Student Perspective: Kendall Browder

Name: Kendall Browder

Year: Senior

Hometown: Blythe, California

Major: Political Science

Minors: Religious Studies, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Career Goal/ Future education plans: I recently submitted my application for a Fulbright Scholarship, which would allow me to pursue a master’s degree at the University of St. Andrews. Following this, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science, with a focus on International Political Theory. My research will be an extension of my Honors Thesis, specifically examining political theology as a tool for conflict negotiation and resolution.

Involvement/ Leadership roles and what each entail:

I have been an active member of STAGE: Student Theatre for the entirety of my WSU experience. I am the founder and director of the workshops division of STAGE, which encourages independent work and provides students with the education and tools to produce their own plays. Since joining STAGE, I have written, directed, and acted in a multitude of plays and short films. Most recently, I wrote and performed a full length two-woman show called Post-Promethia, which is entered as a participating production at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. In addition to this, I am an Intern at the Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service, an Honors College Ambassador, an Honors 198 facilitator, a former member of the WSU Mock Trial team, and the former secretary of the French Club.

How has the Honors College impacted your time at WSU? 

The Honors College has been formative to my college experience. Through the Honors College I have been given a massive quantity of opportunities, support, and community. In the Spring of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales—an experience that truly changed my life. This journey was made possible through funding and recommendations from the Honors College, for which I am immensely grateful. Facilitating Honors 198 for the past three years has been a wonderful opportunity for me to gain experience teaching and has provided me with skills that I know will be valuable throughout the pursuit of my Ph.D. Beyond academics, the Honors College has given me a fantastic group of peers whom I have grown close to in the past four years. Living in the Honors Hall freshman year, attending HSAC events, and taking Honors classes has allowed me to surround myself with motivated and kind individuals who I will forever cherish.

Memorable honors experiences?

My WSU experience has been impacted by the Honors College to such a degree, that I consider the entirety of the past four years an Honors experience. I met my best friend in my Honors 198 class freshman year, and since then we have studied abroad, taught 198 classes, applied for Fulbrights, and worked on a variety of artistic projects together. We often talk about how grateful we are to the Honors College for bringing us together and we hope our students will forge similar connections in the classes that we facilitate. Community is such an important part of making the most out of the college experience; I feel incredibly fortunate that the Honors College helped me find my place at WSU right from the start.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

I always tell my freshman students that the best thing that they can do during their first year is to be present. Take the time to get to know your peers and the faculty within the Honors College. Dean Norton and Dr. Bond have been massive pillars of my college experience; their kindness and willingness to help has had a huge impact on my time at WSU. Everyone in the Honors College wants you to succeed, and they are willing to give you the time and tools to do so. Take advantage of every opportunity and shoot for the moon!

2024 LEAP! Networking Event Connects WSU Honors College Students with Alumni and Industry Professionals

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College at Washington State University hosted its annual LEAP! Networking Event, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills ahead of the upcoming Fall Expo career fair. The event, held in an interactive and engaging format, was designed to help students practice networking with industry professionals, many of whom were Honors College alumni. Through conversations about career paths, goals, and accomplishments, students gained invaluable insights to prepare for their professional journeys.

The LEAP! event was structured as a series of rotating 12-minute sessions, where students worked in small groups and interacted with mentors from a wide range of industries. This allowed participants to experience different styles of professional engagement—whether through conversational interactions or more formal interview-style exchanges. “I really appreciated the variety of ways the interviewers engaged with us,” said one student. “It felt like real-world practice, and being in a group helped me feel more comfortable.”

The Honors College is deeply grateful to the industry professionals who took time out of their schedules to attend the event and share their expertise. Their contributions were instrumental in making the event a success, and many were Honors College alumni themselves, providing a relatable perspective for current students. “It was both inspiring and valuable,” shared one student. “I walked away feeling motivated and more prepared for my professional development journey.”

Following the speed networking sessions, the event featured a Q&A panel where the industry mentors shared career tips, discussed the challenges they’ve faced, and offered advice on navigating today’s competitive job market. Students asked questions about how to present themselves to future employers, stand out in interviews, and build lasting professional relationships.

LEAP! is not only an opportunity to build important networking skills but also serves as a practical stepping stone for students as they prepare for the Fall Expo career fair and other professional engagements. The event provided critical practice in delivering elevator pitches, making meaningful connections, and articulating career goals, helping students gain confidence in their abilities.

The LEAP! Networking Event exemplifies the Honors College’s mission of preparing students for leadership roles and professional success. By bringing together dedicated industry professionals, many of whom were once in the students’ shoes, the event fostered a collaborative and supportive environment for growth. The College sincerely thanks these professionals for their time, generosity, and commitment to helping the next generation of leaders at WSU.