Meet Lio.
From the time they were 5 years old, Lio McElroy knew their dream was to be an actor. Growing up in a small school district in West Union, Ohio, without many opportunities in theater, they dreamed of the day they could fully embrace their passion for the arts. That dream came true when they found a home at Shawnee State University.
“I’m the fourth person in my family to choose Shawnee,” they said. “But instead of majoring in English or science like the rest of my family, I decided to pursue my lifelong passion by majoring in fine arts.”
As an actor, poet and songwriter, they’ve found Shawnee to be the perfect place to express creativity and build meaningful relationships. “Shawnee has that small school feel while still giving me opportunities to build a community through different types of clubs,” they said. “I’ve even been able to create some myself.”
One of their biggest surprises came from an unexpected new path in dance. “If someone had told me years ago that I would be the co-captain of Shawnee State’s new dance team, I would’ve laughed in their face,” they said. “If it wasn’t for SSU, I wouldn’t have discovered my deep passion for dance.”
In addition to performing, they stay actively involved across campus. They’ve served as vice president of the Transgender Coalition and now serve as president of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club. The organization hosts events and meetings for LGBTQIA+ students.
“We hold meetings and events specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies because everyone deserves to feel loved and wanted,” McElroy said. “Through SAGA, the dance team and my major, I’ve made some of my best friends.”
Reflecting on their journey, they said Shawnee State has given them more than just an education — it’s given them a sense of belonging. “I came to college wanting community,” they said. “And I learned that being your authentic self will attract people who love those parts of you.”
