From International Student to Campus Leader

In this interview, Jen Shanahan speaks with student Nicole Kuan about her leadership development journey at Ohio State. Nicole shares how she found her place in the Buckeye community, the skills she’s developed through the Dean’s Leadership Academy, and her advice for aspiring young leaders.

Jen Knox Shanahan (JKS): Nicole, Congratulations on your role as Lead Ambassador of the Dean’s Leadership Academy Ambassador Program. Please share with us a little about your journey at Ohio State and other roles you hold.  

Nicole Kuan (NK): Thanks Jen! My journey at Ohio State has been nothing but welcoming, transformative, and eye-opening. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in leadership roles, case competitions, marketing projects, and multicultural initiatives - all of which have shaped my perspective and skill set.  

Four years ago, as an incoming international student, I was incredibly nervous that I wouldn’t fit in. However, I’m very grateful for being accepted into the Media, Marketing, and Communication Scholars as it provided me with lifelong friendships. Beyond academics, I’ve picked up a few different jobs to not only to support myself financially, but also to refine my skill set. In my four years of college, I’ve worked as a Student Manager and Summer Orientation Leader with Dining Services, as an International Peer Advisor with the Office of International Affairs, and a Marketing Intern under Professor Ty Shepfer. Each role provided me with opportunities to practice and refine my leadership skills, adapt to different teaching styles, and build stronger connections with my peers. 

In addition to balancing three jobs each week, I currently serve as the Chair of Taste of OSU 2025; the External Communications Coordinator for Multicultural Understanding for Nontraditional Discovery Opportunities (MUNDO); and as a Senior Designer of Fisher Ink Magazine. These experiences allowed me to connect with diverse communities, address challenges, cultivate a global mindset, and foster cultural understanding, creating a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.  

JKS: How did you find your way to leadership studies via the Dean’s Leadership Academy Program? 

NK: Growing up, I was always placed in leadership roles, whether as a class monitor, responsible for maintaining order in class or as a school prefect entrusted to ensure students followed the dress code and school rules. It wasn’t until my Business Survey class that I heard about the Dean’s Leadership Academy (DLA) from one of the student panelists. At the time, I considered myself a good leader and saw the DLA as an opportunity for growth. Through the DLA, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my character and what drives me to act the way I do, I’ve also learned to initiate, navigate and mediate conversations as well as utilizing a coaching style to help others identify their needs and goals. DLA classes have not only refined my abilities but also reinforced my confidence in leading with purpose.  

JKS: Tell us a little about what this position has taught you about leadership. 

NK: This role has allowed me to collaborate with diverse groups and embrace different perspectives to come up with an optimal decision that reflects the best outcome for the team. A rewarding moment was organizing the Embracing Risk event, featuring New York bestselling author Harlan Cohen. It was my first time coordinating such a big event, and while we had ideas, the path wasn’t clear. To combat this, I led weekly meetings leading up to the event, assigning roles and responsibilities to the team. With Fisher’s support, we incorporated lessons from past events and successfully executed our goals. I learned that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. 

JKS: What is one piece of advice you have for young leaders? 

NK: In whatever endeavor you pursue, give it your all, no matter how small. When reflecting on my time at OSU, one thing that I’m most proud of is my contribution to the Office of International Affairs. When I took on the job, my role was to help incoming international students navigate the immigration process and make them feel comfortable in their new environment. I went beyond that, I made a cheat sheet compiled with key items to check under each immigration document, introduction script for meeting students, and provided answers to commonly asked questions. I also revamped the training sessions for International Peer Advisors by learning to code a Jeopardy game on PowerPoint.  

As I prepare to further my education by pursuing a Master's in Professional Accounting through McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, I take pride in knowing that I’ve made a meaningful difference; in helping students feel welcomed and supported as they navigate a new chapter of their lives. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of initiative and innovation to drive positive change, a lesson I will carry forward to make an impact in every community I serve. 

Nicole Kuan is from Penang, Malaysia and is majoring in Marketing while pursuing a Certificate in Leadership through the Dean’s Leadership Academy. In her four years at Ohio State, she has balanced numerous jobs in Dining Services as a Student Manager, at the Office of International Affairs as an International Peer Advisor, and through the Fisher College of Business as a Marketing Intern. She is also active in the Dean’s Leadership Academy Ambassador Team as Lead Ambassador, in MUNDO as the External Communications Coordinator, and in Fisher Ink Magazine as a Senior Designer. Nicole was awarded the 2025 Ohio State Outstanding Senior Award.