Courtesy photoAvery Pierce loves Wichita’s coffee scene and the applied learning in the sport management program at Wichita State University. She is assistant director of community engagement for WSU’s varsity Esports program.
Avery is one of more than 1,400 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Moore, Oklahoma
Major
Master of Education in sport management
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State because of the opportunities it has to offer. It’s far enough away from home where I could grow personally, but it was also close enough to go home on the weekend. I was also drawn to the sport management program and all it had to offer for its students in terms of applied learning and internships.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was going through the changes that COVID brought to campus. I was a freshman when COVID happened, so I had an interrupted college experience. We then came back and had to make several changes to how the classroom worked and what was allowed to continue to be safe. We are now to a point where we are comfortable as a university to move back to normal, so I have been through it all.
I think what helped me overcome this constant change was the support of the professors and the organizations I was a part of. They constantly made the effort to stay connected and check in on students.
What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?
I LOVE coffee, so any of the local coffee shops have become my go to. I think my absolute favorite place is Il Primo. They have a comfortable atmosphere and delicious coffee and food.
If you could choose a song to play when you walk across the stage at graduation, what would it be?
“All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently applying to jobs, but I hope to continue working in Esports.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Enjoy the little things! Find things that are unique and make memories around them. Go to that concert, enjoy the food at a farmer’s market, and soak in the time spent with friends. Focus on your work, but don’t work yourself too hard.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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