Poole College Welcomes Largest Undergraduate Class for Fall 2022

On August 22, Poole College of Management welcomed over 1,000 students, including more than 500 first-year students, 289 internal transfer students and around 250 external transfer students into Nelson Hall for the fall semester. 

Not only are they exceptionally qualified academically, but they represent a diverse range of experiences and expertise.

“We are excited to welcome our largest class of incoming students,” said Tedd Szeto, assistant dean of undergraduate programs. “Not only are they exceptionally qualified academically, but they represent a diverse range of experiences and expertise. They will certainly add much to our community of scholars, both in and out of the classroom.”

By the Numbers

Meet Our Students

Erica Rice, First-Year Management

Raleigh native Erica Rice recently graduated from Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. In high school, Rice was involved in the Wake County Boys and Girls Club, served as the National Honor Society secretary and student government. 

“At first, I was interested in fashion management but I didn’t want to be limited to just one industry,” said Rice. “I decided to pursue a marketing degree at Poole College because it allows me to broaden my horizons and make even better connections.”

I decided to pursue a marketing degree at Poole College because it allows me to broaden my horizons and make even better connections.

Rice received the Youth of the Year Award from Wake County Boys and Girls Club teen center and, in February, she competed for Miss High School America representing Raleigh on the collegiate level. 

During summer 2020, Rice needed a creative outlet during her spare time. She found new crafts and skills that would turn into a hobby for her later on and even useful handiness skills as well.

“I participated in the Black Flea Market in Downtown Raleigh and it felt nice to be apart of something where my community could come together and share out talents,” said Rice. At first the brand was called Luxe Monétique, a spin-off of my middle name, and now it’s The Hybrid Essentials. I felt more connected with that and it would allow me to expand my business besides just jewelry.”

Ryan Fedor, Business Administration, Marketing Concentration

Ryan Fedor is a transfer student from Durham Technical Community College and hails from Mebane, North Carolina. Fedor chose Poole College for the opportunity to make lifelong connections with faculty, staff and his fellow students.

“I have faced and overcome a lot of adversity throughout my life,” said Fedor. “My little brother was adopted in 2014 with severe special needs and allowed me to look at life through a new perspective.”

Fedor is excited to be exposed to new opportunities and perspectives at NC State and to develop skills for future success in the classrooms in Nelson Hall. 

Xander Sechriest, First-Year Management

Xander Sechriest considers NC State and Poole College to be his ideal choice because of its location, sense of home and mission to improve North Carolina. A recent graduate from Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC, Sechriest was a student athlete and active in many volunteer organizations. He is eager to continue this trend of contributing to his community and appreciates NC State’s commitment to inclusivity through involvement.

“I am excited to work with distinctive students and professors and use our different perspectives to solve problems,” said Sechriest. “Another thing I am excited about is discovering my passion within the business sphere.”

I am excited to work with distinctive students and professors and use our different perspectives to solve problems.

Sechriest plans to major in business administration with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. He is excited to be a part of Research Triangle Park and surrounded by a variety of innovative companies.

Samantha Rodas, First-Year Management

Samatha Rodas comes to NC State from West Creek, New Jersey, and will be pursuing a degree in business administration. Rodas recently graduated from Pinelands Regional High School where she was involved in theater, video production and math club. 

“I chose Poole College and NC State because I loved the big school feel and the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself with the large alumni network,” said Rodas.

Rodas plans to be involved with The Technician and other student media opportunities as a way to become an all-around student. She is also looking forward to her classes and seeing the friends she made at orientation again. 

Yahir Sanchez-Vazquez, First-Year Management

Yahir Sanchez-Vazquez enters Poole College with an impressive artistic background. Vazquez recently graduated from West Forsyth High School in Winston Salem, NC, where he was very creatively engaged. He was involved in theater, chorus, dance, French club and photography club where his activeness in both the performing and visual arts allowed him to bring an original perspective to NC State and Poole College.

“The endless opportunities, network and hands-on practicality of business as seen in the real world”, said Vazquez, are what made Poole College stand out when he made his college decision.

Vazquez plans to major in business administration with a concentration in information technology (IT). He is looking forward to meeting new people and landing an internship to apply his academic knowledge and gain new experiences. His creative skills make him an outstanding addition to Poole’s technological and digitally innovative learning program.

Ryan Montgomery, First-Year Management

Ryan Montgomery enters Poole College with a unique educational background. As a homeschool student from Greensboro, NC, he found community through playing baseball, working and helping out with local political campaigns.

“Friends, a great culture and a great reputation”, said Montgomery, made NC State and Poole College the obvious choice for him when he made his college decision. 

Montgomery is excited to study economics and looks forward to the opportunity to network and connect with a group of people that will support him in his journey to academic and career success.