MaKenzie Quissell

MaKenzie Quissell’s pursuit of a finance major and minor in financial services and insurance/risk management was her primary reason for accepting the Scott College of Business’ Networks Professional Development Scholarship.

Quissell has countless reasons to be a Sycamore.

“I decided to major in finance, as it has always been an area of interest for me, and I knew it would give me career opportunities as a woman in finance,” said Quissell, of Plymouth, Ind. “I have not fully decided on what I want to do in the future, as there are so many opportunities and career paths out there. I have considered financial planning, insurance, banking, and even furthering my undergraduate degree after I graduate from Indiana State in May of 2022.”

Her experiences at Indiana State have allowed her to dive into different areas of business.

“On campus, I work at the front desk in Pickerl Hall and in the Student Services office of the Scott College of Business. Off campus, I am a part-time intern with Valeo Financial Advisors in Carmel, Ind.,”she said. “Last summer, I was an intern with Lake City Bank in the finance/accounting department. The summers before that I interned with the Marshall County Community Foundation-United Way, as well as the Marshall County Visitors Bureau. This summer, I will get experience with Gibson Insurance as the client services and risk management intern.”

Indiana State wasn’t on Quissell’s radar during her initial college search, but knowing all that Indiana State offers, she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“My goal was to attend a small Christian university and play volleyball. Coming from Northern Indiana, I had not known much about Indiana State and I didn’t really know many people that had attended Indiana State,” she said. “I was referred to the Presidential, Honors, and Networks Scholarship Interview Days by a friend who attended Indiana State. I quickly applied and went three different weekends for interviews my senior year.”

A few months later, Quissell got a call from the Networks Program informing her that she was a recipient of the Networks Scholarship.

“It was then I decided I would attend Indiana State and major in some area of business,” she said. “Since then, my experience as a Sycamore has been much more than I ever dreamt of, and if I knew then what I know now, Indiana State would be an easy ‘yes’ for me every single time.”

Her favorite aspects of Indiana State are that it is easy to get involved and just small enough to know many people.

“On campus, I am a second year Resident Assistant for the Honors Community in Pickerl Hall. I have also served on Honors Council and continue to speak on parent/prospect student panels with Dr. Bierly,” she said. “I am in the Networks Program where I previously served as the marketing and promotions team leader.”

Quissell is also on the Women’s Club Volleyball team, where she serves as treasurer and played as a freshman on the National Team in Denver, Colo., which placed in the Top 10 of the Division I bracket for the first time.

“I am also a second-year director for Indiana State Dance Marathon, an organization near and dear to my heart that raises money for Riley Hospital for Children,” she said. “I am also on the Engagement Committee with the Student Philanthropy Group and am a member of Gamma Iota Sigma.”

This year, Quissell plans to add Indy 500 Festival Princess to her resume, too.

“I am so honored to be able to represent Indiana State University, my hometown, and the Indianapolis area this year,” she said. “I hope we are able to be in person for the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 this year. In the meantime, I am doing both inbound and outbound outreaches to spread the word about the 500 Festival.”