First-time life experiences lead Webb’s career path

By Calli Delsman
University Communications Student Assistant
studentpio@minotstateu.edu

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In the 2019 academic year, approximately 22% of Minot State’s student population came from states outside North Dakota.  Kaylee Webb, originally from Tampa, Florida, was part of that group.

After graduating from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in sports management with honors, Webb traveled to the other side of the country to obtain a Master of Science in Sports Management.

“During my time at Minot State, I served as a graduate assistant for athletic marketing, ticketing, and promotions; a graduate research assistant for the Department of Teacher Education and Kinesiology; and an academic advising intern. I also served on the Graduate Council and as a member of CRU and Chi Alpha,” Webb said.

Being an active member at Minot State helped Webb expand her life experiences that stretched and challenged her personally and professionally.

“While being in the Minot community, I had a lot of first-time life experiences: shoveling snow, living through a blizzard, major department changes, and many professional development opportunities and experiences,” Webb explained. “Because of each of these, I feel more prepared to take on the professional environment.”

Along with her experiences, the people and professors she met at Minot State influenced her to continue to reach her goals.

“Dr. (Terry) Eckmann, chair and professor of Teacher Education and Kinesiology; Dr. (Linda) Cresap, professor of Busines Information Technology and director of the Sports Management Master’s program; Mrs. (Heather) Martin, academic advising coordinator; and Mrs. (Katie) Thomas, former senior woman administrator, were and still are major influences in my life. They not only helped me expand my view of higher education, but also challenged me and pushed me beyond my limits,” Webb said.

The majority of Webb’s experiences were in athletics, but she reached out to Martin, who she worked with in her final semester at MSU, to learn more about academic advising and athletics. Martin ended up creating an internship position for Webb, where she was able to work in the advising department and find a new opportunity that sparked her love for advising.

Webb comments on how COVID-19 impacted her advising experience and wished that she would have discovered that opportunity sooner to gain more knowledge. 

“Due to COVID-19, I did not get to spend as much time as I thought I was going to with the academic advising department as we were sent home early. I would have liked to spend more time to learn this profession and the daily tasks associated with it,” Webb said.

After graduating in July from MSU, Webb accepted an academic advising position at Texas A&M University in the Department of Health and Kinesiology.

“The Department of Health and Kinesiology is the largest academic department at Texas A&M University and generates over 98,000 credit hours and 203,000 modified weighted student credit hours each year. I accepted this job and have loved every day of it since,” Webb said.

Webb is extremely grateful for all her experiences and opportunities that she’s had so far on her journey and is pleased with where they have led her in life.

“The experiences I had, people I met, and the community of Minot State truly propelled me to where I am now. Follow your heart; there will always be another game or another job. If you seek what truly matters in your heart, you will never be unhappy with your choices,” Webb said. 

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 12/30/20   


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