My dad, who was deeply involved in Greek Life at Marshall, encouraged me to at least tour the campus. He couldn’t have said better things about his time here.
“My experience at Marshall helped shape me as a professional. I was afforded leadership opportunities that helped shape my career. Despite being in rooms with graduates from major universities across the country, I have never felt that I didn’t belong. Marshall helped instill that confidence. Some of my best friends to this day are fraternity brothers and friends from my time at Marshall. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything,” he told me.
He also mentioned how exciting it was that Marshall had just welcomed a new president, Brad Smith, “the Smith guy from Kenova” as he jokingly called him. Hearing my dad talk about Marshall’s direction gave me confidence that this was a place on the rise, filled with opportunities and fresh energy.
My stepmom, Dr. Gretchen Prather, added her encouragement as well. As a faculty member in Marshall’s School of Physical Therapy, she’s dedicated her career to helping shape future healthcare professionals. She reminded me that Marshall isn’t just about tradition, it’s about thriving academically and professionally. Having her perspective as both a professor and mentor made me realize how much Marshall could offer beyond what you see on a tour.
When I finally visited campus, I’ll never forget how it felt. The red brick buildings, tree-lined walkways, welcoming faces—even the squirrels. I fell in love instantly. Standing there, I thought: “This is it. I’ve found my home.”
Of course, leaving behind my high school friends and starting fresh was hard. My first semester was filled with homesickness and doubts about whether I made the right choice. Everything changed when I began getting involved on campus.
My sorority, Delta Zeta, became my foundation. My sisters gave me a home away from home, and leadership opportunities pushed me to grow. Serving as vice president of Programs on the executive board taught me how to lead with purpose, and I even helped strengthen Delta Zeta’s social media presence. Following in my dad’s footsteps through Greek Life felt like carrying on a family legacy, one that has defined so much of my Marshall experience.
Panhellenic leadership opened even more doors. I served as vice president of membership development and later as panhellenic president, mentoring and advocating for more than 250 women in our community. Those roles taught me what it means to lead with compassion and integrity, which are lessons I’ll carry for life.
Student Government also became a home for me. I started as a supreme court justice, then served as community service chair and now serve as press secretary. Each position gave me the chance to contribute to campus life and leave a meaningful mark.
One of my proudest moments was being elected to Homecoming Court. What could have been a competition turned into something much bigger when I encouraged fellow court members to set aside individual campaigns and unite for a cause. Together, we raised money for Appalachian State University’s flood relief efforts. Turning rivalry into generosity was powerful and reminded me exactly why Marshall is so special.
Marshall has also taken me far beyond Huntington. Traveling with the sales team to Kansas for the King’s Hawaiian Sales Competition showed me what’s possible when you put yourself out there. Placing fourth in our very first year of competition proved that Marshall students can stand among the best in the nation.
The new Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation building has also been transformational. Walking into a state-of-the-art space every day brought new energy to my classes. Knowing this transformation was part of President Brad D. Smith’s vision only made me more grateful to be here at this moment in Marshall’s history. It felt like I wasn’t just earning a degree, but I was part of a new trajectory for Marshall.
Professionally, I’ve had the chance to bring all of these experiences together. From interning with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and in Marshall’s Marketing and Communications Office, I’ve gained hands-on experience while earning my degree.
Now, as I prepare to graduate in December 2025, just three and a half years after arriving as a nervous freshman, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. The girl who once wanted to go home is now a former panhellenic president, SGA leader, Homecoming Court member, sales competitor and university intern. Every one of those experiences, I owe to Marshall.
Marshall has been more than a university—it has been a family, a community, and the foundation for everything I will be after graduation. Graduating won’t be easy, because Marshall has truly been the best chapter of my life.
I’m incredibly grateful that my story at Marshall isn’t ending just yet. I recently began my first full-time position as a Special Events Coordinator for the Office of Recruitment, an opportunity that allows me to continue giving back to the place that has shaped me in every possible way. I can’t imagine a better way to begin my next chapter than by helping future students experience the same sense of belonging that made Marshall home for me.
If I could tell an incoming student one thing, it would be simple: get involved. Step outside your comfort zone and let Marshall surprise you. Marshall isn’t just where you get an education, it’s where you find a home, a purpose and a story you’ll carry with you forever.
