It’s time to celebrate: Meet 15 Pitt State graduates

When Commencement arrives, there will be 1,112 reasons to celebrate! Pitt State will award 765 undergraduate degrees and 347 graduate degrees to students who represent many states, several countries, and numerous walks of life.

These students all have something in common: they are starting their next chapter armed not just with an academic degree, but with valuable experiences and skills they'll carry with them forever.

Here, 15 of them share how Pitt State impacted them and where they're headed next.

Annabella Beachner
Graphic Communications • St. Paul, Kansas

After accepting her diploma on Saturday, Annabella isn't going far - she's staying right here in Pittsburg, working as a graphic designer at Jake Fireworks.

"Pitt State has offered me a great experience with so many connections that I have learned so much from, including faculty, friends, and more," she said.

Jasmine Spletcher
Criminal Justice • Buffalo, Kansas

Before she even crosses the stage, Jasmine has been putting the work in behind the scenes to become a Game Warden/Natural resources Officer.

"I am so excited for what the future holds for me," said Fletcher. "I have worked so hard to get where I am. I'm so proud to be here. I am forever grateful to this school for taking a chance on me."

Hailey Secrest
Nursing • Coweta, Oklahoma

Hailey is ready to begin her career as a nurse in the Adult Intensive Care Unit at St. Johns in Tulsa, where she can continue to help people.

Reflecting on her time not only as a student, but as an athlete, Secrest is full of joy.

"Being a student athlete here has given so much to my life," said Secrest. "The community, the professors, my coach, and teammates, have made this journey so meaningful."

Brayden Martin
Ecology and Field Biology • Garner, North Carolina

After crossing the stage Friday, Brayden will take his passion for wildlife and stay in Kansas working as a stream survey technician for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

"Pitt State has given me a lot of great friends, a lot of great field trips, and enough memories to last a lifetime."

Mackenna Fountain
Communications/French • Joplin, Missouri

After accepting her diploma on Friday, MacKenna isn't going far - she's staying right here at Pitt State to pursue her master's in communication, continuing the momentum she built in her undergrad.

"Pittsburg State has allowed me to grow in my educational, professional, and personal life by providing me with resources, scholarships, and other opportunities."

Kennadie Campbell
Elementary Education/Spanish • Overland Park, Kansas

Kennadie is setting her sights on the next chapter: moving across the world to Spain, teaching English while continuing to travel.

Her time at Pitt State has been a place for her to grow and find her people.

"Pittsburg State has been a transformational place for me. I have grown out of my shell, found lifelong friends, and become an active member of my community. I have found family at Pitt State!"

Rebekah Sheward
Psychology • Pittsburg, Kansas

After accepting her diploma, Rebekah will take the next step: she'll attend Kansas University for her master's in digital and integrate marketing communications.

For her, Pitt State has been more than just a university.

"Pitt State is one of the best communities I've ever been a part of. Everyone cares about one another and wants them to succeed. PSU has taught me that community is necessary for success!"

Marlowe Stroker
Nursing • Overland Park, Kansas

Marlowe will begin an exciting new chapter in the Cardiovascular care unit at Menorah Medical Center, returning back to the place where she was born.

"I came to Pitt State wanting to help people. Nursing became my purpose. Now I'm coming full circle, caring for patients at the hospital where I was born. Thank you Pitt State!"

Lindsay Pruett
Biology • Olathe, Kansas

After accepting her diploma, Lindsay will take her passion for helping others to the next level: attending Drury University's Physician Assistant program.

As for Pitt State, it has been more than just a school.

"Pitt State has felt like a home the past four years and it has taught me so much. I met my best friends here and would not be who I am today without these great opportunities Pitt State provided."

AJ Franklin
Master of Business Administration • Tulsa, Oklahoma

AJ is about to step into an exciting new chapter: moving back to Tulsa to begin a career as a Tax Analyst at CCK Strategies, PLLC, and studying for the Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exams - a major step toward long-term professional success.

Pitt State has been far more than just a place to earn a degree.

"Pitt State has been a place of community. It's somewhere I can lean on anyone. From fellow students to administrative officials for help."

Natalie Ruiz
Elementary Education • Pittsburg, Kansas

As Natalie crosses the stage, she'll carry what she's learned from the town she grew up into Oak Grove School in Turner, where she'll teach third grade.

"Attending Pitt State has meant more to me than just earning a degree. It's been about carrying on a family legacy and growing into the educator I've always wanted to be. OAGAAG!"

Bereanna Cluck
Elementary Education • Bendena, Kansas

Bereanna plans to remain in the USD 429 Troy School District, where she has proudly served as a teacher for the past three years and will continue to grow professionally.

Pitt State has played a meaningful role in the journey to becoming an educator.

"Pitt State has meant a great deal to me both personally and professionally. It has supported my growth as an educator by strengthening my knowledge, skills, and confidence in the classroom."

Cody Meyer
Automotive Technology • Columbia, Missouri

After crossing the stage, Cody plans to begin his career at Subaru of Olathe as an ASE Master Certified Technician, putting skills and training to work in the automotive industry.

Pitt State has meant everything to him, from his professional path to personal life.

"Pitt State has given me more than just an education in automotive," he said. "I've met some of the best friends and professors I'll ever have. It's truly a special place that has helped make me who I am today."

Ashley Atkinson
Graphic Communications - UX/UI & Web Design • Shawnee, Kansas

After graduating, Ashley will head to Lenexa, Kansas, to work at a large printing company on web development. She's taking with her a great deal of experience working on the Pitt State website as part of the university's marketing team.

"Pitt State means so much to me. Being super involved in campus with organizations as well as helpful faculty and staff in my program have helped me become the person I am today!"

Becca Shackelford
Psychology • Pittsburg, Kansas

This fall, Becca will further her education: she'll remain on campus as she begins her Master's in Social Work, building on the foundation she's gained in Psychology.

"Pitt State has meant so much to me. I've lived in Pittsburg all my life, both of my parents graduated from Pitt State, and my dad worked at the college for several years."

Read more about Commencement here.