Student Spotlight: Mary Tracey — Running Toward Medicine, Fueled by Community

Bethany, W.Va. (Nov. 12, 2025) – When you meet Mary Tracey, you notice two things right away: steady resolve and an easy smile. A junior biology major from Clarksburg, West Virginia, Mary is charting a path to medical school while throwing herself into nearly every corner of campus life. “For the longest time, I was set on one school,” she said, “when that didn’t work out, Bethany [College] was one of my top schools here [in West Virginia], so I toured and just ended up loving it here.” 

Mary admits she wondered what a liberal arts education would mean for a science-heavy schedule. Now, she’s a believer. “It makes you look at things from so many perspectives,” she said. “And because Bethany is small, there are so many ways to get involved that I don’t think I would’ve had elsewhere.” 

Involved might be an understatement. Mary runs cross country in the fall and track & field in the spring—usually the 5K, with the 3K as her go-to for indoor season. “It’s basically year-round,” she laughed. “I’ll even bring homework to meets and study between events.” Off the course, she’s president of the American Chemical Society (ACS), vice president of the pre-health club, active in Tri-Beta, and a proud member of Alpha Xi Delta. “I wanted more connections and community,” she said. “Joining a sorority and clubs opened that up for me.” 

Leadership has come naturally—especially in ACS, where Mary helps plan National Chemistry Week. The 2025 lineup ranges from a Richardson Hall scavenger hunt, a mac-and-cheese fundraiser, building bath-bombs night with the Students Activity Council, plus a STEM picnic that brings departments together for food, trivia, and talks. “It’s about learning chemistry and building community at the same time,” she said. 

As part of Bethany’s Honors Program, Mary presents a project each year on Honors Day. Freshman year, she explored the mind-body connection in running; sophomore year, she tackled vaccine conspiracy theories, comparing claims about MMR and COVID-19 to scientific evidence. This year’s theme of serial killers is a curveball, but she’s eager to anchor it towards biology once expectations are set. “It’s broad,” she said, “but there’s always a way to bring science into the conversation.” 

Beyond academics and athletics, Mary keeps a creative streak alive. She runs local 5Ks “for fun,” crochets and cross-stitches, and has recently fallen in love with painting. She played clarinet in the band and is considering returning soon. The throughline is time management—something she’s refined by necessity. “The hardest part is when two events happen at the same time,” she said. “You have to prioritize, communicate, and still make room to study.” 

After graduation, Mary plans to pursue medicine, ideally staying close to home. She’s exploring schools in and around West Virginia, with a special interest in the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. Internships are on her near-term list, too. “I’m starting the search now for a summer internship experience that will help me grow.”

Through Bethany’s partnership with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, students like Mary have the opportunity to earn early guaranteed admittance to WVSOM upon meeting program requirements. The program, launched in October 2022, connects Bethany students with WVSOM faculty mentors who provide guidance, shadowing opportunities, and professional networking in the medical field, creating a direct pathway for aspiring physicians to pursue their goals right here in West Virginia. 

Ask Mary about what’s made the difference at Bethany, and she won’t point to one person; she’ll name two departments. “Both the chemistry and biology faculty have been there for me since freshman year,” she said. “They’ve pushed me, supported me, and helped me see what I can do.” 

For Mary, Bethany has been more than a place to earn a degree; it’s been a place to build confidence, community, and direction. Like a runner pacing through a long race, she’s learned that success comes from balance, persistence, and the support of those running beside you.