- Hometown: Albion, Michigan
- College: College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- Major: Communication Leadership and Strategy
- Minor: Public Relations
Meet Katherine — a resilient and trailblazing senior from Albion, Michigan, whose journey at Michigan State University reflects determination, growth and a deep commitment to advocacy. Majoring in Communication Leadership and Strategy with a minor in Public Relations, Katherine is a student in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. As a first-generation, low-income, disabled and transfer student, she is proud to represent identities that are often underrepresented and is honored to serve on this year’s Homecoming Court.
Katherine’s path to MSU has been anything but traditional. After beginning her college journey at community college, she arrived at Michigan State unsure of what to expect, but quickly found a community that welcomed her with open arms. In a short time, she has immersed herself in campus life, building meaningful relationships, engaging in undergraduate research and embracing new experiences that have shaped her confidence and sense of belonging.
Her Spartan experience is rooted in discovery and connection. From attending her first Welcome Week and Midnight Scream to trying new activities like ice skating and silent discos, Katherine has embraced every opportunity to step outside her comfort zone. She credits spaces like Snyder-Phillips Hall — especially the Phillips Lounge — as places where she has found both focus and a sense of history and community on campus.
Looking ahead, Katherine is excited to expand her global perspective this summer through a study abroad trip in Norway and Sweden and learning more about Scandinavian culture. She aspires to build a career in global marketing, with opportunities for international travel and cross-cultural engagement. She is especially interested in how mass media and digital platforms shape audiences around the world. In the future, she also hopes to return to academia and pursue a doctorate, to continue her journey as a lifelong learner.
Katherine is deeply passionate about expanding access to higher education and supporting students navigating college for the first time. Through her social media platform, “Your College Big Sister,” she works to improve “college literacy” by helping students better understand the systems, decisions and opportunities that shape their educational paths. Her advocacy extends to her involvement in advisory councils at MSU, where she works to make higher education more accessible and equitable for all.
As a Homecoming Court representative, Katherine hopes to use her platform to inspire others to embrace their journey, no matter how unconventional it may be. She is committed to showing that success is not defined by where you start, but by your willingness to grow, adapt and persevere.
If you push yourself beyond your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities, you may be surprised by how far you can go. Every Spartan journey is unique and every path has the power to lead to something extraordinary.