UMO Alumni Provide Insight on College and Career Success

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C., March 23 -- The University of Mount Olive issued the following news release:

Six University of Mount Olive alumni recently shared tips and insights into their career success. The event was planned by the Tillman School of Business.

The panelists included 2009 graduate Gwen Babson, Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management with Acuity Healthcare; 2014 graduate Mikayla Braswell, Senior Human Resources Specialist Human Resources with Lear Corporation; 2009 graduate Trent Lassiter: Owner of The Farm Entertainment Venue and Co-owner of Springhill Outfitters; 2007 graduate Brandon Mills, Vice President of the SIA Group. Brandon graduated from Mount Olive College in 2007 with a B.S. in business administration; 2002 graduate Brad Piner, Attorney with Colombo, Kitchin, Dunn, Ball & Porter, LLP, and 2010 graduate Shawn Wilson, CEO/General Manager of the Greater Kinston Credit Union (GKCU).

Mikayla Braswell encouraged students to hone their leadership skills. "You should know the difference between managing and leading," she said. "Your knowledge might get you in the door, but your leadership skills will help you climb the corporate ladder." She also advised, "Don't be afraid to ask 'why'. The more you ask, the more you know, and ultimately the greater your mobility and job security." After graduating from UMO, Braswell earned her MBA from Campbell University.

Gwen Babson, who entered UMO as a nontraditional student encouraged students to periodically reset their goals. "Challenge yourself to reach beyond your borders," she said. "You will be a better person, a better employee, and a better community member. Don't be afraid to try something new and expand your horizons." After earning her degree from UMO, Babson entered law school at the age of 44. She is now passionate about her career and thankful she followed her dreams.

After graduating from UMO, Trent Lassiter became co-owner of Springhill Outfitters in Selma where he had worked since the age of 16. In 2013, he started The Farm entertainment venue. Lassiter spoke about the value of taking classroom knowledge and experiences and applying them to real work situations. He also told students that they needed to be flexible and stay abreast of current technology and trends. "Be willing to learn new things," he advised. "And when people tell you 'no,' then that should be a challenge for you to work harder."

Brandon Mills joked that he came to UMO to play soccer and have fun. However, while at the institution he found his purpose in life. After graduation, Mills joined the family insurance agency as a benefits consultant. He has worked his way up to his current role as Vice President and directs a group of property/casualty insurance specialist and also specialist in bond sales.

Shawn Wilson attended UMO at New Bern, where he earned his bachelor's degree in management and organizational development. Although his career within financial institutions started in 2006, he credits much of his current success to the knowledge and degree he gained at UMO. "UMO has definitely had a role with the 'transformation' of my career. My degree has served as an exponential springboard into the corporate and operational side of the credit union industry. I am very thankful for that." Wilson urged students to not only work hard, but also to surround themselves with good people. "I believe people should work hard towards their goals and dreams. I enjoy what I do every day. I make life a classroom--where I am learning something new all the time. I truly enjoy the people I work with. I am a people person, and I see a little good in everyone."

After graduating from UMO in 2002, Brad Piner went on to graduate in 2005 from Wake Forest University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. He is a member of the North Carolina and Pitt County Bar Associations and practices law in Greenville, NC in the areas of estate and trust planning and administration, estate and trust disputes and fiduciary litigation, and guardianships. His advice to students was to be involved, to keep their grades up, to make connections, and to always be a positive example.

Doug Ward, UMO Assistant Professor of Management, summed up the event, "It is a powerful statement for students to hear graduates share stories about their college and career challenges and what skills the panelists view as being needed to be successful in today's business environment. This was truly an inspiring event for our students."

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

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