From the Beacon College Office of College Communications | November 2025 Lighting the Path Newsletter

Cohort Collective builds belonging, boosts success

Beacon’s new Cohort Collective program creates small, supportive peer groups that help neurodivergent students feel connected, confident and ready to thrive academically and socially.

Blazer Grazer food truck rolls out with flavor and flair

Beacon’s new food truck, the Blazer Grazer, is serving students with a rotating menu of global and classic eats — from Korean barbecue wraps to slaw dogs. The mobile kitchen adds daily variety and fills dining gaps alongside the Dining Commons and Navigator Café.

Women in Tech opens doors for neurodiverse students

Beacon College partnered with Jonathan’s Landing to offer hands-on mobile device repair training through Techtonic SkillCircuits, helping neurodivergent students gain confidence and pursue WISE certification and tech careers.

Beacon community gives thanks, celebrates gratitude

Beacon students, faculty, and staff shared reflections of gratitude — capturing, in their own words, the connections that make our campus community strong.
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Beacon helps students overcome lingering pandemic learning gaps

Beacon’s holistic support model has empowered neurodivergent students to rebound from COVID-era disruptions — building confidence, skills, and resilience for college and beyond.

Beacon expands PBS series through NETA partnership

Beacon College’s award-winning PBS program "A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity" is reaching new audiences through its partnership with the National Educational Telecommunications Association. In its first months, the series aired in 20 major U.S. media markets, bringing expert advice and inspiring stories to neurodiverse families nationwide.

Beacon librarian earns dual microcredentials

Emily Morgan, assistant library director, recently earned a Data Literacy badge from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and a certificate in AI literacy for academic libraries from Clarivate and LitTech Insights, strengthening her expertise in emerging technologies.

Beacon student presents at national conference

Tevia McNeil presented original research on linking physical fitness and mental health at the National Organization of Human Services Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, reflecting Beacon’s commitment to empowering neurodivergent students in their fields and communities.

Beacon hoopers tip off season with grit and growth

Beacon’s men’s and women’s teams tipped off their second New South Athletic Conference season, continuing to build resilience and personal growth on and off the court.

Alum Fowler defies the odds, thrives in the U.S. Army

From overcoming a severe learning disability to graduating from Beacon College in 2004 and rising through the Army ranks, Jaymes Fowler’s story is one of resilience, determination, and pride.

Alumni Updates

Submit your alumni updates, news, weddings, births, etc. for consideration in the next issue of the Lighting the Path newsletter. We look forward to hearing from you! EMAIL US

Nesbitt publishes new poetry in literary journal

Dr. William Nesbitt, professor of humanities, recently published a new poem titled “Time Counts Everything but Itself” in the 2025 edition of Blueline, a literary journal dedicated to writing from, about, and inspired by the Adirondacks. The poem appears in Volume 46 of the publication.

Dreimiller's Work Accepted for Peer Review

Gretchen Dreimiller, director of library resources, has a submission under peer review for the Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. Her article titled “From Accommodation to Empowerment: Generative AI as a Universal Design Tool for Neurodiverse College Students,” will appear in a special edition on artificial intelligence.

A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity

"Paying Attention to Inattentive ADHD" (September 2025)

ADHD isn’t just hyperactivity — it includes inattentive types marked by missed cues and mental drift. This episode of "A World of Difference" follows a Maryland family, shares expert parenting strategies, and highlights a filmmaker amplifying ADHD voices. Click the image to view.

"Navigating the Neurodivergent Job Hunt" (October 2025)

While 72% of U.S. employees say they’d hire a neurodivergent colleague, many graduates still face barriers. This episode of "A World of Difference" follows one jobseeker’s journey, spotlights Wells Fargo’s inclusion efforts, and shares expert strategies. Plus, meet our Difference Maker: an author and activist advancing inclusive education. Click the image to view.

"Study Skills for Success"

(November 2025)

Schoolwork can feel overwhelming for students with learning differences, but the right strategies make a difference. This episode of "A World of Difference" follows a seventh grader’s journey, shares expert study tips, and features a former MLB All-Star turned dyslexia advocate. Click image to view.

Dr. William Nesbitt presents Riders on the Storm: Rock Music of the Sixties, a deep dive into the decade that launched legends — from Hendrix to Joplin — and reshaped music history. Discover the stories, sounds, and seismic shifts that still echo today.