UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Barron Owusu’s Penn State journey was shaped by curiosity, leadership and a commitment to equity. He’s used his time to turn understanding into action by combining academics and community engagement to create change on campus and beyond.
Owusu, a fourth-year student dual-majoring in psychology and economics with a minor in information sciences and technology, moved often growing up, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to Ghana, which helped shape his outlook, he said. It was while living in New Jersey that he became interested in attending Penn State.
“Seeing children with so much potential but little access to resources deeply shaped my identity,” said Owusu. “It made me question what it takes to build a well-functioning society where children can truly thrive.”
That curiosity led Owusu to economics, he said, through which he seeks to understand systems that influence well-being at a societal level. Psychology, meanwhile, interested him because of his need to understand everything from why people behave the way they do to how he can help shift bad habits to positive outlooks.
Owusu said he has seen firsthand what struggle looks like through his own financial and economic challenges. Having to work since enrolling at Penn State, he reflected on how hard his mom worked to bring change into their lives and provide for those around her.
That drive, he said, has motivated him to push for higher goals and inspire students to build a better future for the next generation.
“I want to be a trailblazer who helps children grow into their talents and gives parents the tools to support them,” he said. “I am a firm believer that children are the future and that underrepresented communities deserve equitable opportunities.”
Owusu is vice president of the African Students Association, where he said he has learned the importance of assertiveness, accountability and recognizing the contributions of his peers. He said the group was the first space at Penn State where he felt truly included, and it taught him to be present and lead by example.
Though he admitted to not being the most direct leader at the outset, he said he eventually grew into the role, learning lessons that he has now brought into his position as president of the University’s chapter of the NAACP.
Owusu said he started with a vision for the organization that looked to improve the divisions between members of the Black diaspora and bring awareness to marginalized communities both on campus and beyond.
“Issues such as poverty, health care disparities and unequal access to resources continue to impact minority communities,” Owusu said. “While the work may seem small, having an impact on a local community can create lasting change.”
Owusu and his executive board have worked hard to bring the community together and reinforce the power of collective action. He said he's most proud of the group’s 2025 Block Party and intends to do similar projects through increased volunteer initiatives. He hopes the group’s work encourages other students to advocate for people beyond themselves.
With the intention of one day becoming a business owner, owning real estate and building schools in Africa, Owusu said he is using his studies to deepen his understanding of economic systems and markets.
“I wanted to challenge myself to fully understand how these systems operate so I can build efficient, ethical businesses,” Owusu said. “In the long-term, this decision has pushed me toward pursuing an MBA and eventually law school to study business law.”
He said he could not have met all of his academic goals without his professors, particularly Adjunct Lecturer of Psychology Elisabeth Karuza, Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology Beth Gerace and Teaching Professor of Psychology Nick Pearson. These professors and their courses, he said, were instrumental in his academic development because they expanded his perspectives and strengthened valuable skills such as writing research papers, reading academic literature and applying qualitative analysis.
Also high on his list is Lauren Granese, Owusu’s career coach and assistant director of the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.
“I truly cannot say enough good things about Lauren,” Owusu said. “I met her during my first year through my academic adviser, and she has supported me throughout my entire college journey.”
Owusu said his third year was one of the hardest during his time at Penn State, but Granese’s encouragement and reminders helped him get through. She was someone he could trust and confide in during difficult moments, he added, like when he missed an internship opportunity at Johnson & Johnson. She assured him that everything happens for a reason and continued helping him with resume development, interview preparation and rebuilding his confidence.
Preparing and practicing consistently with Granese and on his own helped Owusu land a one-year co-op with IBM that he’ll begin in May.
“I can confidently say that without her support, my co-op opportunity with IBM would not have been possible, and I will always be grateful for her guidance,” Owusu said.
He said he is confident the opportunity aligns well with his long-term goal of becoming a business owner. He hopes to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully to his team and learn as much as possible during his time there.
“Managing a double major, a minor, leadership roles and employment has prepared me to handle future challenges,” Owusu said. “Overall, I am excited and confident in what lies ahead.”
He said he’s especially grateful to the College of the Liberal Arts for its instrumental role in his growth.
“Penn State’s alumni network is incredibly strong and has provided mentorship and guidance that should not be overlooked,” Owusu said. “I am grateful for the opportunities Penn State has given me and the support system that has helped me grow academically, professionally and personally.”