PITTSBURGH – Advocacy, leadership and ministry are virtues instilled in Christen Rose long before she enrolled at Carlow University her junior year. Given her new atmosphere of support and encouragement, the senior psychology major employs those qualities in her initiatives at school and in the community.
“I come from a pretty successful family, and growing up my parents and grandparents always made sure I was involved in activities, in sports and in community work at church,” said Rose.
Rose, of Plum Borough, transferred from West Virginia University to Carlow for the bonus of smaller class sizes, and a location closer to home, yet with a college city vibe.
She quickly took action at Carlow. Rose served on the Board of Trustees’ National Presidential Search Committee for the University’s new leader, and is a member of the Special Board of Trustees for the Anti-Racism Task Force. At WVU, she belonged to the Black Student Union.
Rose said task force members review university curriculums to assure Carlow does not implement any racist policies in those programs.
“The thing I am most passionate about is bringing justice to the education system, and creating fair opportunities for people of all backgrounds to attend higher education,” said Rose. “I’ve already talked to several people about my interest to someday having a scholarship fund for deserving students in financial need.”
Aside from school, Rose is active with Potter’s House Ministries in Pittsburgh, witnessing to youth and young adults and to invite them to join the ministry.
Rose is currently a research assistant in a “Blind Tennis” neuropsychology research project under the lead of Jennifer Roth, PhD, Carlow’s associate professor of psychology. The grant project, funded by the United States Tennis Association, involves optimizing a set of sounds to use for source localization in profoundly blind athletes.
In her role as a research assistant, Roth said Rose makes very valuable contributions, keeps meticulous notes, recruits many participants and volunteers to write sections of the experimental procedures and research paper.
“She learns quickly and applies her research skills. She made many implementable suggestions to improve the study design. Her effective collaboration and teamwork skills are very valuable,” said Roth.
Timothy Phillips, PhD, vice president of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, said Rose models a leadership spirit, presenting all of who she is with patience, authenticity and determination.
“She leads by example, listens intently and speaks confidently with care and concern for the environment and those within,” said Phillips. “Christen’s strength lies in her ability to identify common concerns, offer reasoned solutions and to call those around her to be better versions of themselves. Modeling the Carlow Mercy values, she extends a hospitality such that all feel welcome in her presence and serves with skill that has resulted in a more just experience for students.”
Rose is not all about school and community work. She loves to kayak and spend time at the beach. She recently jumped at an opportunity to sky dive.
She plans to attend graduate school, become a psychology professor and open a private practice in mental health counseling.