Featuring Gracen Evans of Ponca, Neb., who is majoring in Business Administration (Marketing) at Wayne State College.
Thanks to Wayne State College’s dual credit program and a lot of hard work on her part, Gracen Evans is going to earn her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State in just three years. Evans, a senior from Ponca, Neb., who is majoring in Business Administration (Marketing), is this week’s subject of the Student Spotlight Series.
Through Wayne State's dual credit program, high school juniors and seniors meeting certain criteria can take college-level courses while still enrolled in high school and receive credit for them, all at a low rate. The program is a unique partnership between a high school and Wayne State.
Evans said she didn’t initially intend to graduate in three years, but the opportunity presented itself during her freshman year.
“I knew graduating in three years was a possibility based on how many credits that came with me to Wayne State,” said Evans, a 2023 graduate of Ponca High School. “However, I didn’t fully decide to pursue early graduation until my sophomore year. I really had to advocate for myself to ensure all my previous credits were properly applied, so graduating early could become a reality.”
“During high school, I earned 23 dual credits,” added Evans. “I’m very grateful that Ponca offered dual credit classes in a partnership with Wayne State, as it has given me the opportunity to start my professional career earlier than I originally planned.”
Evans has an early start on her career as well. Being involved with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the yearbook at Ponca High School helped propel Evans toward a career in marketing.
“I’m currently a sales representative and marketing coordinator at State Farm Insurance in Wayne,” said Evans. “I’m thankful that my class schedule allowed me to secure a full-time position and begin building my future career. I have always wanted to enter the sales field, and this job has been the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and grow professionally.”
Wayne State’s marketing degree program gives students a strong foundation in brand development and promotion. The field of marketing is vibrant and dynamic and includes many different career opportunities, such as digital and social media marketing and analytics, advertising and integrated marketing communications, customer relationship management, sales management, omnichannel retailing, and consumer buying behavior.
“Even when I was very young, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in sales and marketing,” continued Evans. “Watching my mom work in pharmaceutical sales and hearing about her day-to-day experiences always fascinated me. I admired the connections she built and the number of people she was able to help, which truly inspired me.”
Evans’ mom and dad, an aunt, and two great grandmothers are all Wayne State graduates. Her cousin, Matt Logue, is currently a senior on the Wildcat track and field team (throwing).
While Evans may have been drawn to Wayne State by the family connection, she admits she chose WSC because of its strong Department of Business and Economics and the close-knit community feel.
“The professors truly care about student success, and the smaller class sizes allow for meaningful connections and personalized support,” said Evans.
At Wayne State, Evans was a member of the Wildcat indoor volleyball team for three seasons and the beach volleyball team for two seasons. She was also a member of the dean’s list several semesters.
Evans will graduate Saturday, May 9, in Wayne State’s historic Willow Bowl. She intends to keep pursuing a career in sales and marketing.
Fun Fact: “I can juggle!”