Transforming into a leader: Meet 2026 PNW graduate Casandra Vickers
Casandra Vickers remembers not stepping much outside of her comfort zone when she began her PNW academic career.
“Then, something clicked during my second year,” she said. “Being first-generation, I was involved in TRIO Student Support Services and my mentors guided me in fulfilling requirements and becoming more active. Similarly, as a member of the Honors College, I took the peer mentoring course and met my own peer mentor, April Roberts. These peer-to-peer connections outside of the class created new experiences that I hadn’t been exposed to before where I could find the things I was passionate about.”
As Vickers finishes degrees in Business Information & Analytics and Human Resource Management in spring 2026, she has served as an Honors College peer mentor herself; held leadership roles with PNW Student Government Association, the PNW Food Pantry, Honors College Student Advisory Board, and PNW Women in Business; and served as one of two student ambassadors for the 2026 Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development Symposium held at PNW.
She sees her growth through on-campus leadership as a strong aspect that will augment her professional success and highly encourages others to find their passions at PNW to supplement their coursework.
“My student leadership experience has shaped my personality so much. I do not know where I would be without it. There are so many tangible skills that I will be able to use in the workforce because I was involved in so many student leadership opportunities.”
Read on to learn more about Casandra Vickers (BSB’26)!
There are so many tangible skills that I will be able to use in the workforce because I was involved in so many student leadership opportunities.
Why did you choose your majors?
“I can leverage both of these degrees nicely with my career given their dual aspects.
I started at PNW with Human Resource Management because I enjoyed my experience serving in a human resources internship during my senior year of high school. I’m very people-oriented, and I love being able to help with job recruitment, organizing interviews, background checks and helping employees with their benefits and paperwork. Coming to PNW, I felt a step ahead.
“Also, when I started at PNW, I took one specific class in Business Information & Analytics, and I fell in love with it. I really enjoyed math in high school, so being able to apply numbers, statistics and coding also helps with my future career goals.”
What did you like most about your PNW experience?
“It was the professors. My instructors were so passionate about what they were teaching. The way they spoke about their course concepts made the material relatable and relevant for me, and I can see how those will apply to my career.”
Did you have a pivotal experience during your PNW career?
“There were two.
My Study Away experience in France with the PNW College of Business helped shift my mindset and the way I approach things. It inspired me to ask more questions, go into situations with a more global mindset and understand how people have developed into who they are.
Secondly, being a student leader in Honors College, I’m able to help someone on the daily. Just being able to connect with someone new whom I’ve not met before and the college’s multidisciplinary focus has really helped me become a more well-rounded individual. Honors College has changed my life.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students?
“Make your connections count and come to everything with an open mind, full of curiosity. I’ve brought that approach into everything I do. You acquire so much more information, and knowledge is power!”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Debbie Bachmann
Administrator of honors student leadership and programming
“Debbie is very student-focused. She understands our needs well and how to guide us in a constructive way that promotes both leadership skills and professionalism.”
Social media and events coordinator for the pnw college of business
“Nerissa is very personable and enjoyable, even in a professional setting. She has been a very helpful guide for Women in Business. Her background and leadership have inspired me for my next career steps.”
Rose Haite
Assistant director of trio student support services
“Rose wants to see you succeed above everything else. Even though you’re part of a larger student community in TRIO, Rose doesn’t make you feel like there’s others waiting for her time. She listens to you with full attention and will help you with anything you need.”
Meet PNW's 2026 Graduates
From working heavy construction to starting a career in professional hockey, discover how Purdue University Northwest’s 2026 graduates are taking the next step toward proud futures.