When Becky Hammill walked into Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Levin College of Public Affairs and Education for the first time, she wasn’t just beginning a graduate program.  She was stepping into a community where her passions, experience, and purpose would find a natural home.  Now in her first semester pursuing a master’s degree in urban studies, Hammill is already leveraging CSU’s interdisciplinary approach and real-world experiences to shape her future as a changemaker. 

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Hammill earned her bachelor’s degree in systems biology at Case Western Reserve University, where she also completed minors in history, social justice, and leadership. That academic mix reflects her curiosity about how systems and policies influence communities, a passion she is now applying in urban affairs. 

At CSU, Hammill has fully embraced opportunities to bridge theory and practice. As a graduate assistant in the Department of Criminology and Sociology, she supports faculty research while deepening her understanding of social systems, working directly with Nicole Hanna. 

“Becky is dependable, friendly, and consistently gives 100 percent to every task,” said Nicole Hanna, Associate College Lecturer in Levin College’s Department of Criminology and Sociology. “She exemplifies CSU’s values through her commitment to improving outcomes for youth, including children in foster care. Becky is a true asset to her program, our campus, and—most importantly—our community.” 

In addition to her studies, Hammill serves as a substitute teacher with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) at Mound Elementary School, gaining firsthand experience in the classrooms whose policies she hopes to shape someday. Outside the classroom, she works one weekend per month at Camp Joy in Clarksville, Ohio through the “Fostering Success” program, creating safe, joyful experiences for children in foster care through outdoor adventures, crafts, and social activities. 

Her first semester has been packed with experiences that broadened her perspective. In October, Hammill attended Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s State of the Schools Address by CEO Dr. Warren Morgan at the Huntington Convention Center, where she heard firsthand about the district’s priorities and challenges. Later that month, she represented CSU at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference in Tampa, Florida, a five-day immersion in local government leadership and innovation. 

“I’ve always had an interest in how policies shape access to quality education, and I got to see how it’s being done on a government scale,” said Hammill, who also met standout Levin alum, Tanisha Briley (MPA ’05), City Manager of Gaithersburg, Maryland, at the ICMA Conference. The insights Briley provided into implementing equity initiatives in local government left a lasting impression on Hammill. 

The ICMA Conference gave Hammill a better understanding of the many avenues for systemic change. Hammill now envisions a career in education policy at the local or state level. She has tailored her graduate experience accordingly with all her elective courses being in education. 

“I love the CSU alumni network,” said Hammill. “Everyone in the program has experience and many of the students are working professionals. Everyone I’ve met wants to share the life lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s been really cool to see how many CSU alums are connected to the school and want to give back.” 

Hammill has also found mentors among the CSU faculty, including Associate Professor Dr. Meghan Rubado at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. 

“Becky entered our graduate-level data analytics course (UST 601) with strong statistics skills, thanks to her biology background, but instead of resting on her laurels, she pushed herself to apply it to real urban problems, and to share her knowledge with her classmates,” said Dr. Rubado. “She’s collaborative, curious, and deeply committed to public service. I know she’ll be a force for positive social change, and I can’t wait to see how she does it.” 

With her first semester complete, Hammill is already turning classroom lessons into real-world experiences and building the foundation for the impact she wants to make.