Staff Spotlight: Emily Gower

Emily Gower is an admissions specialist for the Jenkins MBA Program and has been with the Poole College of Management since July 2018. The Southern Pines native graduated from NC State in 2015 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a minor in nonprofit management.

As an admissions specialist, Gower helps support prospective students, applicants, and newly admitted students in the Jenkins MBA Program. She previously worked with NC State’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) and was a member of the staff senate, which is an advisory body to Chancellor Woodson.

Work at Poole College

Why did you decide to join Poole College?

I worked for DASA prior to PCOM and loved in my role the interaction with students and supporting their success. I am inspired by the staff at Poole who are enthusiastic about the role we play in student success. Many of my colleagues have worked for Poole for many years and have grown in their positions, I also noted that many people came to PCOM and NC State from other institutions; an indicator to me of a highly successful organization.

What is the most common question you receive at work? 

“Why Jenkins MBA?”–The MBA Program is unique within higher education, it is the embodiment of “Think and Do”. My favorite aspect of the program is the application of theory to practice – it provides students with the opportunity to study and work through real-world business problems and discover solutions.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at Poole College?

Someone described Jenkins MBA and PCOM to me as operating more like a “scrappy start-up” than the typical government entity. I see that very much in comparison to other institutions, colleges, departments, and units.

What do you see as the greatest strengths of Poole College?

Our ability to adapt to changing higher education landscape, engage and inspire students and be a prime example of NC State’s “Think and Do”.

What advice would you give a staff member who has recently joined Poole College?

Embrace your colleagues, they are a fantastic wealth of knowledge!

Life Outside of Poole

When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun? 

I enjoy volunteering with Raleigh Sister Cities, an organization that promotes cultural education, citizen diplomacy, and international exchange. I am an active volunteer and board member, we occasionally work with different units at NC State engaging with students, staff, and alumni. 

I also enjoy hiking, camping, really any type of outdoor adventuring. I am taking graduate classes at NC State. I love going to sporting events (LET’S GO WOLFPACK), concerts, and anywhere you can find delicious food.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment outside of work?

Whether or not it is an accomplishment, I am most proud of the involvement I have with my community. I truly love Raleigh and NC State and I try to be an advocate for my home and institution wherever I go!