Brad Wilson grew up in New Carlisle, Ohio, a small community a few miles from Wittenberg’s home of Springfield. He knew he wanted to come to Wittenberg, and he said that his scholarship made it affordable. Wilson is a Matthies scholar and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious of the national honor societies, during the university’s 163rd Commencement exercises on May 10, 2008.
Wilson commuted to campus, but he hit the ground running by declaring two majors his freshman year.
“I wanted an education in an area I could find a job after graduation,” he said, adding that music is a passion and hobby for him and that it has always been important to make time for it.
He joined WittMen Crew, the university’s all male a cappella group. Although the commitment was intense with lessons, performances and practice sessions, he learned to balance classes, practice and family while remaining involved in a manner that worked.
“I served as secretary for the group my sophomore and junior years,” Wilson said. “I scheduled events, which involved 15-16 concerts a semester.”
In addition, the tenor took opera studio, classical guitar and organ.
“I feel I have been able to cultivate the talent that I have into something that is better than it was before,” he added.
Having lived his life in a small town surrounded by a lot of people he knew made meeting students and faculty from different countries, cultures and backgrounds one of the most important opportunities Wittenberg offered.
“Learning to be accepting of people of diverse backgrounds is the most important lesson I learned,” Wilson said. “When you get out into the real world, you are going to be surrounded by a lot of different people with different experiences from all different walks of life. Wittenberg has a close-knit student community, and it’s important to know how to interact with everyone.”
Lessons learned in the management department led to an internship where Wilson learned first-hand about product management and data analytics.
“I made actual reports to clients,” he said. “The biggest strength of our management program is being introduced to each area. Students are exposed to all facets of management for our degrees.”
Wilson added that the opportunity to explore the avenues available in business helped him discover his strengths. His internship led to employment, and he plans to climb the ranks and gain success in his field as he also contemplates attending graduate school.
- Written by Phyllis Eberts '00
- Photo by Robbie Gantt
