When Olivia Campbell enrolled as a student at Montgomery County Community College, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life.

That all changed after she took History Assistant Professor Douglas Powell’s class at MCCC’s Pottstown Campus and discovered a love for the subject herself.

“I took his classes three semesters in a row. I really enjoyed them. His classes made me decide I wanted to teach history,” she said. “You can do it at any level. I very much enjoyed his classes and learned a lot from him.”

Today her passion is being rewarded. Campbell, 21, a 2021 Boyertown Area Senior High graduate, is the 2024 recipient of the Ryan M. Johnson PhD. Endowed Scholarship. This prestigious award is given to a graduating student who has displayed academic excellence, a passion for history coursework, commitment to ongoing education, and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Each year, the funding is awarded directly to the recipient’s student account at the four-year institution to which they are transferring to celebrate the journey of continued education.

In 2013, Dr. Ryan Johnson, a beloved professor of History at MCCC’s Pottstown Campus passed away at 32 years old. Dr. Johnson was a dedicated educator with a passion for history and a belief in the importance of higher education and lifelong learning. Students eagerly signed up for his courses and fellow faculty and staff enjoyed working alongside him. It was a significant loss to the College, his loved ones, and the community at large.

In honor of Dr. Johnson’s love of history and devotion to education, his family and friends established the scholarship.

“It definitely really meant a lot to me especially,” Campbell said on receiving the scholarship. “Going into history, specifically for history education, to have something to encourage students to continue learning history from a history teacher was an incredible opportunity.”

Campbell, of Barto, Berks County, started at the College in the spring of 2022 and found friends by becoming a part of groups on campus. In May 2023, she joined the Theatre Arts Department for a field trip to see a production of the musical “Hadestown.” That’s where she met Theatre Assistant Professor Jessica DalCanton, who suggested she help out with the fall production of “Pillowman” as an assistant stage manager.

“When I showed up for the first rehearsal in the fall, they said ‘The the original stage manager can’t do it. Can you do it?’” said Campbell. “I said, ‘I guess I can learn.’”

She ended up stage managing the fall production and the spring production of “Home Free,” with Theatre Assistant Professor Timothy Gallagher.

“I was happy to find the theater community,” she said. “That’s been super fun to be a part of.”

Campbell is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. In addition, she is the recipient of Excellence in Liberal Arts Award, for history and political science. It was Powell who nominated her.

Lastly, Campbell has been a Flight Assistant at the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown since January 2023, assisting with the hands-on missions for middle school students. She works with students directly and helps when they need it, whether it’s in math, reading or finding ways to get the most out of their two-hour session. She said it’s good practice for her future career.

“I’ve been developing my abilities to work with students,” she said. She thanked Communication Studies Assistant Professor Meredith Frank, who encouraged to apply for the position. She also thanked the team at Challenger for welcoming her and for all their support during her time working there.

Campbell said she’s also enjoyed studying at MCCC, and in particular Pottstown Campus, because people will remember you.

“The staff recognize you,” she said. “And I say hi to the security guards, the custodian. When I was getting ready for Commencement and picking up my cap and gown, everyone said congratulations.”

Even before Commencement, Campbell said the staff in Career Services helped prepare her for life after MCCC.

“It was easy to make an appointment,” she said, “and they had lots of suggestions for places to apply. I have friends who have raved about it. They prepare you for success while at Montco and even after you graduated.”

This fall Campbell is transferring to the University of Delaware to major in History Education, and minor in Museum Studies. She’d like to teach middle school history or became a museum educator and develop outreach programs for students in middle school. She credits her education at MCCC for helping her find her way to this point.

“It feels like I had a successful time here,” she said. “When I came in, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Having graduated, I feel prepared. With my classes, I learned a lot and narrowed down my future. I work in a job I love and met so many new people, and Montco even helped me reconnect with old friends. I had such a successful time here.”

The Montgomery County Community College Foundation is able to make a difference in the lives of students, like Campbell, thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, community friends, private foundations, and corporations. To see how you can make a difference and discuss how your gift can be most meaningful to you, contact the Foundation or call 215-641-6324.