Leading Through Play: How Hannah Williams, MPRTSM ’25, Found Her Path Back to NC State

Hannah Williams didn’t set out to build a career in campus recreation. In fact, she arrived at NC State as a biology major with plans that looked very different from where she ultimately landed. But everything shifted the moment she discovered the world of intramural and club sports as a student employee.

“During my undergraduate years, I discovered my passion for campus recreation through my work as a student in the NC State Wellness and Recreation sport programs department, which ultimately shaped my career path,” said Williams.

Today, she serves as the coordinator of intramural and club sports at Emory University in Atlanta. She found this role after completing multiple internships and graduate assistantships across the East Coast.

While these experiences helped her build momentum in the early stages of her professional life, she knew that this was only the beginning of her growth in the field. Once she felt comfortable in her new role at Emory, Williams realized that she was ready to take the next step in her career.

“Once I settled into this position and my new responsibilities, I knew I wanted to finish my graduate degree,” she explained. For Williams, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on Integrative Physiology and Neurology in 2022, choosing to return to NC State was an easy decision.

Choosing NC State’s Online MPRTSM Program

“As an NC State alum, the university has always held a special place in my heart,” said Williams. Beyond her personal connection to the university, the online NC State Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (MPRTSM) program offered exactly what she needed as a working professional ready to advance her career in intramural and club sports.

The NC State online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management program is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers across the parks, recreation, tourism and sport management fields. Through a project-based, practical curriculum, students tackle real-world challenges and apply course concepts directly to their current roles or professional interests.

“Choosing NC State’s MPRTSM program felt like a natural fit, not only because I trusted the instruction and networking opportunities from an NC State program, but also because the online format offered the flexibility I needed,” she explained.

Although she had confidence in the quality of instruction and believed the professional connections would prove invaluable, the deciding factor was that the program provided her with the flexibility to pursue her degree without disrupting her career progress.

“Having courses scheduled after work and designed for a full-time professional workload was essential,” she said. “The MPRTSM program delivered exactly what I needed in an accessible, fully online format.”

Experience in the Online MPRTSM Experience

Even before completing the degree, Williams could feel her confidence deepening and her skill set expanding.

“My experience in the MPRTSM program has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “I have learned a lot and grown as a professional … I credit this growth directly to the staff, instructors and courses in this program.”

The curriculum and coursework helped her connect theory to what she was experiencing firsthand in her role at Emory. She pointed to Advanced Fiscal Management with Professor Michael Edwards as an example.

“While I don’t directly oversee my program’s budget, taking Advanced Fiscal Management with [Professor] Edwards helped me build a deeper understanding of financial decision-making. I immediately connected the course content to how my department operates,” she explained.

“[Professor] Edwards and [Professor] Jason Bocarro were two faculty who stood out the most during my time,” she said. “Both are incredibly knowledgeable and connected in their respective areas, but somehow found ways to make the complex content of their courses accessible to learners.”

Beyond course content, Williams also appreciated how their teaching styles shaped the way she now thinks about instruction and leadership. “Not only did I gain a tremendous amount from their courses, but I also walked away with a deeper appreciation for what it means to be an effective and engaging instructor. Their teaching styles and commitment to student learning made a lasting impact on me.”

She also emphasized the critical role played by program staff, particularly Online and Distance Education Coordinator Erin Adair. Adair helped her navigate everything from MyPackPortal issues to program-related questions, providing consistent support throughout her experience. “Without her guidance and support, this program simply would not be what it is,” said Williams.

Balancing Full-Time Work, Graduate Studies and Basketball

Like many students in the MPRTSM program, Williams was balancing a demanding professional schedule alongside personal goals outside the classroom. While working in a full-time position at Emory, she was also pursuing a growing role in collegiate basketball.

“During my time in the program, I was working full time, as well as pursuing a career in collegiate basketball officiating,” she explained.

Adding graduate coursework into an already full calendar required discipline, adaptability and creativity. “Through the late nights, early mornings and copious amounts of coffee … somehow I found routines that worked for me,” she said.

The experience strengthened more than her scheduling skills. Williams said the program helped her sharpen her ability to stay present and focused across competing responsibilities. “While my foundation in time management is strong, this program helped me learn to be where my (sometimes online) feet are,” she said. “This is ultimately how I managed to balance these responsibilities.”

Advice for Working Professionals in Online Graduate Programs

For other working professionals considering graduate education, Williams offers reassurance grounded in her experience.

“My biggest advice is to give yourself grace,” she said. “Balancing a full-time job and a degree is hard, but it’s manageable. Build routines, communicate with your supervisors and instructors, and remember that you’ve got this.”

She encouraged prospective students not to underestimate the value of online learning, noting that flexibility was key to her success.

“I would absolutely encourage others to consider an online program,” she said. “The flexibility made it possible for me to pursue my degree without sacrificing my well-being or the quality of my work.”

Looking Ahead: Celebrating as a Two-Time NC State Graduate

Williams sees her MPRTSM degree as a stepping stone toward future leadership within campus recreation. “Looking ahead, I see this degree opening doors for future career advancement within campus recreation,” she explained.

The combination of practical skills, strategic thinking and new professional confidence has already shaped the way she leads students and supports sport programs at Emory. “It has strengthened my leadership skills, expanded my professional perspective, and positioned me with tools to take on larger roles,” she noted.

The curriculum helped her take informal observations, built through years of practical experience, and ground them in structured, research-based approaches. That shift has already altered the way she leads and makes decisions.

“The MPRTSM program has already made a meaningful impact on my current work. It has helped me approach my role with more tools to ground my decisions in theory and data,” said Williams.

Williams returned to Raleigh to walk across the stage at the College of Natural Resources commencement ceremony, celebrating the milestone with her mom by her side. The moment marked more than the completion of a degree; it was a return to the place where her interest in wellness and recreation first began. Between campus photos and a stop for Howling Cow (of course), the experience served as a meaningful close to her full-circle journey.

When asked to share some final thoughts about her experience, she had this to say: “I always feel a deep sense of pride when I tell people I went to NC State. And now I get to say, ‘I went to NC State … twice!’”

Interested in advancing your career with the online Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (PRTSM) degree from NC State Online? Visit the program page or online.ncsu.edu/programs for a full list of degree and certificate programs.