Samantha Mansolf ’25: A Salve experience fully lived

A single moment can change everything. For Samantha Mansolf ’25, that moment came in the aftermath of a life-altering car accident during her senior year of high school. The experience reshaped her perspective and set her on a path of profound self-discovery, leading her to pivot from her initial interests to embrace a major in studio arts with concentrations in graphic design and photography at Salve Regina University.

This is the story of a student who has maximized every opportunity Salve offers. From managing the baseball team through a record-breaking season to mentoring first-generation students and elevating her artistry, Mansolf showcases the extraordinary potential of a holistic education.

Customizing her Salve experience

Before her accident, Mansolf was set on becoming a math teacher. Math had always come naturally to her, and she excelled in the subject throughout high school. However, the accident left her struggling to engage with numbers the way she once could.

Faced with this unexpected challenge, Mansolf made the brave decision to change paths and study art during her undergraduate career – a field in which she had no prior experience.

Entering Salve as a studio arts major, she found a welcoming environment in the Department of Art and Art History that helped her flourish. In this major, where students often address professors by their first names, Mansolf found a supporter in Gerry Perino, a painter and now-retired associate professor.

“I didn’t have much faith in myself, especially my first semester. I remember taking a drawing class and thinking, ‘Oh there’s no way,’” shared Mansolf. “But Gerry was amazing – he helped me realize that through art, I can still do the things that I love.”

Having played sports all her life, Mansolf wished she could incorporate this passion into her academic career, but couldn’t imagine how. Arts and athletics might seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum, but Jodie Mim Goodnough, associate professor in the department, helped Mansolf envision a future where she can blend both.

“Going down the art career path, I knew I didn’t want to be a wedding photographer, or be someone doing senior photoshoots. Jodie, who is also my advisor, really introduced me to sports photography and what that could look like for me,” said Mansolf.

In addition to her academic and creative work, Mansolf has embraced multiple leadership roles throughout her time at Salve. She is the public relations coordinator for Sigma Phi Sigma, the Mercy National Honor Society; social media coordinator for Mosaic, Salve’s student newspaper; student manager of the football and baseball teams; and has previously served as a peer mentor at the University and student assistant in the Pathways Program.

Mansolf ’25 in her role as public relations coordinator for Sigma Phi Sigma.

“While I discovered so many interests here, Salve most importantly introduced me to my love of service. That’s where I find joy, and it’s what brings me happiness,” said Mansolf.

Mansolf’s dedication to service shines through her work with the Pathways Program, where she supports first-generation students and families navigating college admissions.

“I’ve been fortunate to have so much support during my time here,” she reflected. “I wanted to make sure others felt confident stepping into their own journeys.”

Field, focus and frame

When the Salve baseball team shattered school records last spring, Mansolf, the team’s student manager, cheered them on from the dugout. Her responsibilities as manager went beyond logistics and score sheets – as she also captured key moments of the season with her camera and provided support that allowed players to focus during the historic season.

Mansolf sees her experience with the baseball program as a reflection of her approach to life: diving into opportunities and elevating those around her.

“Through being open to new opportunities, I have been able to be a part of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences at Salve, and I can’t wait to continue this journey during my last semester here,” said Mansolf.

Mansolf ’25 working as a student manager.

Mansolf’s many extra-curricular activities haven’t detracted from her growth as an artist; rather, it’s enhanced her perspective.

Whether capturing the action of a nail-biting inning or photographing Salve’s equestrian team, her ability to view the world through multiple lenses has flourished at Salve.

“It made me kind of fall in love with photography that captures the action,” said Mansolf. “These experiences have been so important in giving me real-world practice while doing something I really enjoy.”

As Mansolf approaches graduation, her journey exemplifies what a holistic education at Salve can unlock: the chance to embrace passions, lead boldly and make meaningful connections.

“The community here is unmatched and I absolutely would not have done my last four years anywhere else.”