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Lindsey Wilson University Students Discover that Many Paths Lead to a Successful Career

University's inaugural 'Career Week' features more than four dozen professionals who share career advice on five panels.

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (11/10/2025) — Lindsey Wilson University students received a lifetime of invaluable career advice during the week of Nov. 3-7.

It came during the university's inaugural "Career Week," sponsored by the LWU Office of Career Services and Alumni Office and held in the Norma and Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship.

The week brought together a diverse range of more than four dozen campus guests who shared lessons learned from their professional triumphs, struggles, failures, secrets and reflections.

The speakers were from a myriad of professions that included allied health, business, communication, education, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, media, ministry, public service, sport and social science.

Although the speakers' professions, majors and experiences varied, a few themes emerged, including the benefits of having a mentor, the value of grit and asking for help.

Dentist Dr. Andrea Owens '09 recalled that when she reached dental school, it was the first time she needed assistance from a tutor.

"Working hard only made me better and stronger," she said on her panel, which focused on allied health and healthcare professions.

Building relationships

Kailyn Conner '14, who is a pharmacy medical writer, said she benefitted from the counsel of "really good mentors at each stage of my career," starting with her years as a Lindsey Wilson undergraduate. For Conner, that also meant having mentors who helped her shift the focus of her career plans from medical school to medical research.

"It's OK if you don't know what direction you want to go," said LWU Assistant Dean of Students Abe Cross, who appeared on a panel that focused on the professions of science, sport and ministry. "There are people out there who want to get you to your destination, so talk to people."

Michael Ford '97 said that mentors often see potential in ourselves that we either overlook or can't see.

"Listen to what people see in you," said Ford, who is superintendent of Russell County Schools and spoke on a panel that dealt with education, social sciences and public service.

Tyler Maskill '22, who is athletic director for Adair County Schools, said that building solid professional relationships is important for other reasons as well.

"You see all of the relationships you build with teachers and all of the sports you work with," he said about his position. "You see how important those relationships are for you to do your job."

Get involved

Panelists told students that being involved while in college, becoming immersed in campus life and having internships are also essential for building a solid career. That all includes embracing something different.

"Step out of your comfort zone. Take a chance," said Hilda Legg '72, a government and public policy consultant. "Put yourself out there and unpeel that onion that is you."

And Robbie Harmon '97 said that his undergraduate alma mater is a "good place to learn how to step out of your comfort zone."

"Lindsey Wilson pulls you out of your comfort zone," said Harmon, who is director of pupil personnel for Adair County Schools. "It gives you the opportunity to be uncomfortable in a safe setting."

Dr. Bailey Gifford '15, who is an occupational therapist, said that her participation in the Lindsey Wilson Bonner Scholars Program helped guide her toward a career of service.

"Through my involvement with Bonner, I fell in love with the opportunity to work with people on their worst and vulnerable days and help them get stronger," she said.

Brandon Thompson '04, who works in ministry, said that what transpired through his campus involvement was just as important as what happened inside the classroom.

"I think I learned as much outside the classroom as I did in the classroom," he said.

As Arizona Shaffer '20 pointed out, her involvement with college sports helped teach her "how to be part of something that is bigger than you."

"It will pay off not only in winning championships while you are in college but later on down the road in your career," said Shaffer, who works in the insurance industry.

Bank of Columbia's Ashley Roy said that another key to career growth is to "surround yourself with people who are better than you."

"Be able to talk to people and be able to hold a conversation with people who are different from you," said Roy, who is the bank's chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

LWU football coach Phil Kleckler said that it's OK not to be an organization's most talented person as long as you are its hardest-working.

"Whether you're teaching or coaching you don't have to be the best player on the team, you just have to give your best," he said.

Values and civic participation

The panelists said that values are also a critical ingredient to building a successful career.

Dr. Tyler McCubbins '09, who is a dentist, told students to remain firmly anchored in their values because that will help them find a meaningful and rewarding career.

"Align your values with your career goals," he said.

And Dr. Hannah Morales '15, who is a physician, added that "grounding yourself in your values helps maintain a work-life balance."

In addition to setting them up for a successful career, the LWU alumni who were part of the "Career Week" panels said their Lindsey Wilson experiences also ignited a desire within them to be engaged with their local community.

For mental healthcare professional Sarah Wilson-Browning '08 that meant serving on the Albany, Kentucky, city council, which she said had its origins in being involved with several Lindsey Wilson service groups as a student. Legg said her alma mater helped set her up for a successful career in public service. And Harmon said being a Lindsey Wilson student helped him develop a professional ethos.

"My chore every day is to help someone who can never repay me," he said.

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 28 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

Media Attachments

Adair County Schools Director of Pupil Personnel Robbie Harmon ’97, left, reacts to a comment by Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford ’97 during a Lindsey Wilson University “Career Week” panel in the university’s Norma and Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship. At right is Hilda Legg ’72, a government and public policy consultant.

Dr. Bailey Gifford ’15, left, discusses the professional road that led to becoming an occupational therapist during a Lindsey Wilson University “Career Week” panel in the university’s Norma and Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship. At right is Dr. Hannah Morales ’15.

Dr. Andrea Owens ’09 discusses her work as a dentist during a Lindsey Wilson University “Career Week” panel in the university’s Norma and Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship as fellow dentist Dr. Tyler McCubbins ’09 listens.

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