Welcoming Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty

Hello College of Business Alumni and Friends!

My name is Kristine McCarty, and I have recently stepped into the role of Philanthropic Advisor (Director of Development) for the College of Business. I am truly looking forward to working with our incredible alumni and donors who support us in creating opportunities for our business students!

As I’m starting my new journey in this role, I’ve been reflecting on the beginning of my time at ISU. I moved to Idaho when I was very young, and shortly after, my mom enrolled me in the Early Learning Center at ISU. That was a tough time in her life as she navigated being a single parent trying to make ends meet. But that time had an enormous positive impact on my life. I remember standing at the chainlink fence in the ELC playground watching students passing by on their way to class, reading a textbook in the shade of a tree in the PSUB lot, and climbing Red Hill. I wanted to be just like them one day.

Years later, I made the choice to attend Idaho State University, and I am grateful for that decision every single day. In addition to the formal education I received here, I was also instantly surrounded by friends, staff, and faculty who helped me learn and grow. I had access to scholarships that allowed me to spend more time studying and less time working. I had faculty and staff willing to offer their advice and mentorship. As a first-generation college student, the community and financial support were essential to my success. I earned two degrees here (HBA in Anthropology, 2014; MBA, 2017). I did multiple on-campus internships, held a graduate assistant position, worked in undergraduate student recruitment and advising, and most recently served as the Director of Graduate Studies.

My life has been changed completely by my time as a student and a staff member, and it is so different than anything my mom experienced or could have imagined for me. Mine is one of thousands of success stories of students whose lives were changed thanks to opportunities at ISU.

This issue of the Business Bulletin has highlighted students and faculty doing incredible research, students competing against schools from around the nation (and winning!), and our newest alumni embarking on their careers. None of these great stories would be possible without the support of our alumni and donors. Thank you for your generosity, for sharing your time and expertise with our students, and for continuing to demonstrate what it means to be a Bengal.

I look forward to getting to know you –enjoy your summer, and Go Bengals!