BGSU Life Design program nationally recognized for redefining the undergraduate student experience

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University recently received national recognition for shaping the future of higher education through its innovative Life Design program, which has become a recognizable differentiator of student success in the five years since its launch.

Life Design – which empowers students to take an active and intentional role in designing their college experience – received a 2025 Recognition of Achievement award from Encoura, a leading educational technology, data science and research organization, at the annual Eduventures Research Innovation Awards in Chicago. 

BGSU was the only university in the Midwest honored, underscoring its reputation as a national leader in driving student success through strategic, student-centered initiatives. 

“Life Design was launched at BGSU in 2020 as a framework for redefining student success,” said Adrienne Ausdenmoore, assistant vice president and executive director of the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design. “During the past five years, the program has grown to a campuswide ecosystem that includes two endowed centers and a network of faculty and staff partners throughout campus. We are committed to fostering the academic, social and personal growth of each of our students, and it’s an honor to see BGSU being recognized nationally for that commitment.” 

Encoura received a record number of award submissions this year, prompting the organization to include a special recognition category for which BGSU was a recipient. 

“We are at a critical inflection point with shifting population demographics, technology, and public perception where institutions are reimagining higher education through innovation,” said Cara Quackenbush, Encoura's executive vice president of research. “It’s an honor to recognize universities who are overcoming a challenging climate by focusing on getting the student experience right and on thoughtful use of technology.” 

Life Design has steadily expanded across the University since launching in 2020, supporting thousands of students in all stages of their college journey, from orientation to alumni. Life Design has become a comprehensive program across the BGSU student experience, with courses, one-on-one coaching, career readiness and integration across academic programs.

The curriculum has been integrated into numerous courses, including business, criminal justice, leadership and others, and programs such as the Honors College, Thompson Scholars and BGSU Athletics, significantly broadening its reach across campus. 

As part of the program’s continued growth and evolution, the Life Design team recently established a BGSU 1910 course specifically for students in the University’s Deciding Student Program, helping an impressive 91% of students declare a major or narrow down their choices after just one semester. 

To date, BGSU has introduced Life Design to more than 10,000 students, including 75% of first-year students in the Fall 2024 cohort, with a continued goal of reaching 100%.