A junior psychology major from Cowen, West Virginia, Kayleigh is minoring in pre-medicine, chemistry, biology and Spanish, building a strong academic foundation for her ultimate goal: attending medical school and becoming a psychiatrist to serve the Appalachian region she calls home.
Kayleigh’s Marshall experience has been about more than academics – it’s been about growth, connection and involvement.
As a first-generation college student, Kayleigh credits programs like TRIO and Upward Bound with not only helping her get to college but also thrive once she arrived.
“I’m eternally grateful for all of the support I’ve received,” she said.
Kayleigh’s decision to attend Marshall was rooted in something simple but meaningful: how the campus made her feel.
“I’m a very nature-oriented person, and I knew my environment would be important,” Kayleigh said. “Now, I really appreciate being able to take a deep breath of fresh air on campus after a stressful test.”
That sense of peace helped shape her college experience.
Kayleigh’s interest in psychology comes from a lifelong curiosity about people and a deep sense of empathy.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to this world in a way that I know I can excel, which is working with people,” she said. “I truly believe this world could always do with more empathy for each other.”
From rigorous science courses in her pre-med minor, Kayleigh is building the skills she needs for medical school while exploring her broader interests.
She serves as program coordinator for Psi Chi, has held multiple leadership roles within the Honors College and previously led the Study Abroad Club. She’s also involved in the Buddy System, STEM Alliance, First2Network and pre-AMSA.
Each experience, she said, has shaped her growth.
“Getting involved has had a significant impact on me as a person,” Kayleigh said.
Her leadership experiences began in the Honors College, which she describes as “a home away from home.”
“It’s about striving for something greater — community engagement, service and a well-rounded education,” she said.
Some of Kayleigh’s most meaningful experiences have come from stepping outside her comfort zone.
Through a study abroad opportunity, she traveled to Ireland for the first time, an experience that reshaped her perspective.
“I arrived with the analytical mindset of a STEM student,” Kayleigh said. “I returned with a newfound appreciation for the humanities and a broader way of seeing life.”
From exploring Celtic mythology to connecting with people across cultures, Kayleigh embraced every moment including overcoming her fears of traveling abroad alone.
“I don’t like to let fear stop me from living life,” she said. “It’s always a great feeling to know I conquered something I was scared to do.”
Kayleigh has also taken part in the BOLD Women’s Leadership program, where she’s continued to grow both personally and professionally. From leadership retreats to conferences, the program has helped her build confidence and teach her the skills she needs to succeed.
When Kayleigh first arrived on campus, she wasn’t sure she would find her place. As an introvert with social anxiety, she expected to navigate college mostly on her own.
That changed when she got involved.
“It wasn’t until I joined my first club that I started to feel like I belonged,” she said. “That’s something I truly love about Marshall — we support each other like a family.”
Now, she hopes her story helps others find that same sense of belonging she did, only sooner.
“I want every student that comes to Marshall to know they belong here,” Kayleigh said. “They’re not alone.”
