Featuring Kinley Pohlman of Stanton, Neb., who is majoring in Business Administration (Management and Finance) at Wayne State College.
Kinley Pohlman might be a little bummed that she doesn’t get to graduate in Wayne State’s historic Willow Bowl on Friday (Dec. 12); however, she’s just as excited that she’s graduating early and gets to start her online master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in a few weeks.
Pohlman, a native of Stanton, Neb., is this week’s subject of the Student Spotlight Series.
Pohlman will receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management and Finance) during Wayne State’s Winter Commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in Rice Auditorium. She said her attraction to business started at Stanton High School.
“I was involved in a variety of athletic and academic activities, including Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America,” said Pohlman. “These activities included events and competitions that provided me with interest in the business world. After taking a few classes at Wayne, I quickly ‘found my fit’ in the business department.”
“I chose Wayne State because it felt like home as soon as I visited,” added Pohlman. “The size and affordability were appealing to me, and I felt the community of Wayne provided the ‘hometown’ feel that I was looking for. The Wayne State faculty and staff are understanding and work to ensure your success, and Wayne State is always working to improve their facilities and resources for students.”
Pohlman’s family also felt the same way about Wayne State. Her younger sister, Kelby, is a Wayne State freshman in the Rural Health Opportunities Program. Their dad, aunt, uncle, and great uncle also attended Wayne State.
Pohlman is currently employed by State Nebraska Bank & Trust in Wayne, and she’s excited to see what other opportunities lie ahead for her.
Wayne State’s Department of Business and Economics is among the campus leaders in promoting cooperative education experiences for its students, which means getting an internship or finding that special job couldn’t be easier. Additionally, Wayne State’s online MBA program ranks at the top, so Wayne State has students covered if they’re looking to pursue a master’s degree in business administration after they graduate.
Wayne State's fully online program for its master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) requires no entrance exams or visits to campus. The program is nationally ranked for affordability, and tuition is a flat rate, regardless of residency. Wayne State’s MBA online programs are also accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, with classes taught by faculty who hold the highest degree. Graduates can follow the main MBA program, or add one of four focus areas: accounting, human resources, leadership, or supply chain management.
Many Wayne State faculty have working experience as self-employed business owners, business consultants, corporate managers, tax accountants, realtors, lawyers, and certified public accountants, so students aren’t just learning about academic theory, but also about real experiences from those who have worked in the field.
At Wayne State, Pohlman is active in the Wayne State Honors Club, Wildcat Catholic, Alpha Lambda Delta (honor society for first-year academic success), the National Society of Leadership and Success, and intramurals. She has also served as a Navigator for Wayne State’s Admissions Office.
Pohlman recently presented her honors research project, “The Effect of Interest Rates on Economic Indicators of the United States,” during Wayne State’s Fall 2025 Honors Colloquium.
Fun Fact: “I love going to concerts!”