Since transferring to Arcadia during her sophomore year, Donya Baxter ’26 has worked to transform uncertainty into confidence, motivation, and influence.

“My main challenge was navigating imposter syndrome in a new environment as a transfer student,” she said. “The academics were more rigorous, there was more commitment and time required of me from academics and athletics, the social environment was more involved at Arcadia, and there was an overwhelming amount of resources at Arcadia.”

Over time, the Psychology major with a Criminal Justice minor found success through the resources she once found overwhelming.

“Once I acknowledged things like my mental health disabilities, bad habits that were affecting my ability to perform well, and stopped comparing my capabilities to others, I was able to engage in resources like Academic Coaching, DSS, and therapeutic services,” Baxter said. “I was able to push past my imposter syndrome and build my confidence in my talents and gifts.”

Baxter, who is from Cheltenham Township, where Arcadia is located, has been deeply involved across campus as a member and captain of the women’s track and field team, a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, a member of the Athletics Leadership Circle, and former treasurer of the Black Awareness Society.

“Being involved in something on campus motivated me to grow as a person and be influential to the people around me,” she said. “For me, it was being on the track and field team. Being on the throwing squad allowed me to be a part of a tight-knit community. I have built strong friendships that will last a lifetime, and they have kept me motivated to do my best in everything that I do.”

Her accomplishments at Arcadia include becoming the first Black woman in program history to earn a medal at a Middle Atlantic (MAC) Conference Track and Field Championship and becoming a three-time school record holder. Outside of athletics, Baxter said the relationships she built across campus became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.

“My favorite memory has been making connections with people,” Baxter said. “Whether it was through academics, athletics, going to an event, or simply engaging in a conversation with someone I did not know, all of the connections and relationships that I have at Arcadia have had a positive impact on growing my character and taking on challenges I did not think I was capable of doing.”

After graduating, Baxter is pursuing a Master of Education in School Counseling at West Chester University. She credits Arcadia’s Psychology program with helping prepare her for her future.

“Arcadia’s psychology program is absolutely stellar,” Baxter said. “I have not only learned a lot academically that I will use in my career, but I have also grown in areas such as time management, professionalism, decision-making, and collaboration. I encourage everyone to take at least one psychology course throughout their college career, because psychology is in EVERYTHING!”