Fellow:Rebecca Ridenour


Name Rebecca Ridenour School (Cohort) Central Michigan University (2022 cohort) Majoring in Environmental Studies Country United States Email Rridenour980@gmail.com

Bio

Rebecca is a Senior at Central Michigan University, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Sustainability and Leadership. Currently, Rebecca is a student-leader on campus as an orientation guide for freshman and transfer students entering the university.

She found her passion for protecting the environment at a young age and became known as a “tree hugger” to her family and friends quickly. Her interests grew with the years, and so did the need to help educate others on how to sustain our planet and its resources. Studying the ways of effective leadership became a driving force for Rebecca to help others with similar passions.

Rebecca joined the University Innovation Fellowship program at Central Michigan University to be a part of an engaged group of people on her campus, who are as eager to learn about leadership and entrepreneurship skills as she is. Rebecca looks forward to becoming a part of a unique place where different departments can come together with the same goals of helping students.

Rebecca is excited to start her journey this year as a Fellow within her team. She is eager to meet new friends and make a difference on campus for her peers at Central Michigan University, while also having fun doing it.

Achievements

During Rebecca’s sophomore year she found that her department’s teachers felt as though they had lost connection with students during the pandemic and struggled to engage with them. She decided to plan and lead a networking event for those in the Environmental Studies Department. During the event, she provided an easy way for her departmental peers to locate scholarships that were available, connected students with internship opportunities, and introduced advisors to students within the department.

Rebecca was also elected as President of the Geography and Environmental Club for the 2022-2023 school year. She is excited to be a leader for the club and to enhance environmental learning and optimize student friendships within the department.