“As a friend’s dad often says, ‘With every close of a season in life, there’s a lot of sadness. You kind of grieve that moment. But each new season gets better if you look for it.’”
For Mikayla Sells (’26), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management, a minor in marketing and an MBA through the Business Scholars program, postgraduation life feels bittersweet. Over the past four years, she intentionally shaped her experience to grow as a leader and build her professional network.
Through campus involvement, internships, and faculty mentorship, she built a strong portfolio of experience and connections.
“Each year, I learned how to prioritize so I could do everything well instead of overextending myself,” Sells said. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and bring it into the professional world.”
Sells recently completed an internship with Robert W. Baird, an employee-owned financial services firm. As part of its conference team, she assisted with event planning, supported client experiences, and contributed to business operations.
Looking ahead, she is exploring careers in event management and marketing coordination.
“I have been blessed with a few opportunities for postgrad,” Sells said. “I am looking forward to all that God has in store.”
She will begin full-time this May as an event manager at Tripoli Country Club—a path chosen with clarity and purpose, shaped by the lessons she carried with her each year at Concordia.
Growing as a leader
Micah Hoehner, Jenna Piwowarcyk, Mikayla Sells, Noah Roitman and Aaron Fritz.
Sells’ time at CUW has played a meaningful role in shaping her future aspirations. She began her involvement with the Student Government Association during her freshman year as a senator. As a sophomore, she led SGA’s PR and social programming committee. By her junior year, she stepped into the role of chief administrative officer, culminating in her service this year as the SGA president.
Sells said her time in SGA has had a lasting impact.
“Student Government has been a blessing throughout my time at Concordia,” she said. “It has shaped me as a leader, connected me with students and faculty across disciplines, and opened doors to serve others. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to lead with purpose and be a light for the Lord.”
Learning through experience
Her path to Concordia was also influenced early on by the Business Scholars program, which she first learned about through a cousin who previously attended CUW. The program initially drew her to CUW and quickly became a defining part of her college experience.
“I think God really worked things out very beautifully, because Concordia just kind of fell into place exactly when I needed it to,” said Sells. “God really was faithful in that season.”
Sells continues to give back to the program that first drew her in. She serves on the Business Scholars board and previously held the role of president for two and a half years, beginning in just her second semester as a freshman.
In that role, she learned from working with faculty members such as Dr. Scott Niederjohn, dean of the Batterman School of Business, to plan events such as an etiquette dinner and a personal branding dinner—both designed to prepare students for professional settings.
“It was really impactful for a lot of students,” she said. “It also helped grow my interest in event planning.”
Niederjohn said Sells has taken full advantage of every opportunity CUW has offered and has emerged as a campus leader.
“She is not only respected by her fellow students, but also by faculty and staff in the Batterman School of Business for her dedication and strong work ethic,” he said.
“I’ve been especially proud to watch her grow from a quiet freshman in my microeconomics class into a leader in SGA, a student who has studied abroad, and someone who is at the center of so much happening on campus.”
A voice for campus
As for her experience in marketing and communications, Sells was involved in CUW’s marketing department for three years and also spent two years on the staff of the student newspaper, the Beacon.
“Sells immediately stood out as a natural leader and effective communicator, skills she has developed and honed while serving in the many roles she’s held on campus—from working alongside me on the student newspaper to her current position as SGA president,” said Dr. Marnie Lawler McDonough, assistant professor of communications. “She leads with confidence, generosity, and a true servant spirit. Her compassionate and perceptive nature allows her to understand the needs of others. She is a committed student and professional, as well as a dedicated friend and colleague. I am so proud of her many accomplishments, and I know she will continue to excel wherever her path leads after graduation.”
Ready for the next step
With experience across business, marketing, and event planning, Sells has positioned herself for a range of job opportunities.
“It’s been really fun to be in lots of these different positions,” Sells said. “I do think it’s true of many Concordia students that we tend to overwork ourselves a little bit, but in the long run, I think it works out in our favor. Over the years, it does sound like a lot that I have done, and there were certain years when it was too much.”
She added that she has had strong support, especially from her parents and her younger sister, Ellie, whom she calls a younger version of herself.
Sells is also grounded in her faith and calls her church, StoryHill, one of her favorite places. It’s where she has built a strong sense of community.
“It’s one of my favorite parts of my week. I make the drive every Sunday to be with fellow believers and to enjoy time with the Lord,” she said.
With strong prioritization skills, Sells is ready to enter the workforce, though there is a particular sadness that accompanies any major life transition.
She chose the word “bittersweet.”
“I’ve loved my time here. I’ve loved the people I get to meet and the routine that I’ve kind of set for myself,” she said. “It’s going to be very different entering adulthood in the working world.”
At a glance
- Who has made the biggest impact on your college journey? My friends Mya and Brigid
- What does graduation mean to you in one word or phrase? Tenacity
- If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be? “Happy & Sad” (Kacy Musgraves)
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Sushi
- If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend getaway, where would you go? New Zealand
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? Catching a sunset
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting a few Concordia’s uncommon graduates. Faculty and staff submit candidates for consideration. Stories are posted in the days leading up to or after commencement. View more uncommon graduates here.
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