WKU News

As she prepares for graduation, Kaylie Wise recalls a piece of advice that guided her WKU journey: “Life’s not about finding yourself. Life’s about creating yourself.”

When she arrived at WKU in 2021, Wise wasn’t sure of her major, but she had a bucket list of college goals. She wanted to join clubs, attend sporting events and other social activities, participate in study abroad, and take advantage of internships and applied learning opportunities.

“When you come to WKU you can really create someone you are proud of if you get involved, start early, join organizations, talk to your professors, and make friends with the people in your dorms. By the end, you will be someone you’re really proud of if you do that,” said Wise, a senior from Georgetown. “I didn’t think I would have found myself in finance, but I kind of created a life here and I really like it. I’m really happy with what turned out to be.”

Wise, a Finance major with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning, will be honored as the Fall 2024 Ogden Foundation Scholar during WKU’s College Recognition Ceremonies on December 6 at Diddle Arena.

“I don’t know if there was anything I would change,” Wise said. “Honestly, everything fell into place so perfectly.”

Items checked off her bucket list included being a member of Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity, serving as a Gordon Ford College of Business Ambassador, traveling to Senegal, completing two summer internships and working in the Center for Financial Success.

“The best part of my WKU experience has been the friendships I’ve formed, which have played a major role in my personal growth,” Wise said. “I’ve not only discovered who I am but also built lifelong connections that have shaped me into someone I’m proud to be. As I prepare to leave, I carry with me the confidence and memories of a transformative journey, along with friends who will continue to inspire me long after graduation.”

Earning the Ogden Scholar Award, WKU’s top undergraduate academic recognition, wasn’t on her bucket list so Wise was shocked, excited and honored to be one of three students selected to interview for the award. “After the interview, I remember feeling proud of myself for staying true to who I am. I was able to talk about the things I’ve accomplished here, and it really hit me how much I’ve grown and found my passion at WKU,” Wise said. “It's rare to discover something you're so passionate about and get the chance to pursue it while also making a difference in others' lives. When I got the email saying I was selected, I’m pretty sure my jaw literally dropped. I was just doing what I love—helping others—and to be recognized for that is truly humbling.”

Wise, the daughter of Christy and Billy Wise, graduated from Scott County High School and was a Governor’s Scholar. “I chose WKU because, from my first tour, I was captivated by its beautiful campus and felt instantly drawn in. The energy and friendliness of the people create an unbeatable environment, making it feel like home,” she said.

Her path to a major in Finance wasn’t as clear. “I completely lucked out. I came to school kind of undecided,” she said. “I knew I like teaching people about things so I thought I would be a teacher. Then my mom said, ‘You can teach something very specific. Why don’t you go to career coaching?’”

That meeting included a career quiz. The answer? Financial advisor. “I was really disappointed at first,” Wise said. “Then my career coach said, ‘You could teach people about money.’

“She helped me see how I could make a real difference in a field that is often overlooked or misunderstood. This conversation opened my eyes to the power of financial education and shifted my perspective entirely,” Wise said.

At the time, Wise was taking a personal finance class and talked with faculty member Andrew Head about a career as a financial advisor. “Then I jumped full in and I figured out I actually like finance,” Wise said. “And I feel like I was making a difference in people’s lives in a way I didn’t realize was possible. I still get to teach. And, I love teaching. It was perfect.”

As a financial advisor, Wise helps people navigate one of life’s biggest stress factors – money.

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how financial stress impacts people,” Wise said. “I watched people struggle to make ends meet, and it was clear that many people—whether they were my peers or strangers—faced financial challenges but never talked about it. That’s when I realized how important it is to understand money—not just for financial success, but for peace of mind, mental health and overall well-being.”

Through her work with the Center for Financial Success, Wise aims to make a lasting impact on WKU and the community by empowering individuals with financial knowledge. She made 120 presentations to organizations and classes on and off campus and had over 100 one-on-one sessions with students, faculty and community members. In total, she has reached more than 3,500 students.

“By providing personalized coaching and delivering financial literacy presentations, I hope to inspire financially empowered individuals who can achieve their own success and continue to teach others. My goal is to create generational change by building a foundation of financial confidence that ripples through families and communities for years to come,” she said.

The Gordon Ford College of Business provided her with opportunities for leadership and service as a member of Delta Sigma Pi and the GFCB Ambassadors. “By focusing on building a strong, supportive community, I embraced DSP’s core values of help and unity, which allowed me to give back and contribute meaningfully to others,” Wise said. “Being honored as Miss Delta Sigma Pi for embodying these values was a highlight of my journey, reflecting the impact of fostering a collaborative environment. As a GFCB Ambassador, I further developed my leadership skills through outreach and service, learning how to uplift others and make a positive impact. These opportunities not only enhanced my skills but also confirmed that financial planning was the right career path for me.”

Another pivotal experience was a study abroad trip through WKU’s “Explore Senegal” program. “What impacted me most was realizing the shared humanity that transcends cultural boundaries,” she said. “I witnessed firsthand how, despite cultural differences, the universal desire for connection and community shapes the way people live and find fulfillment, often prioritizing relationships and well-being over material success. This deepened my empathy, making me a more compassionate leader and thoughtful global citizen. Senegal pushed me to lead with humility, understanding, and a desire to learn from others, shaping how I approach leadership, service and my role in the world.”

After graduation, Wise will join Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory, a fee-only financial planning firm in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I hope to continue instilling financial confidence in as many people as possible. I want to break the stigma that talking about money is taboo and instead help build individuals who are well-educated and confident in their financial decisions,” she said. “My goal is to empower others and provide them with the knowledge they need to make sound financial choices.”

In a letter of recommendation for the Ogden Scholar Award, GFCB Dean Evelyn Thrasher noted that Wise has an unparalleled passion for learning, a heart for serving others and an ability to see everything as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“Kaylie arrived on this campus four years ago with her mind and arms opened wide, and she has embraced everything our university has to offer. From exceptional academics to study abroad to internships to student organizations, Kaylie has fully immersed herself in the life of the Gordon Ford College of Business and Western Kentucky University,” Dr. Thrasher said.

“When she crosses the stage in December and turns her tassel, Kaylie will leave behind a legacy of academic excellence, servant leadership and kindness -- a legacy that should inspire us all to do more and be more,” she said.

For information on programs and degrees in the WKU Department of Finance programs, visit https://www.wku.edu/finance/

#WKUGrad series: For more stories on graduating students in the #WKUGrad series, visit https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.