I enjoyed being involved in my studies and in extracurricular activities while a student at UNC Pembroke. I was a member of the golf team all four years on scholarship and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. I earned a BSBA with Management concentration and have used my UNCP foundation to manage a business with $280,000,000 worth of assets. I began with Western Financial Bank about 10 years ago when they were first getting started in Charlotte. Getting in on the ground floor allowed me the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the growth from building name recognition, to branding and establishing a customer base. My experiences at UNCP instilled a lot of values that I have used personally and professionally throughout my life. I developed a strong work ethic. I learned about discipline, teamwork, time management, and the process of learning. The 'experience of learning' is something you have to go through to become good at it. I now supervise 40 employees and I strive everyday to foster an environment of learning. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing one of my employees advance professionally. This is the true measure of success as a manager.

You have to not only work hard but also work smart. This principle is important in academics and it carries over into the business world. Many times you don't realize the value of the lessons learned while a student, but you are learning and growing everyday. The key to advancing professionally after graduation is to apply all of the things you learned, consciously and unconsciously, while a student. In general, the college experience builds character and forces you to learn about decision making in everyday life.

Focus on your classroom work but also get involved in extracurricular activities. This is what will differentiate you from other applicants when you apply for a job. I know it's important for me to be aware of these types of activities when I'm reviewing a resume or interviewing an applicant for a job. It definitely gives them an advantage.

I'd like students to know that if you want a foundation that will help you be successful in a career, you need to consider UNC Pembroke. The academics are exceptional and that's a well-documented fact!