Shooting for Success: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Kennedy Jackson
Kennedy Jackson, BS ‘23, MBA ’24, is looking to take her talents from the basketball court to a position in higher education as she graduates with a master’s degree in Business Administration from Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
Growing up, sports were always a large part of Jackson’s life. That interest led her to earn a bachelor of science degree in Fitness Management from PNW. During her undergraduate studies, she realized she was more interested in the business side of the program and made that the focus of her graduate work.
At PNW, the Carson, California, native was a member of the Pride women’s basketball team and the Black Student Union. She worked as a graduate assistant in the Student Academic Support office where she not only expanded her skill set but solidified her career goals.
After graduation, Jackson would like to secure a position in higher education, either as an advisor or in a development role assisting students. Looking to the future, she would like to combine her interest in business administration with her background in athletics to support student-athletes, manage an athletic program and ultimately, become an athletic director.
Once I started reaching out to people on other teams and in my classes, that’s what really made my time here amazing.
Why did you choose to major in Business Administration?
“My undergraduate degree is in fitness management. It was a multidisciplinary studies program and combined business, integrative health, anatomy and physiology with hospitality mixed in. It was the business area that I liked best and thought I’d like to explore it a little further.”
Why did you choose to attend PNW?
“I was looking for a chance to grow and become myself and to do that I felt I needed to get as far away from home as possible. I also had a goal to play college basketball. Coach Courtney Locke (former women’s basketball coach and current assistant athletic director for Strategic Initiatives) recruited me and promised a supportive, family-like environment.”
What did you like most about PNW?
“It was meeting new people from all over the world and finding life-long friends. But definitely not the winters!”
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“It would be my time working in Student Academic Support. I’ve been involved in basketball at PNW for a long time and in this position I was able to build a stronger collaboration with Athletics. Working with student-athletes helped me realize what I truly enjoy and want to continue to do in the future. This position helped shape my goals for the future.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“Get to know as many people around you as you can. My first year at PNW I only spoke to my teammates. Once I started reaching out to people on other teams and in my classes, that’s what really made my time here amazing.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
“I’d have to say the Athletics department and the Student Academic Support office. Courtney Locke was the person who brought me here and without her I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to have. She also encouraged me to stay and grow over the years. Lyndsey gave me an opportunity with a graduate assistant position which has helped me develop skills in leadership and management.”
Meet the Fall 2024 Graduates
Discover what inspires our remarkable Fall 2024 graduates—and how they are Powering Onward to their futures.