Poole College Congratulates Class of 2024 Graduates

On May 4, 880 undergraduate students will cross the stage in Reynolds Coliseum to officially become Poole College alumni and begin their professional careers.

Meet Our Graduates

Ryan Dexheimer, Business Administration, Finance Concentration

Since joining Poole College in 2020, Ryan Dexheimer has not only excelled academically, but has been actively involved in various campus organizations. Dexheimer has served as a Chancellor’s Aide, contributed as a Career Ambassador, Peer Career Coach and served as a Poole Student Ambassador.

“The majority of the content within Poole classrooms has real-world applications relating to current events and trends within both our economy and the world’s,” said Dexheimer.

During his semester abroad in Seville, Spain, Dexheimer immersed himself in a new culture while studying HR and supply chain. “I am appreciative of the opportunity to leave the United States for the first time, while putting my Spanish minor to use,” he said.

Dexheimer will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance. Looking ahead, Dexheimer has ambitious post-graduate plans starting with a 12-week internship at Northwestern Mutual in Raleigh before transitioning to a full-time role at Fidelity in Durham, North Carolina.

Natalie Emerson, Business Administration, Marketing Concentration

Business administration and marketing student hailing from Blue Ridge, Virginia, Natalie Emerson, joined Poole College in 2021. Emerson’s favorite part about Poole was the abundance of opportunities provided by the Career Center.

Outside the classroom, Emerson made her mark as an art entrepreneur and business owner throughout their involvement in Student Made at NC State. Their dedication extended to a two-year internship with the Marketing and Events team within the Poole College Career Center.

Post-graduate plans for Emerson include working and settling in Richmond, Virginia.

Julianna Lopez, Accounting, Data Analytics Concentration

Julianna Lopez joined Poole College in 2021 as an accounting major. As a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honors organization, Lopez had demonstrated leadership, serving as both vice president and treasurer. In addition to these roles, Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping the student experience as the president of the Poole Student Advisory Board, a position she has held since its inception. 

During the spring of Lopez’s senior year, she traveled to Paris, France, for her International Business Policy class. During this time she worked on her French corporate case analysis. While in France, Lopez gained firsthand insights into global business practices while also immersing herself into the culture of France.

“My favorite part of Poole College is the supportive, collaborative culture fostered by students, faculty and staff,” said Lopez.

Lopez will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a concentration in data analytics. Following graduation, Lopez will be interning at PwC until August. She then will return  to Poole College in the fall to complete the Master of Accounting program with hopes of obtaining her CPA license.

Samantha Steffanus, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Concentration

Samantha Steffanus joined Poole College in 2019. During her time Steffanus served as a University Ambassador, ASPSA tutor and as the Building Manager of Talley Student Union.

Steffanus shares that her favorite part about Poole College is “simply the professors!”

Steffanus held a variety of internships during her time with Poole College including Merakris Therapeutics, Biomerueix, and Pure Wealth Strategies, working in sales and marketing.

Steffanus’ post-graduate plans are to stay in Raleigh working on the Prometheus sales team.

Hayden Parker, Business Administration, Finance Concentration

Hayden Parker, a Greensboro, North Carolina native, joined Poole College in 2020. During Parker’s time in Poole, he was involved in a variety of clubs including flag football, the sports analytics club, and the Summit College Ministry. Parker also served as the CFO of the Krispy Kreme Challenge.

Parker says of Poole College, “I loved the connectedness and how willing everyone is to work with each other.”

During his time in Poole, Parker completed an internship with the Volvo Group as a sales support intern.

His post-graduate plans include staying in Raleigh and joining the workforce.