Ashley Gossard

Ashley Gossard, Trine chemistry major

No mistake about it — Ashley Gossard loves her Trine University experience.

"I honestly love everything about being a student at Trine," she says. "While giving a campus tour, I once had a parent ask me what I didn’t like about Trine. I could not come up with an answer. The academics are excellent, the campus is beautiful, and the people are friendly. I would not trade my experience as a student here for anything. I know this is the best place for me, and I have never wanted to be anywhere else."

The friendly people she mentions show up everywhere. "From the admission office to the classroom, every person wants you to be here and to succeed. From my first visit, I could tell that the people here cared about me as more than just a student. I did not get that feeling at other universities. I have connected with many professors outside of the classroom, and consider a number of them my friends."

While they are her friends, they are also superb educators and mentors. "All of the professors I have encountered at Trine are excellent, but two stand out: Dr. Ira Jones and Dr. Tony Layson. Their passion for what they do is inspiring. Both have pushed me to dig deeper into my education. Dr. Jones never lets a teachable moment pass. He always encourages me to learn something new. As a lab instructor, Dr. Layson has helped me better understand exactly what is going on in my experiment. He is always teaching me something new or giving me a new way to look at information."

Great educators deliver a great education. "The classes are challenging and the professors push you to succeed. As someone who strives for excellence, challenging courses are an encouragement to keep learning," she said. "The academics are one of the many reasons I chose to attend Trine."

The Trine Department of Science is tops because of the availability of the professors. "They are always around to help, and are very approachable. I have never had trouble talking to any professor within the department," she says.

She has been honored by induction into Phi Eta Sigma national freshman honor society and Alpha Chi, which recognizes students in the top 10 percent of the junior and senior classes. She also presides over Trine’s American Chemical Society student chapter and serves as vice president of the Trine Honors Student Association. She enjoys membership in Future Forensic Scientists and Christian Campus House activities. "The people with the Office of Student Life put a great deal of effort into making campus life enjoyable, and it shows," she says.