026
How Marian’s IDA-Accredited Reading Science Program Advances Literacy Impact Through Evidence-Based Preparation
Explore Marian University's IDA-accredited Reading Science program, where educators gain expertise in structured literacy, assessment, and the Science of Reading
October 05, 2026
Online Certificate in Paralegal Studies: Legal Skills for a Changing Industry
Explore the skills gained through an online paralegal certificate, including legal research, writing, litigation and professional responsibility
October 05, 2026
From Awareness to Action: How Marian University Is Helping Educators Address Dyslexia and Literacy Gaps
Discover how Marian University is helping educators recognize dyslexia earlier through literacy outreach, Science of Reading training, and practical classroom-focused professional
September 29, 2026
What Is FAFSA? A Guide to Applying for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students complete to apply for federal financial aid for college. Completing the FAFSA can help determine eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study, and FAFSA information may also be used to determine eligibility for certain state and institutional financial aid opportunities.
September 09, 2026
Failing Forward: What Every Student Should Know
After a last‑minute CRNA acceptance and a failed exam, a former NP battles imposter syndrome, adopts evidence‑based study strategies, and turns the setback into growth—read the full story.
September 01, 2026
Neurodivergent Minds in Higher Education: Tools and Approaches That Work
Neurodivergent minds in higher education are often expected to manage much more than the academic work placed in front of them.
August 31, 2026
Mentorship, Meaning, Medicine
Feeling overwhelmed as a pre-med? Advisors Dr. Sarah Justice and Dr. Trisha Staab share practical tips: find a personal mission instead of “doing everything,” prioritize to avoid burnout, pursue meaningful research with strong mentors—and remember, medicine values empathy as much as science. Read the full interview for more tips.
August 31, 2026
Occupational Therapy and the Gift of Adaptive Dance
A pediatric occupational therapist recounts how a chance idea became an adaptive dance program where children with disabilities move, make friends, and grow. Read about practical class adaptations, training for future OTs, and the community impact of inclusive arts. Success here is measured by connection, not just performances.
August 21, 2026
Behind the Reports: An Inside Look at Accreditation Candidacy
Candidacy is more than a milestone—it's the bridge from a program's founding vision to full accreditation, and this post explains how Marian University's developing OT and PT programs are meeting that standard. Dr. Huber outlines the rigorous steps, the collaborative work behind them, and what enrolling during candidacy means for students—read on to see why joining now makes you part of the program's foundation.
August 18, 2026
More Than a Seal of Approval: Accreditation
Accreditation isn’t just paperwork—it's a deliberate act of stewardship and a promise to protect the dignity of every student and future patient. Drawing on work preparing Marian University's new OT and PT programs and experience as an HLC peer reviewer, Dr. Huber explains why rigorous review matters and how institutional values translate into practice.
August 14, 2026
Near Northwest Area Schools Continue Dramatic Reading Gains
Near Northwest Area Schools Continue Dramatic Reading Gains
August 02, 2026
Finding Her Path and Purpose: A Journey to Family Medicine
Meet Dr. Amanda Mathews—a family physician whose path from Iowa to Indiana led her to focus on medically underserved communities and to care for patients across the lifespan. In this interview, she discusses choosing family medicine, integrating psychiatry into her practice, mentoring residents as an assistant site director, and balancing leadership with motherhood. Read her story for career tips and practical advice.
July 31, 2026
Redefining College Success: How Spectrum of Knights Supports Neurodivergent Students at Marian University
Discover how Marian University’s Spectrum of Knights Autism Program redefines college success for neurodivergent students through personalized coaching, self-advocacy support, and belonging—beyond accommodations alone.
July 09, 2026
Why a Logistics and Supply Chain Degree Matters More Than Ever
Explore how Marian University’s undergraduate logistics degree prepares students for high-demand careers in Indiana’s distribution & manufacturing economy.
July 09, 2026
Why Today’s Global Supply Chain Depends on Strategic Thinkers
Today’s supply chains are complex and unpredictable. Learn why strategic thinking drives modern logistics—and how an online degree prepares you to navigate it.
July 09, 2026
The Most Valuable Skills You Build in an Online Logistics Degree
Discover the real-world skills you develop in an online logistics and supply chain degree—from data analysis to operations strategy—and how they apply to today’s careers.
July 09, 2026
How Adult Learners Can Use AI to Research and Compare Colleges
New to AI? Learn how adult learners can use simple tools to research colleges, compare programs, and make confident education decisions.
July 09, 2026
From Research to Action: Marian University’s College Pathways Model for Justice-Involved Mothers
Discover how Marian University’s Committee on College Pathways for Mothers with Justice Involvement is building a nationally recognized model of reentry education, mentoring and support.
July 09, 2026
Celebrating Marian's First MS in Reading Science Cohort: A Milestone in Literacy Leadership
Marian University celebrates the first graduating cohort of the MS in Reading Science program, honoring online students at a special on-campus spring reception
July 09, 2026
Why Marian's Online Student Experience Matters: Support, Success, and Community for Adult Learners
Discover how Marian University’s online student experience supports adult learners from enrollment through graduation with advising, resources, community, and career support.
July 09, 2026
From Contracts to Litigation: Specializations Within Marian's Online Paralegal Associate
Explore civil litigation, family law, corporate law, and more through Marian’s online Paralegal Associate. Discover a customizable path to your legal career
July 09, 2026
Marian Covers 100% of Your Learning, Academic, and Personal Support Needs
Discover how Marian University provides adult learners with advising, tutoring, technology help, and career resources. Explore everything available to fuel your success.
July 07, 2026
How Engineers Are Moving Into Leadership Roles With an Engineering Management Master’s Degree
Advance your technical expertise and leadership skills with Marian University’s hybrid Master of Science in Engineering Management. Apply by July 15 to join the next cohort.
July 02, 2026
How Marian’s IDA-Accredited Reading Science Program Advances Literacy Impact Through Evidence-Based Preparation
Explore Marian University's IDA-accredited Reading Science program, where educators gain expertise in structured literacy, assessment, and the Science of Reading
May 28, 2026
Women’s College Partnership University Education | Marian University
Discover how Marian University’s Women’s College Partnership provides accredited associate and bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated women in Indiana.
May 12, 2026
What I Wish My Doctor Knew
3rd-year medical student, Katelyn Wischmeyer, shares her exposure to mental health concerns among patients during her Primary Care clinical rotations. Read on for thoughtful insight into how the medical field can improve its approach to addressing mental health concerns.
May 04, 2026
Why I Became an App Developer (Thanks to My OT Degree)
Assistant professor Gracyn Conner, OTD, MS, OTR, is an occupational therapist (OT) who works with children and teens on the autism spectrum. As the creator of the Hygiene Hippie app, she saw the need for better assistive tools that could reliably produce full hygiene independence in its users by translating OT strategies into accessible, step-by-step routines.
April 30, 2026
Marian University's Racing Heritage: A Historic Connection to the Indianapolis 500
Discover how Marian’s historic campus, iconic mansions & roots intersect with the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 just minutes from the world-famous Speedway.
April 22, 2026
Nika Rebec: A Future Physician Becoming a Physician as an International Student
Marian University undergraduate students, Shreyas and Gabriel, interview second-year osteopathic medical student Nika Rebec to understand her journey to medicine as an international applicant. Read on to learn about Nika’s continued resilience and determination to accomplish her dream of being a physician.
April 13, 2026
Stop the Bleed: How Medical Students Can Save Lives in Their Communities
Life-threatening bleeding poses a serious threat following traumatic injury. Simple skills such as applying a tourniquet and applying pressure could save lives, but unfortunately, most Americans don’t have any training or knowledge in bleeding control. To help combat this knowledge gap, Sophia Siminow has become a Stop the Bleed instructor and has certified over 150 people.
April 08, 2026
Investing in Yourself: Is Adding More Student Debt Worth It?
Wondering if finishing your degree is worth the cost? Learn how adult students in Indiana weigh ROI, debt, and long-term opportunity.
April 08, 2026
Connecting Ideas: Skills a Liberal Arts Degree Builds for the Future
Explore Marian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and build skills in critical thinking, ethics, and communication that adapt across careers.
April 08, 2026
A Flexible Path to the Legal Field: Marian's Online Paralegal Degree
Explore how Marian University’s accelerated online Paralegal Studies program helps working adults launch a legal career in as little as 14 months.
April 08, 2026
Beyond Entry Level: How an Online Associate in Health Sciences Builds Career Momentum
Marian University’s online Associate in Health Sciences helps students enter healthcare while staying on a transfer-friendly path toward career advancement.
March 30, 2026
Breaking the Ceiling from Inside the OR
Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, the first board-certified female osteopathic neurosurgeon, recounts a career shaped by early responsibility, tough mentorship, and a refusal to ask permission to belong in a male‑dominated specialty. Her story emphasizes that competence, decisiveness, and preparation—not concession or quiet endurance—opened opportunities and can expand what’s possible for women entering competitive surgical fields.
March 25, 2026
Interview Profile: Dr. Rachel Shockley
This article shares Dr. Shockley’s journey to medicine. Read on to learn more about how Dr. Rachel Shockley became a family medicine osteopathic physician and how she incorporates the pillars of osteopathic medicine into her practice.
March 25, 2026
Drake Toms: From Childhood Curiosity to an Aspiring Pediatrician
For one second-year osteopathic medical student, childhood curiosity evolved into a candid look at premed setbacks, undergraduate self-reflection, and a deepening passion for pediatrics. Drake Toms’s journey—shaped by MCAT struggles, meaningful patient connections, and practical premed advice—offers real-world insight for high school and undergraduate students considering a future in medicine.
March 16, 2026
Behind the Images: A Look into Radiology with Dr. Eric Balle
Explore diagnostic radiology through Dr. Eric Balle’s shift from anesthesiology to imaging—his story reveals the specialty’s detective-like problem solving, hands-on image-guided procedures, and a generally predictable work-life balance. He offers candid perspectives on the field’s challenges and competitiveness, plus how AI is likely to augment (not replace) radiologists, giving a clear, realistic look at whether radiology might suit your career goals.
March 16, 2026
Finding Your Way: Multiple Paths to a Career in Occupational Therapy
Curious about a career that blends hands-on care, creativity, and meaningful impact? Read how Marian University faculty followed different routes—direct-entry master’s (MOT) or doctoral (OTD) programs, assistant pathways, and career pivots—to become occupational therapists, and discover which path makes sense for you.
March 09, 2026
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts: How Occupational Therapy Lives Out Franciscan Values
Discover how occupational therapy brings Marian University's Franciscan values—dignity, justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship—to life by helping people reclaim meaningful daily activities. In this piece, Dr. Kate Huber shows how Marian’s new OT programs pair interprofessional training and hands-on simulation to turn clinical skill into a calling that heals individuals and strengthens communities.
March 02, 2026
Occupational Therapy: Understanding the Whole-Person Power of OT
Occupational therapy centers on the everyday tasks—getting dressed, cooking, returning to work—that give life meaning, helping people across the lifespan reclaim function, dignity, and purpose. With a whole‑person, deeply collaborative approach, OTs bridge clinical recovery and real‑life independence, making the field indispensable to modern healthcare and a compelling career to explore.
February 23, 2026
A Marian Milestone: Closing the Physician Gap in Indiana
As Indiana continues to face a physician shortage, especially in rural areas, MU-WCOM takes a great step towards addressing this by achieving status as an ACGME-accredited sponsoring institution. Read on to learn more about the potential impact this milestone achievement has on the state of healthcare in Indiana.
February 16, 2026
Blueprints for Board Success
Need a study schedule that actually works? Third-year osteopathic medical student Samuel Baule rounds up student-tested strategies and ready-to-use blueprints to help second-years prep smarter for boards. Get the guide now!
February 16, 2026
From Doctor to Teacher
Anna Hazelrigg, OMS-2, interviewed Dr. Rebecca Rothstein about medical residency wellness, highlighting programs shifting toward learning-friendly environments that support residents' well-being. Learn how evidence-based teaching is changing residency culture—read the interview on Franc Notes!
February 09, 2026
Scalpel & Service
Janie Myers, DO, is a fellowship-trained general surgeon whose candid interview covers her unconventional training, how she balances a demanding surgical career with family and leadership, and practical advice for students—including why she chose private practice and its rewards and challenges. Read student doctor Samuel Baule’s full conversation on Franc Notes for an inside look at what it takes to thrive in general surgery.
February 04, 2026
How to Earn a Degree When You Have Existing Student Loan Debt
Wondering if finishing your degree is worth the cost? Learn how adult students in Indiana weigh ROI, debt, and long-term opportunity.
February 04, 2026
Who We Are: Understanding the Mission and Values That Shape Marian University
Discover what defines Marian University—its mission, values, faith-based identity, and commitment to educating ethical leaders grounded in service and purpose.
February 04, 2026
How Flexible Online Degrees Help You Boost Income on a Budget
Discover how flexible and affordable online degree programs help adults boost income, reduce financial pressure and advance careers without overwhelming their budget.
February 04, 2026
175 Years of Mission-Driven Education and 25 Years Serving Adult Learners
For 175 years, Marian University has empowered learners through mission-driven education. See how the last 25 years strengthened our commitment to adult students.
February 02, 2026
Discovering New Passions Through Rural Medicine
Thuwebat Adebayo, OMS-2, completed a six-week rural health preceptorship at Union Hospital last summer, shadowing physicians in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Emergency Medicine. Their firsthand account reveals the distinct challenges and rewards of rural practice—an inside look that reshapes how community-based care is seen.
January 26, 2026
Empowering Future Physicians: Conversations with Dr. Michelle Solik, Part 2
In part 2, Dr. Solik describes how she was drawn to Academic Medicine by influential mentors and a Chief year that revealed the field’s many paths. At MU‑WCOM she balances high standards with mentorship—read on to learn how she plans to guide and inspire future physicians.
January 24, 2026
Skills Employers Actually Want: How an Online Leadership Degree Builds What Modern Organizations Need
Discover how Marian University’s online leadership degree helps professionals develop the skills employers actually want in today’s evolving workplace.
January 24, 2026
Learn Cross-Sector Leadership With an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
What if one doctoral degree could position you to lead in education, healthcare, nonprofits, and business? With a growing demand for leaders who truly understand systems, strategy, and people across sectors, Marian University's Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree online prepares working professionals to fulfill those needs with confidence.
January 24, 2026
Unlocking Success Through the Science of Reading: A Pathway to Closing the Literacy Gap
Learn how Marian University’s Reading Science program empowers teachers to close the literacy gap using evidence-based Science of Reading practices.
January 24, 2026
How a Business Degree Built for Adults Accelerates Career Momentum
Learn how Marian University’s online BBA degree empowers adult learners to advance careers faster through flexible, real-world business education.
January 20, 2026
Empowering Future Physicians: Conversations with Dr. Michelle Solik, Part 1
Michelle Solik, MD, MS, FACP, joined MU-WCOM in July 2025 after training at Wright State and leadership roles at St. Vincent. Her mentors and hands-on leadership shaped a deep commitment to education, mentorship, and developing compassionate, competent physicians.