Meet Aric Schauer

As a product of Ohio’s public education system, I learned early on that decisions made by public officials have a direct impact on people’s lives.  

My first experience with civic engagement came in high school, knocking on doors in support of a levy campaign after policy failures placed critical school programs at risk. Watching students, teachers and families organize to support our community showed me the power of public advocacy and sparked a passion that continues to guide me today.  

At the Glenn College, I’ve gained the academic foundation and practical experience necessary to make a real difference in my community. My last two years here have given me a myriad of opportunities: promoting civic engagement as an OSU Votes Student Assistant, interning at the Franklin County Democratic Party and serving as a student leader as President of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and Political Director of the OSU College Democrats. Most significantly, I was appointed as the youngest trustee in the history of the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug, & Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County, where I help oversee public investments in local behavioral health services. Each of these experiences has worked to build me up as a future public servant, and allowed me to advocate on behalf of those who cannot always advocate for themselves.  

As a Public Policy Analysis major and Law & Public Policy minor, I’ve been able to connect these hands-on experiences to a deeper understanding of law, community engagement and leadership. Courses such as PUBAFRS 4510 (Law & Public Affairs) and PUBAFRS 2170 (Equity, Justice, and Public Service), and PUBAFRS 2120 (Public Service & Civic Engagement) have allowed me to learn how to create meaningful change in our public systems and think critically about how to improve governance in my community.