Katie Feeney felt at home the first time she stepped foot on the Castleton campus. That welcome feeling has encouraged her to stay for not just one - but two master's degrees.
Feeney '19 graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management and a Marketing minor. She then became a graduate assistant for the Sport Management program and is graduating with her master's in Athletic Leadership. She will continue at Castleton once again in the MBA program.
"My undergraduate experience prepared me in many ways for my graduate school success. The Sport Management Program has an amazing balance of classroom learning and hands-on experiences we refer to as service learning hours," Feeney said. "This balance allowed me to not only grow as a passionate student, but as a young professional with years of experience in the sports industry even before graduation."
Speaking of success, Feeney has found plenty at Castleton, achieving a long list of honors and accolades. These include making various dean's and president's lists; North Atlantic Conference Winter/Spring All-Academic Teams; and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Zag Sports Division III Academic Honor Roll 2018. All of this in addition to being a four-year member of the lacrosse team and making the First Team All-North Atlantic Conference for Spring 2018.
Feeney said she continued her education with Castleton's master's in Athletic Leadership because the program is unique, close-knit, and personal - even when 100% online.
"Whether I wish to find employment in other areas of the sport industry, this master's degree will still apply and be beneficial in whatever I wish to pursue," Feeney said.
Feeney said her favorite thing about Castleton is the community that has made her feel welcomed and at home since she arrived in 2015.
"Castleton introduced me to my closest friends, the best mentors, and to my personal and professional passions in life," Feeney said. "As an emerging professional now, Castleton has provided me with an extensive networking community that has open arms and tons of experience. From my time as an undergraduate student to now graduate student, I have always felt like I had a supportive network I can turn to, and it is so comforting to know that this exists after you graduate."
Feeney recommends that graduating seniors seek a way to distinguish themselves from the crowd. For her, that meant continuing her education.
"In general, pursuing that next step in your education or even with certifications is the way to go. I recommend that you find a program that fits your professional pathway and goals, as there are many that exist, so there is no need to conform to one that does not match what you are seeking. I also advise senior, alums, and current students to start networking with other Castleton alum that work in the same field as you. ... My transition to graduate school has been seamless, thanks to my undergraduate education at Castleton," Feeney said.