Kayla Snyder
MUNCIE — Ball State University junior Kayla Snyder of Nashville has become president of business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, where she oversees the fraternity’s functions. Snyder is also the president of the university Communications Club, as well as vice president of Lambda Pi Eta, an honor society for communication studies majors.
Snyder, an organizational communication student, also was nominated by College of Communication, Information and Media Dean Paaige Turner to help create and serve on a new CCIM dean’s collegiate advisory council. Snyder will be a liaison between the student body and the dean.
Turner also asked Snyder to speak at a board of trustees meeting — a rare opportunity for students. Snyder shared her story to show how the CCIM’s opportunities foster ambitious, influential students.
“The opportunities at Ball State are boundless,” Snyder said. “I always joke that the hardest part of being a student here is just trying to decide which opportunities to pursue when they all sound so exciting. While it’s been challenging to manage all my demanding responsibilities, I’ve reaped the greatest reward: professional and personal growth, thanks to the outstanding, ubiquitous support here.”
Starting out as a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, Snyder participated in regional speech competitions at fraternity conferences. Last year, she won at the regional level and advanced to national competition, where she finished in the top five. Last fall, she placed again at the regional level, and will compete in Jacksonville in upcoming weeks during a national convention. Soon she will become a speech coach to train those gripped by a fear of public speaking, which she had when she started competing.
After graduation, Snyder plans to pursue a master’s program at Ball State to eventually work in public administration or at a nonprofit.
“College is a time in your life where you must completely focus on building who you want to be, and setting up the life and career you want to have,” Snyder said. “I have Ball State’s breadth of leadership opportunities and invaluable faculty to thank for helping me do just that.”
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Deanna Manzenberger
Deanna Manzenberger has been selected as Outstanding Graduate for the visual communications program at Ivy Tech Community College Columbus.
One graduate from each academic program is selected each year for recognition based on exemplary achievement as observed by faculty.
Manzenberger started her degree at the Career Resource Center of Brown County. She provided the CRC with a large mural and also designed a new logo for the CRC. She plans to open a graphic art business in town soon.
Western Governors University graduates
SALT LAKE CITY — The following local residents have earned a degree from Western Governors University (WGU):
Ayla Briles of Morgantown has earned a bachelor’s degree in special education.
Kimberly Richhart of Morgantown has earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Malini Stiles of Helmsburg has earned a master’s degree in science, curriculum and instruction.
