Kate Wellmann
Texas A&M University, Mays Business School
“Seeks out the best for other people, fully commits myself to every task and organization, embodies an adventurous spirit.”
Fun fact about yourself: I LOVE designing and arranging flowers. (It’s how I tap into my creative side!)
Hometown: Brenham, TX
High School: Brenham High School
Major: Business Honors and Finance
Minor: N/A
Favorite Business Course: Mays Business Fellows (a personal and professional leadership development course)
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College: Mays Business Fellows (Senior Fellow – 2 years), Mays Business Honors Program (Coordinator and Peer Leader), American Business Women’s Association (President, President Elect, VP of Programming), Chi Omega Fraternity (Career Director, Songfest Delegate), Wakonse Conference on College Teaching, Teacher’s Assistant for sophomore-level leadership course, Deloitte International Women’s Day participant
Where have you interned during your college career? Teach for America (Inaugural Accelerate Fellow), Rackspace (Fixed Asset Accounting Intern), Real Estate Center at Texas A&M (Student Researcher)
Where will you be working after graduation? TBA – I will be working to receive my teacher’s certification. I am marrying a future Air Force officer, so our location is not yet determined.
Who is your favorite professor? General John Van Alstyne – He is a wise, intuitive, and genuinely caring man. After 36 years in the military, he CHOOSES to spend his time with undergraduate students.
What did you enjoy most about your business school? The ability to lead a team and work with others took priority over learning the rudimentary, technical skills.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? You must establish trust with those around you before they will respect you.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Business touches almost every part of the world. Take time to learn about events and develop opinions on things outside of the business world.
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying…education (with a focus in low-income communities).”
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? My mom – she graduated from the business school at Texas A&M. I knew Mays would provide a solid foundation for any career.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? Senior Fellows – PALs director; I get to work with a smart, high-functioning team of undergraduates, while also getting to teach high school juniors and seniors (the best of both worlds)!
If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the business school? I would incorporate a ‘social justice’ lens into the business world. We have a part to play outside of the corporate office space.
Which classmate do you most admire? Courtney – her actions and words reflect her deep-seeded faith, she is unapologetically herself, she chases her dreams
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents (Michael & Michelle); they support and challenge me. College is a time to develop independence and your own ideas, but respecting my parents is a top priority.
What would your theme song be? “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston (I wish I could belt this song as strongly as Whitney Houston, but practically, I love creating close bonds with people.)
What are the top two items on your bucket list? Visit as many national parks in a camper, live abroad for at least a year
Favorite book: Love Does by Bob Goff
Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite vacation spot: Colorado (mountains > beaches)
What are your hobbies? Exploring small towns with my friends, the Beachbody workout, arranging flowers, teaching at Rudder High School, reading mom blogs, reading novels and female Christian authors
What made Kate such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2018?
“After working closely with Kate Wellman over the past three years, I assess that she is in the top 1% of the young men and women I have known over 50-plus years of professional life. I base my assessment on three factors. First, while Kate served as my teaching assistant during four semesters, I observed that she has a remarkable touch with young students. They sense her genuine concern for them and respond with great effort. Second, I observed Kate closely while she was a Mays Business Fellow for a year and a Senior Fellow for two years. During this period, I noted that Kate’s vast intellectual capacity is superbly augmented by a large measure of common sense. This remarkable combination allows her to cut quickly to the essence of complexed situations and then develop sound, well reason solutions. Third, Kate has been a trusted advisor over the past three years. I find that she has a finely tuned sixth sense about people and situations. Her counsel was always right on track. In summary, Kate Wellman is a remarkable young woman who will make great contributions to others and to organizations.”
John Van Alstyne
LTG, U.S. Army (Retired)
Executive Professor
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