Kayla Layden ‘24, Marketing Coordinator, D.R. Horton

Alumni Successes

May 29, 2025

Kayla Layden ‘24, Marketing Coordinator, D.R. Horton

When her original grad program was discontinued, Kayla Layden pivoted into NC State’s Master of Marketing Analytics—and found a new path she’s passionate about. From faculty support to real-world connections, the MMA program helped her build the skills and network to thrive in a new industry.

George Ivey smiling outside in front of greenery.

Dec 20, 2024

5 Questions with Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s George Ivey

Ivey graduated from NC State in 2021 with a master’s degree in parks, recreation, tourism and sport management. He now serves as the North Carolina development director for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Dec 18, 2024

Matt McCann ‘23, Data Scientist, Sealed Air

With a desire to dig into the technical and strategic aspects of data analytics, Matt McCann knew Poole College was the place to get him to where he wanted to go. But the ROI? Even better than he could have imagined.

Jun 11, 2024

5 Questions with Director of Softball Operations Carson Shaner

Shaner graduated from NC State in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in sport management and in 2023 with an online master's degree in parks, recreation, tourism and sport management.

Tamara Nelson, NC State Online MRA graduate

Apr 24, 2024

Tamara Nelson, Vice President and Lead Operational Risk Officer at Wells Fargo

According to Tamara Nelson, the MRA program’s one-of-a-kind, real-world curriculum has made an immediate impact on her career – and the flexible format allows her to pursue her career goals without pressing pause on her professional and family responsibilities.

Apr 24, 2024

Kingson Wang ’23, Financial Analyst at First Citizens Bank

According to Kingson Wang, Jenkins Graduate School offered a foundation in marketing and analytics he couldn’t find anywhere else – and as a career changer hoping to pivot into a data analyst role, that opportunity was too good to pass up. Thanks to hands-on learning opportunities in the MMA program and the opportunity to learn modern analytics software, he landed a job at First Citizens Bank.

Young woman standing in front of a market building

Jan 22, 2024

From Distance Learning to Community Farming

Gabrielle Buchanan thrived in the CALS agricultural science distance education program, developing skills that now boost her role as a volunteer services coordinator at Raleigh’s Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.

Dec 6, 2023

Anna Jarnagin ’23MAT: ‘Having a Distance Learning Environment Was What I Needed To Be Able To Go Back to School and Work Full Time’

After earning her degree in biology and working in a lab for a number of years, Anna Jarnagin ’23MAT decided to take the leap and become a high school science teacher.

NC State graduate Chelly Sundermeyer sitting in front of a sign outside the Federal Highway Administration Colorado Division

Nov 8, 2023

Online Distance Education Program Paves the Way

NC State graduate Chelly Sundermeyer recently completed the online Master of Environmental Assessment program. Learn more about Sundermeyer’s experiences and her role as an Environmental Protection Specialist with the Federal Highway Administration Colorado Division.

Large Ford RV parked near grass and water.

Sep 8, 2021

PRTSM Online Master’s Program Sparks a New Business for PJ Ray

Agriculture has always been a part of Patricia Joyce “PJ” Ray’s life. In the Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management (PRTSM) online master’s program, she found a way to take agriculture to the next level. “I grew up on a tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat and livestock farm in Pollocksville, North Carolina. I always knew I…