Ella Jane Kuhnell, known to many as EJ, chose Mount St. Joseph University after being awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. A deeply family-oriented individual, EJ treasures the time she spends with her loved ones. For her, the scholarship represents more than a personal achievement; it’s a way to ease the financial burden on her family and pave the way for her younger sisters to pursue their own educational dreams.
EJ's connection to 樱桃涩福利姬 is rooted in family tradition. Her grandmother, great-aunt, mother, and aunt attended the Mount, leading many to assume it was her obvious choice. However, EJ was determined to chart her own path and explore other universities. It wasn’t until her mom, trusting her instincts, encouraged EJ to tour the Mount that everything fell into place.
During her visit, EJ felt an immediate connection to the Mount’s welcoming community, particularly the art department. Following her visit, a thoughtful, handwritten note from Dr. Michaelann Kelley, Chair of the Art Department, made a lasting impression and solidified EJ’s decision to join the Mount family.
“When I visited other schools, I noticed a difference,” EJ reflected. “Here, teachers aren’t just teaching because they like art; they love teaching students art.”
Now a junior, EJ is double-majoring in fine arts and art education with a minor in art history. Art is her love. Her passion for art blossomed during her high school years at Liberty Bible Academy, a small private school, where she frequently helped in the art classroom. A pivotal moment came while organizing a binder of student artwork for her teacher. “Looking through all the coloring pages and drawings from her students, I was on the verge of tears because it was so sweet, EJ recalled. “It made me think, ‘I want to do this. I want kids to look up at me and feel inspired to create because I created it.’”
Her favorite spot on campus is the art department. “They’re my people. They make me so happy to be around,” she said. “I struggle to create during the summer, and I feel like I have this crazy creative boom every time I get back on campus. I really love being there.”
Outside of her studies and artwork, EJ is an active member of the campus community. She serves as a Resident Assistant, an officer in the Photographic Society, and a member of the Interfaith Club. She also enjoys spending time with friends, relaxing on the quad, and taking walks by the Sisters of CharityMotherhouse.
In her free time, EJ reads, creates more art, upcycles, watches movies, bikes with her dad on the Loveland bike trail, antiques, collects records, and explores the outdoors. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and dreams of working in museum curation, becoming a professor, or even landing a role at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Her advice to future students is simple:” Just ask. The worst thing that somebody can say is no. That's how I've gotten to do a lot of different things in life. and how I have earned my scholarship,” she shared. She encourages new students not to be scared to ask questions and to not judge themselves since they are their own worst critics.
“The teachers genuinely care about your growth,” she said, sharing a memorable example of Professor Drew Shannon, who sent her a podcast about her favorite book, The Secret History. “The little things matter—the way they remember the details and look out for you. I’m so grateful for that.”
We’re proud to share student stories, especially during this Season of Gratitude.