Poole College congratulates class of 2024 graduates

On May 4, 880 students will take the stage at Reynolds Coliseum to officially become Poole College alumni and begin their professional careers.

Meet our graduates

Ryan Dexheimer, business administration, finance concentration

Since joining Poole College in 2020, Ryan Dexheimer has not only excelled academically, but has also been actively involved in several campus organizations. Dexheimer has served as an assistant to the chancellor, contributed as a career ambassador, peer career coach and served as a Poole student ambassador.

“The majority of the content in Poole classrooms has real-world applications related to current events and trends within both our and the world’s economies,” Dexheimer said.

During his semester abroad in Seville, Spain, Dexheimer immersed himself in a new culture while studying HR and supply chain. “I appreciate the opportunity to leave the United States for the first time while utilizing my Spanish minor,” he said.

Dexheimer will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with a concentration in finance. Looking ahead, Dexheimer has ambitious post-graduation plans, starting with a 12-week internship at Northwestern Mutual in Raleigh before transitioning to a full-time position at Fidelity in Durham, North Carolina.

Natalie Emerson, Business Administration, Marketing Concentration

Natalie Emerson, a business and marketing student from Blue Ridge, Virginia, joined Poole College in 2021. Emerson’s favorite part of Poole was the abundance of opportunities the Career Center offered.

Outside of the classroom, Emerson made her mark as an arts entrepreneur and business owner during their involvement with Student Made at NC State. Their commitment extended to a two-year internship with the Marketing and Events team within the Poole College Career Center.

Post-graduation plans for Emerson include working and settling in Richmond, Virginia.

Julianna Lopez, accounting, data analytics concentration

Julianna Lopez joined Poole College in 2021 as an accounting major. As a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting awards organization, Lopez had demonstrated leadership by serving as both vice president and treasurer. In addition to these roles, Lopez played a critical role in shaping the student experience as chair of the Poole Student Advisory Board, a position she has held since its inception.

In the spring of Lopez’s senior year, she traveled to Paris, France, for her International Business Policy course. During this time she worked on her French corporate case analysis. While in France, Lopez gained firsthand insight into global business practices while also immersing herself in the culture of France.

“My favorite part of Poole College is the supportive, collaborative culture fostered by students, faculty and staff,” said Lopez.

Lopez will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a focus on data analytics. After graduating, Lopez will do an internship at PwC until August. She will then return to Poole College in the fall to complete the Master of Accounting program in hopes of obtaining her CPA license.

Samantha Steffanus, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Concentration

Samantha Steffanus joined Poole College in 2019. During her time, Steffanus was a university ambassador, ASPSA lecturer and building manager of Talley Student Union.

Steffanus says her favorite part of Poole College is “just the professors!” is.

Steffanus completed several internships during her time at Poole College, including Merakris Therapeutics, Biomerueix and Pure Wealth Strategies, where she worked in sales and marketing.

Steffanus’ post-graduation plans are to remain in Raleigh and work on the Prometheus sales team.

Hayden Parker, Business Administration, Financial Concentration

Hayden Parker, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, joined Poole College in 2020. During Parker’s time in Poole he was involved in a variety of clubs including flag football, the sports analytics club and the Summit College Ministry. Parker also served as CFO of the Krispy Kreme Challenge.

Parker says of Poole College, “I loved the connectedness and how willing everyone is to work together.”

During his time at Poole, Parker interned with the Volvo Group as a sales support intern.

His post-graduation plans include living in Raleigh and entering the workforce.