Nichelle Mosley '24, Music
Nichelle Mosley ’24 has big dreams for the future of community music education and, with support from Malone faculty and staff, she is well on her way to making her dreams a reality.
A high school student at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Mosley wasn’t sure she would even go to college.
“I thought ‘college’ was overwhelming because I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “But I knew I couldn’t afford the debt. So I prayed, ‘Lord, I love you and I love to sing. Help me choose the right thing.”
Her music teacher, Brooke Arbaugh ’01, encouraged her to consider studying music at Malone. Once she learned that Malone would also provide a faith-based education, she decided to visit.
“As soon as I met the music faculty, I was sold,” said Mosley. “They were so caring from the first time we met, so I knew that Malone would be a safe place for me to learn and grow. We worked out my scholarships and I couldn’t wait to get started.”
For Mosley, the end game isn’t to be a performer or to be famous; instead, she wants to make an impact on the lives of youth by opening a faith-based performing arts school in her community.
“The summer before my senior year at SVSM, God gave me a ‘vision’ and helped me see my calling,” she said. “I want to help less fortunate young people who might not have other opportunities to experience music -- maybe orphans or teenagers in juvenile detention centers—by taking music to them and showing them how nourishing music can be for your soul, even if you don’t pursue it as a career.”
After more reflection, Mosley realized she wants students from all walks of life to benefit from their shared love of the arts because diverse perspectives create rich cultural experiences.
“Little by little, God kept showing me that our arts community could also include those who want to dance or paint or enjoy theatre,” she said. “In the beginning, it could be private piano and voice lessons while building clientele from area churches, but I think there is room to expand to other artistic disciplines, too.”
Excellence will be a hallmark of Mosley’s performing arts school, including a robust faculty and students who enroll after auditioning. She also wants to build a donor base who will fund scholarships so that those in need of financial assistance can benefit from it.
“At the end of the day, I want to use this school for ministry,” she said. “I believe the arts can spread the Gospel and foster a culture that will equip students to stand strong in their faith. The global artist community is a dark place and it needs bright lights for Christ.”
Mosley has written and directed three plays for the stage. In 2020, she sang for the Mayor of Akron’s inauguration ceremony. Through her service as the vice president for the University Chorale and as a Celebration speaker, she wants to lead her peers in ways that count for the Kingdom.
“I am eternally grateful for those who have poured into me and gave me opportunities to shine. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them, and they motivate me to pour into future students the same way,” she said. “I feel like God has entrusted me with a big mission, one I can’t do in my own strength. But as He opens doors for me and this calling, I’m going to walk through them. ”