Admission
![Rainah Dunham '25](/live/image/gid/38/width/300/height/200/crop/1/47746_Rainah_2.rev.1718997056.jpg)
Rainah Dunham
Class of 2025
I learned to appreciate the balance of academics and athletics and got so much better at balancing the two. I’m not sure if I would have gotten the support and encouragement to do that anywhere else.
What led to your decision to transfer? What does Ursinus offer that your previous institution did not?
I chose Ursinus because it is a school that changes lives, and I wanted to attend an institution that challenges me academically and physically. I believe that education is important, it lays down a foundation for yourself. Ursinus offers me the resources I need to complete my college career. I found out that my old coach was here at Ursinus and took a chance. I applied and reached out to Blickle, Ursinus’s Track head coach and the rest was history.
How do you find that Ursinus College supports students of high academic achievement?
Ursinus grants you the advantages and the responsibilities of assuming the roles of researchers, writers, philosophers, and artists in collaboration with your professors. At Ursinus, faculty and staff not only know your name but also provide personalized guidance and mentorship that is not available at larger institutions. Every individual participates, develops, and gains gratification from the experience. Also, the professor and the student collaborate actively and equally to ensure the student’s success.
Outside of the classroom, what are some activities or opportunities that you pursued at Ursinus, and what successes have you had?
I’m on the Women’s Track & Field Team. I am the current record holder for women’s long jump and triple jump, and was also on the record breaking 4x100 team. I became a 2-time conference champion (1- long, 1-triple), 4-time All American, and a National Champion.
How did it feel to become the first Ursinus Women’s Track & Field athlete to become a National Champion?
Honestly, I really have no words to describe it. I’m just honored and thankful that my coaches and Ursinus took a chance on me, and I was able to make some magic happen. That day was magical and felt like everything that I worked for showed that weekend, so it was really rewarding. And I’m glad that it was here at Ursinus, for Ursinus because the school has really showed me love and I wanted to show love back to the school.
What were the challenges of adapting to a new college environment, and how have you met them?
I learned to appreciate the balance of academics and athletics and got so much better at balancing the two. I’m not sure if I would have gotten the support and encouragement to do that anywhere else.
Why would you encourage another student to transfer to Ursinus?
Ursinus is the school that changes lives and promotes critical thinking among students, enabling them to develop into mature, accountable, self-reliant individuals within society.
Major
Activities
Women’s Track & Field