Ella Rinehard

A senior farewell from your Arts and Life Editor, Ella Rinehard

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

I’ll start this article just as my bio states on The Northerner website, now forever online, and unchanging after I graduate: I had no intent of going into journalism. Not once had it crossed my...

The Protein Push: Why is protein so popular now?

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

On a Saturday Night Live skit airing in March, a parody hospital prescribes its patients red meat and whey powder, in lieu of medicine and treatment. From refrigerators full of creatine to IV bags dripping...

They painted it together. They lived it too.

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Nestled among the fourth-floor classrooms of Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts is a studio space dedicated to Bachelor of Fine Arts students. Two friends paint side by side, their workspaces...

NKU’s Cody Combs reflects on starring in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

NKU musical theatre major Cody Combs recently starred in Paramount Theatre’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen.” The musical, a six-time Tony Award winner, debuted at the regional theater outside of...

NKU’s first-ever ‘Mamma Mia!’ takes the stage

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

NKU’s first production of “Mamma Mia!” premieres Friday at the School of the Arts. Filled with ABBA classics and plenty of disco dancing, the popular musical — held at Corbett Theatre through April...

PHOTO GALLERY: Annual Juried Student Exhibition now on display

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

The 2026 annual “Juried Student Exhibition" is now open, featuring works from students in different areas, from painting to sculpture to graphic design. The collection, curated by two external jurors,...

The jewelry and journey of Junebug Designs

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

One of Dawn L. Grady’s long-time customers from Liberia stood before a judge at her naturalization ceremony, taking the oath to become a United States citizen. Her smile wide and bright, a Brazilian...

“Live at the Loch” now accepting student musicians to perform

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Norse Code Radio’s music festival, “Live at the Loch,” is currently accepting applications to perform at their next show in April. NKU musicians and bands of any genre are invited to play their own...

[Photo] Landrum cat supporters rally as university pursues options

Henry Crawford, Editor-In-Chief

Some students drew cat whiskers on their faces as a show of support.

University says Landrum cats must go, open to solutions

Ella Rinehard and Henry Crawford

In an interview with The Northerner on Wednesday, the university reiterated that the cats living outside the Landrum Academic Center must be relocated off-campus. However, it is still searching for...

[Photo] Political strain: Managing your mental health in an ever-changing political landscape

Jakob Staley, Sports Editor

An illustration of two people playing pickleball. Dr. Christopher Lawrence says activities like pickleball can help reduce stress and anxiety related to politics.

[Photo] VIEWPOINTS: The Landrum cats make NKU better, let them stay.

Henry Crawford, Editor-In-Chief

Morris, one of the most well-known cats of the Landrum bunch, stands beneath a picnic table outside the building.

Landrum cats to be removed from campus

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

The stray cats living at Landrum are to be removed due to health and safety concerns, according to university officials. Maintenance crew and staff members who have been caring for them were allegedly...

10 riveting romance reads for Valentine’s Day

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Whether you’re looking for a quick read or an in-depth love story, this list of fictional romance novels is perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. From sworn enemies faking a relationship to a tale...

OPINION: Bad Bunny’s halftime show was a statement of unity in a time of division

Ella Rinehard and Jakob Staley

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Northerner. Puerto Rican singer and rapper, Bad Bunny,...

Broadway writers workshop new musical at NKU

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Broadway writers Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor are bringing their new musical “BRUCE” to Northern Kentucky University, workshopping the show with students and faculty as part of its first steps...

FE26 exhibition highlights art and design by NKU faculty and staff

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Hands twitch and glitch, obscuring the face. A digital dollhouse unfolds room by room, revealing delightful surprises. NKU’s School of the Arts faculty and staff exhibition, open through Feb. 19, features...

[Photo] How Name, Image and Likeness have changed the college athletics landscape

Jakob Staley, Michele Mcnulty, and Jonah Moore

A drawing done by Ella Rinehard of a basketball player going up for a layup with money falling from the sky.

[Photo] Senior Farewell: Assistant Arts and Life Editor Holly Keuper

Holly Keuper, Assistant Arts & Life Editor

(from left to right): Ella Rinehard, Holly Keuper and Erin Senn set up for interviews preceding an Oklahoma! rehearsal.

Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase celebrates 10 years with more unique dance numbers

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

The Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase (ECS) celebrated its 10th anniversary with eight choreographed numbers on Sunday and Monday. From violin-accompanied ballads to hair-raising thrillers, the showcase...

[Photo] “Less than one percent:” Molly Smallwood and the human toll of NKU’s budget cuts

Henry Crawford, Editor-In-Chief

Molly Smallwood stands on the porch of her Alexandria home. Smallwood had her position eliminated at NKU on October 6, 2025.

Exploring the self: Senior fall BFA exhibitions open

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) senior exhibitions opened on Nov. 20, featuring 15 artists from various disciplines. Located in the Fine Arts Center’s galleries, the show is a culmination of the artists’...

A look into the immersive world of NKU’s “A Christmas Carol”

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Outside the Corbett Theatre, three twinkling Christmas trees stand tall, their branches adorned with dried oranges and popcorn, strung up with twine. Corn husk dolls dressed in bonnets peek between needles....

Millie’s Sugar Cookies

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

This recipe is from my great-grandmother, Millie. She was a wonderful cook and baker, passing on her recipes to her daughter, Bonnie. Every year for Christmas, my grandma Bonnie and I bake together, sharing...

Seven local holiday attractions to visit this season

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

As the first wandering snowflakes visit campus, and the promise of winter break looms ahead, here’s a list of local places to visit this holiday season. From cozy Christmas plays to Christkindlmarkts,...

BFA student makes a house for stray cats on campus

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Just under the bridge in Landrum, six stray cats gather for their usual feeding time. Running out of the bushes, they crowd around food bowls. But the onslaught of winter weather brings worry for how the...

SOTA professor leads artists through ArtWorks residency

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

The needle pierces the fabric. The thread weaves in and out, fingers nimble and quick as the cloth fuses together. To Josie Love Roebuck, a professor in SOTA, the physical act of sewing is akin to opening...

[Photo] Behind the Whistle: A closer look at the coaches of NKU

Jakob Staley and Jonah Moore

Men's and women's swimming head coach Kevin Woodhull-Smith is the first ever swim coach in program history. He was hired in April of 2024 and in his short year here at NKU he has changed the program in...

[Photo] Fall 2025 fashion style guide

Holly Keuper, Assistant Arts & Life Editor

[Photo] NKU announced as new home for Governor’s School for the Arts

Henry Crawford, Editor-In-Chief

Jason Brooks, director of the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA).

Top 5 fall arts events around Northern Kentucky

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

From “Rocky Horror Picture Show” to “Twilight” in concert, here’s a list of local fall art activities to be on the lookout for this October. 1. Rocky Horror Picture Show Presented by The Henry...

SOTA advisor makes artwork for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

Sarah Rodriguez, an academic advisor for the School of the Arts (SOTA), recently collaborated with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to create artwork. Her paper collages, made alongside patients and nurses,...

Saddle up: NKU musical theatre presents “Oklahoma!”

Ella Rinehard and Holly Keuper

NKU’s production of “Oklahoma!”, full of cowboy boots, iconic tunes and Western drama, moseys into Corbett Theatre Sept. 26 to Oct 5. Set in the early days of the American Frontier, stubborn,...

A preview of the 2025-26 Theatre & Dance season

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Editor

NKU’s School of the Arts (SOTA) has an exciting season in store, with six productions slated for the 2025-2026 school year, as well as performances from the student-led Henry Konstantinow Studio Theatre....

[Photo] Upcoming fall festivals to look out for

Holly Keuper, Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Get ready for pumpkin, sweater and apple cider season with these fall festivals.

Ella Oak Boutique opens in Northern Kentucky

Ella Rinehard, Arts and Life Editor

A new shop opened in August, just minutes from NKU. Ella Oak Boutique offers locally made clothes, accessories and other handmade items that highlight community. “Ella Oak Boutique was really inspired...

NKU’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a success, yet again.

Jillian Kohls and Ella Rinehard

NKU’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was an incredible feat of vocal ranges, dance numbers and live music. Shown in the Corbett Theatre, this 20-year anniversary performance rocked the stage. The...

[Photo] Holly’s must-see summer films

Holly Keuper, Arts & Life Reporter

Illustration by Ella Rinehard

[Photo] Grit, guitars and gospel: “Jesus Christ Superstar” rocks NKU’s stage for a second time

Jillian Kohls, Managing/Arts and Life Co-Editor

Isaiah Burton, who plays Jesus in NKU’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” will sing up to a G5, making it the highest note in the show.

To be queer, to be wounded, to make art anyway

Ella Rinehard and Erin Senn

An artist works on their painting. Mixing colors on a palette, they carefully refine the details and brushstrokes, lovingly rendering the form with their own two hands. Only to burn it in the...

PHOTO GALLERY: NKU Gold and White Awards celebrate student excellence

Ella Rinehard, Arts & Life Assistant

NKU’s Gold and White Awards honored students, leaders and organizations Wednesday night in the Student Union ballroom. Sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement, the event was full of cheers as...