You might think, given her last name, that Chloe Travelstead would have come a long way to attend Davis & Elkins. Yet, it is just 74 miles from D&E to her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia. Part of the reason for that is that both places give her a strong sense of community, and of home.
“Fairmont is a town that I have called home for most of my life,” says Travelstead. “It’s a welcoming town where everyone seems to know each other. It’s a place filled with beautiful hills, a strong sense of community, and a slower pace of life that makes it feel like home.”
That was the same feeling she had when she came on D&E’s campus. “I first toured D&E after Girls State,” she says, “going into my senior year of high school. At this point I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. However, when I stepped on this campus, I felt at home.” Even other campus visits did not change her mind. “When I toured other schools, I found myself comparing them to D&E and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this is where I belonged.”
While in Fairmont, Travelstead attended Fairmont Senior High School, where she was a first-team All-State member of the lacrosse team that won three state titles. Continuing her playing career was important, too. “I wanted to play lacrosse in college since middle school,” she says, “and when I first had my call with Coach Pomeroy, I knew this was the place.” Travelstead, who was also an Academic All-American, received an Emerging Leaders scholarship, and that cemented her decision.
Travelstead, who recently graduated this spring, has, not surprisingly, excelled in the classroom. She is a Psychology & Human Services and Criminology double major, and is attending Marshall University this fall, in pursuit of a doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD). That degree, she says, will help her obtain “licensure as a clinical psychologist” so she can establish “a practice that serves rural communities.” She also wants to “collaborate with local domestic violence services to support survivors with therapeutic practices, and intervention strategies.” It is all about “advocating for underserved and vulnerable populations,” says Travelstead.
That perspective was shaped by some powerful classes, and some powerful faculty. “My victimology course impacted me because it was the first time I had ever studied a subject from the victim’s perspective,” says Travelstead. “It also made me realize that I had a passion for working with people who have been victimized.” That course was taught by Dr. Ronda Engstrom. “I’ve worked closely with Dr. Engstrom throughout my education,” says Travelstead, “and she has consistently supported and encouraged my goals.”
Of course, Travelstead admits that it is hard to pick only a few faculty members in her time at D&E. “Every professor that I have had,” she says, “has supported me and has made me grow as a student or in my personal life.” Dr. Garrison played a key role in guiding her through the graduate school application process, offering valuable insight and advice. Professor and Dr. Morgan “go above and beyond for every student, always bringing a sense of positivity and enthusiasm into the classroom.”
Travelstead believes that her psychology coursework provided a strong foundation in ethical principles, ensuring that she would approach clinical practice with professionalism and integrity. Meanwhile, her studies in criminology deepened her understanding of the justice system and its intersection with mental health. She also strengthened her interpersonal skills in an interpersonal communications course.
All those courses culminated recently in Travelstead’s capstone project, titled “Empowered: The Role of Risk Factors and the Cycle in Survivor Stories.” She says, “The most important lesson I took from my capstone experience was that if you have a passion or curiosity, you can turn it into meaningful research that not only deepens your understanding but can also make a real impact. My interest in interpersonal violence and trauma fueled every step of the project, and I learned that following what truly matters to you leads to more authentic, committed, and rewarding work.”
For any student thinking about college, Travelstead wants them to know that D&E “goes the extra mile to make you feel a part of the community. The professors care about their students and you will feel prepared for life after college.”
And, it feels a lot like home.
