WKU News

From building friendships to engaging in applied learning opportunities, graduating senior Karlee Powell’s experience on the Hill would not have been the same without all the connections she has made across campus. Through deeply engaging with the Hilltopper community during her first year on the Hill and beyond, Powell built invaluable skills, gained unique experiences and forged a network of support that is powering her post-graduation pursuits.

“When I first stepped on campus, I was excited but unsure of exactly how I would find my place. Looking back now, I realize that getting involved is what transformed WKU from just a university into a true home. Saying yes to opportunities pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to build relationships that shaped both my personal growth and professional confidence. The more I invested in the campus community, the more it gave back to me,” Powell shared.

During her first days on the Hill, one of the first opportunities Powell pursued was joining a sorority. After running home to Alpha Delta Pi on Bid Day, Powell immersed herself in the organization throughout her time on the Hill and forged strong connections with fellow members.

“Some of the most meaningful connections I have made have come through Panhellenic and my time in ADPi. Joining that community introduced me to some of my very best friends, the kind of friendships that go far beyond campus life. These are the people who have supported me through challenges, celebrated every win and made everyday moments unforgettable. Whether it was late nights, big events, or just spending time together, those relationships have been the foundation of my college experience,” Powell explained.

Tackling multiple leadership roles within the chapter, such as serving as Vice President of Panhellenic Relations and as Chapter President, strengthened her professional skills. She also connected her experience to the broader organization, networking with undergraduate members and alumnae from around the United States and Canada at the bi-annual Grand Convention and earning a spot in the competitive summer internship program at Alpha Delta Pi’s Executive Office in Atlanta, Ga.

“From her earliest days in the chapter, it was clear Karlee was a natural leader who would thrive on WKU’s campus—she truly goes Above the Rim in everything she does. She leads by example, listens to understand and has an unmatched ability to build genuine relationships wherever she goes. Through her leadership as Chapter President, Karlee cultivated a culture of service to one another, WKU’s campus and the broader community—one that will continue to be built upon for years to come,” shared Haley Lord, Executive Chapter Advisor for the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

Powell credits the organization with setting a strong foundation for her educational journey on the Hill.

“Ultimately, all my experiences at WKU lead back to ADPi. From my major, to being a tour guide and GFCB ambassador and everything in between I give full credit to the older sisters in my sorority that influenced and pushed me to get involved,” Powell said.

She also found that sense of belonging within the broader Panhellenic community at WKU. Connecting with women beyond her own organization to promote the four main values of Greek life – scholarship, leadership, service and sisterhood/brotherhood – fostered new connections and ideas. Powell’s collaborative spirit also served her well as President of WKU’s Panhellenic Council, the governing organization for chapters of Panhellenic sororities on campus. In that role, she led a team of officers in event planning, marketing and recruitment efforts that helped new members find their own home on the Hill.

“Karlee is an incredible student leader at WKU and is the ultimate Panhellenic woman! One of the most impressive things about Karlee is her selflessness and positive energy she exudes. Karlee always makes it about the group over individual goals – this was most evident during her time as Panhellenic President working with 15 chapters and approximately 1300 women as she fostered terrific inter-chapter relations and helped preside over an outstanding Fall Sorority Recruitment. I have no doubt in my mind that Karlee will continue to do amazing things in future roles and the community in which she resides,” shared Andrew Rash, Associate Director of Student Activities – Greek Life at WKU.

Powell also immediately engaged with her academic college during her freshman year, successfully applying to become a Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) Ambassador. GFCB Ambassadors represent the college at student recruitment events and engage with future Hilltoppers. For two academic years, Powell served as Recruitment Chair for the organization – a role that Powell credits for deeply shaping her leadership journey through the mentorship of Cara Cordell, a Recruitment and Retention Specialist within the GFCB.

“Cara Cordell has been such a steady source of encouragement and mentorship. She has trusted me with responsibility, challenged me to think strategically and supported me when I needed guidance. Through her mentorship, I learned how to lead with confidence while still being approachable and supportive of others. That role allowed me to give back to the college that has given so much to me by helping recruit future students who will one day call GFCB home,” Powell said.

Making strong connections within the GFCB also shaped Powell’s academic pathway. As a Business Economics major with a minor in Marketing and certificate in Sales, Powell credits a lucky meeting with a fellow GFCB student and member of her sorority for directing her toward her current path.

“Originally, I was a Social Media Marketing major, but it did not feel right. I was excelling in ECON 202 when a girl in my sorority, Molly Glass, suggested I look into the Business Economics track. After a couple of meetings with her and my advisor, I switched and the rest is history,” Powell shared.

When Powell started to seek internship opportunities, she continued to rely on the support of the GFCB community to pursue her ambitions.

“The faculty and staff truly invest in students in a way that feels personal. Working with Professional Development Specialist Morgan Florence was a turning point for me. She did not just help me polish my resume or send me job postings. She took the time to understand my goals and helped me see possibilities that aligned with my long-term aspirations. Because of her guidance and encouragement, I secured my dream internship, an opportunity that strengthened my confidence and confirmed that I was on the right path. That experience showed me the power of having someone in your corner who genuinely believes in you,” explained Powell.

In addition to her work as a GFCB Ambassador, Powell served as a Tour Guide with the WKU Office of Admissions and continued to engage with future Hilltoppers and families as they visited campus. As Lead Tour Guide, she honed her ability to collaborate and provided mentorship for rising tour guides. She also credits that organization for helping her meet some of her best friends on the Hill.

“Being actively involved at WKU gave me a sense of belonging that I do not think I would have found otherwise,” Powell noted.

Even as she approached her senior year, Powell continued to seek new ways to engage across campus – such as in WKU’s Student Government Association (SGA). She successfully ran for GFCB Senator and served as the Secretary of the Senate, along with joining committees dedicated to promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing and Campus Security & Safety. 

Reflecting on her experiences, Powell highlighted the annual Homecoming parade as a favorite moment.

“It was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder of the pride, tradition and community that exists on the Hill. Seeing alumni, families and students lining the streets, cheering and celebrating together, made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself. Moments like that made the long days, busy schedules and challenging classes worth it because I knew I was fully embracing my college experience,” Powell explained.

She emphasized that her fellow Hilltoppers are truly what made the Hill special.

“The community at WKU is truly unlike any other. From the moment I got involved, I was surrounded by people who were not only welcoming but genuinely invested in building each other up. There is something special about the way WKU brings people together. It creates an environment where relationships feel authentic and lasting, not just something tied to a few years in college,” Powell shared.

As she prepares to conclude her senior year, she highlighted how far she has come in her journey.

“Experiencing the new business building, Amy and David Chandler Hall, during my senior year has felt symbolic in many ways. Walking through those halls, sitting in modern classrooms and seeing students collaborate in new spaces reminds me of how much growth has happened during my time here. It feels like I have grown alongside the college itself. Chandler Hall represents opportunity, innovation and forward momentum, and being able to spend my final year there feels like a full circle moment,” Powell said.

By engaging with a broad range of opportunities on the Hill, Powell built a strong foundation to launch her next chapter.

“I am incredibly grateful for the involvement, mentorship and community that have defined my WKU experience. WKU has not only prepared me academically, but it has shaped my confidence, my leadership and the person I am becoming,” Powell added.

On May 7, 2026, Powell will graduate from WKU summa cum laude, an honor given to students who have completed their baccalaureate study with both cumulative overall and cumulative WKU grade point averages of 3.80 - 4.00.

After graduation, Powell is returning to Alpha Delta Pi’s Executive Office as a Chapter Support Coordinator. In this position, she will directly work with collegiate members to facilitate leadership development and support recruitment and retention efforts – a natural extension of her experience on the Hill.

“This job will give me experience in the higher education realm and will provide me with opportunities to travel around the country. I plan to pursue a master’s degree in higher education student affairs in the next three years and want to build a career that will lead me to the administrative side of a university,” Powell concluded.

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#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