Wheeler Thrives in LENS Curriculum

Count University of the Ozarks senior Halley Wheeler as a fan of the University's unique LENS curriculum.

Wheeler, from Heath, Texas, is graduating this December with a psychology major and minors in both health science and American studies.

The LENS (Learning Environment for New Synthesis) program at Ozarks requires students to earn a major or minor in each of three academic areas or "lenses" - the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics. LENS encourages students to explore, discover, and develop many areas of interest, while expanding their academic opportunities.

"I decided to major in psychology as I was always intrigued with the many functions of the brain and how they tie to human behavior, and how much is left to be explored within the field of psychological research," Wheeler said. "I am very appreciative of the LENS program we have here at the Ozarks. My American studies minor allowed me to expand upon my writing and literature skills which will be critical in a career within psychology as it has helped me in fine tuning my written and verbal communication. My health science minor has tied in with my psychology major as it has shown me the relationships between the human mind and biological processes related to physical health, which has allowed me to have an holistic understanding of the human body."

A three-year team captain and starter as a midfielder for the women's soccer team at Ozarks, Wheeler had a stellar collegiate career, earning multiple all-conference accolades as well as numerous academic-athletic district awards. She served with the college's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a representative for women's soccer and also represented Ozarks as a student-athlete at the inaugural SCAC Mental Health Symposium this past summer in Dallas, Texas.

"Playing collegiate soccer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and has allowed me the platform to grow into exactly the leader and person I feel confident in to conquer the next phase of my life," Wheeler said. "Playing soccer here at the Ozarks and representing the University each time I had the opportunity to step on the field are some of my greatest memories and gave me the chance to learn so much about camaraderie, leadership, and fortitude."

Wheeler, who is graduating with Summa Cum Laude (3.85 GPA or higher) honors, said her athletic endeavors have benefitted her as a student and vice versa.

"These qualities I have gained in my time as a collegiate athlete are some that I am most proud of and have implemented in my experience as a student, always looking to put my best effort into each assignment, building relationships with my classmates and professors, and helping to be a leader within the classroom," she said. "When it comes to how my academics have helped me within soccer, my outlook as a student in wanting to be the best student I can and putting in the maximal effort to gain the greatest reward is exactly how I have always approached my time as an athlete. I've been able to use tools gained through my academic endeavors here at Ozarks related to group collaboration, verbal communication, and taking and applying critiques to help me be a better player, teammate, and team leader."

Wheeler, who plans to attend graduate school in psychology with a goal of becoming a sports psychologist, said her favorite class at Ozarks was cognitive psychology with Dr. Joel Hagaman, professor of psychology.

"I have loved each class I have taken with Dr. Hagaman but this one was my particular favorite because it is what he specialized in and it was so wonderful learning about the many important aspects that make up cognitive psychology," she said. "Specifically, I enjoyed learning about working memory and attention which ultimately inspired my independent research project that I worked on with Dr. Hagaman as my research advisor for my psychology capstone."

Wheeler said her time at Ozarks can be summarized in two words - growth and fulfillment.

"I feel that I have truly grown to become a multi-faceted individual who has gained so much knowledge and wisdom from my fellow peers and faculty from all different backgrounds," she said. "I also speak on the idea of fulfillment as I honestly feel that I am gratified with my experience here at the Ozarks, where I left not a single stone unturned. I leave with no regrets, thanks to the nature of community and support I felt during my time here. The Ozarks has a community of people dedicated to pushing one another, guiding them, and allowing you to explore avenues you may have not thought you would have had any desires to pursue, and because of that I feel fulfilled knowing I am a product of that kind of environment."

When she walks across the state on Dec. 21 to receive her diploma, Wheeler said she expects it to be one of the highlights of her life.

"The excitement stems from the fact that this diploma is a culmination of many years of hard work, being dedicated to pursuing my education while juggling my extracurricular pursuits like soccer, which has always been a huge passion of mine," she said. "I also feel so blessed because this is simply the beginning of a new chapter and a bookend on a chapter that I am incredibly proud of and intend on reflecting back on quite often. I am so proud to soon be a graduate of this remarkable institution and I can't wait to make an impact in every community I become a part of, thanks to the ideals and values I've absorbed from University of the Ozarks. And, in return I hope to make the University proud and share a little piece of Clarksville, Arkansas, with as many people as I can."

Topics: Psychology