Leading By Example, One Step At A Time
Some journeys take a little longer to begin—but that only makes the destination more meaningful. Kristen’s path to higher education started with a few detours, a lot of growth, and an unwavering determination to build a life she could be proud of.
Her career in health care began in 2014, but the road to get there wasn’t always smooth. Kristen married young, accepted a softball scholarship, and tried to juggle academics with life’s growing responsibilities. When things didn’t go as planned—including a difficult divorce—she leaned into resilience. Eventually, love found her again, and today she and her husband are raising a lively household with a teenage daughter and a son in elementary school.
Between full-time work and a calendar packed with after-school activities, Kristen’s days are full—but so is her heart. Over the years, she made several attempts to return to school, but the timing never felt quite right. Juggling responsibilities and searching for the support she needed proved challenging. Now, with her kids growing older and becoming more independent by the day, Kristen is embracing the opportunity to lead by example. She’s living out the very lesson she’s always taught her children: there’s more than one way to reach your goals. In her mid-thirties, Kristen is showing that determination and timing go hand in hand—and that it’s never too late to pursue what matters most.
She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Medical Billing and Coding from Cowley Community College, and after exploring her options, she found her perfect fit in Wichita State’s fully online Health Management program.
Balancing work, school, and family has been a journey of trial and error, but Kristen has found her rhythm. She credits her success to the love and support of her husband and kids, and to the incredible team at Wichita State. Her success coach Chelsea Dey, academic advisor John Sandlin, CHP Director of Undergraduate Programs and Senior Educator Sarah Taylor, and the Office of Adult Learning have been steady sources of encouragement and guidance—helping her stay focused and confident every step of the way.
Kristen’s story is a powerful reminder that growth isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about courage, commitment, and community. We’re proud to celebrate her journey and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Kristen Knott