Powered by perseverance: Dar’Neja Skipper’s Marauder journey

At Central State University, determination and excellence go hand in hand — and arguably, no one exemplifies that better than senior accounting major Dar’Neja Skipper. 

Skipper’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and remarkable grace. In middle school, she faced a life-altering diagnosis: Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, cutting off blood flow and causing her to pass out nearly every day. She underwent brain surgery at just 14 years old — a 10% chance of full recovery and a 3% chance of developing life-threatening fluid buildup on her brain. Defying odds, Skipper endured not just one, but over a dozen brain surgeries throughout high school and college. 

Despite constant medical setbacks — including life flights, sleep paralysis, and repeated surgeries — Skipper never gave up on her education or her dreams. While battling health challenges, she played three sports in high school, participated in campus life, and worked two jobs simultaneously. Even after missing two semesters due to major surgeries, she returned stronger, determined to finish her degree. 

Now, Skipper is preparing to cross the stage at Central State’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 10, marking the end of her undergraduate journey and the triumph of grit, faith, and relentless determination. 

“I had to realize that no matter what you go through, you can still persevere and finish if you really want to,” she shared. “You just have to buckle up, buttercup — and keep going.” 

Throughout her journey, Skipper leaned on her strong support network at Central State, including Counseling Services Director Dr. Sonia Hunt, College of Business professors Dr. Marvin Reid and Michael Simmons, and the TRIO Student Support Services team. Faculty and staff rallied around her, ensuring she had the resources to continue her education, even during long recovery periods. Their dedication, combined with Skipper’s unbreakable spirit, made it possible for her to thrive. 

Skipper’s commitment extended beyond the classroom. In summer 2024, she completed a rotational internship at Dollar Bank through the Ohio Bankers League, working across departments like human resources, treasury management, private and corporate banking, and loan servicing. She credits the experience — and the connections she made — with shaping her career goals.  

Now, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration at Central State and eventually become a certified public accountant. 

For Skipper, walking across the stage isn't just about receiving a diploma — it's a celebration of every moment she fought to stay in the game when it would have been easier to quit. A large crowd of family and friends, including her mother, father, sisters, godmother, and her supportive adopted family, plan to cheer her on at Commencement. 

“Everything I went through — the surgeries, the setbacks, the struggles — showed me who I am,” Skipper reflected. 

“I have the motivation to finish anything I set my mind to. And I'm not done yet.” 

Skipper’s story reminds us that true strength lies not in the absence of challenges, but in the courage to rise above them. Central State University is proud to celebrate Skipper and the incredible perseverance she represents. She is a shining example of what it means to be a Marauder — resilient, determined, and poised to change the world.