Southeastern University is among the fastest-growing private universities in the US, with 120+ graduate + undergraduate degree programs all right in our backyard.
Those stats set SEU apart, but the university’s students tell the real success story. We’re highlighting a few SEU grads to show where your degree could take you:
- Zach M., Class of 2019, Sport Management
- Sarah P., Class of 2013, Human Services
- Isaac W., Class of 2018, Organizational Leadership
What drew you to SEU?
Zach: I grew up nearby in Zephyrhills and had the opportunity to play baseball for the Fire. Even as I realized my future wasn’t on a baseball diamond, SEU still provided a sense of belonging and set me up for success.
Sarah: The ability to take flexible, online classes at a Christian institution brought me to SEU as a young mother pursuing an education with kids at home.
Isaac: I started at another university, but wanted to get more involved in ministry leadership and SEU had what I was looking for.
What is your current role?
Zach: Manager of Inside Sales for the Washington Nationals. I previously worked for the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sarah: Founder + CEO at Top Buttons, a nonprofit that empowers young women through fashion, mentorship, and education.
Isaac: CEO of Heavenly Studios, a clothing manufacturing company that provides churches across America with apparel needs. My wife and I also own another clothing company, The Beach Club.
How has SEU shaped your career?
Zach: My SEU internship counselor helped me find the right resume-building opportunities, and eventually work with the MLB.
Sarah: I actually wrote about the concept of Top Buttons for an assignment at SEU, and encouragement from my classmates gave me the confidence to develop Top Buttons in real life.
Isaac: The leadership pillars I learned at SEU have helped me manage countless situations as a business owner.
How have you been able to impact your community since graduating?
Zach: I’m currently building a new-hire employee resource group. My goal is to foster a sense of community that goes beyond the workplace.
Sarah: In addition to operating boutiques, Top Buttons hosts events for hundreds of girls with practical training on body image, dressing for the workplace, and self-care. We partner with 63 organizations in Polk County that serve at-risk young women to provide boutique sessions, clothing + hygiene resources, and educational programs, at no cost to the girls.
Isaac: The Beach Club donates 5% of all sales to our local church, who has partners around the world working to aid with issues from human trafficking to disaster relief.
What advice would you give to students who are considering SEU?
Zach: Soak it all up. Go to the sporting events, conferences, and campus activities. Have hard and uncomfortable conversations often with professors and advisers, and invest in relationships as much as your education.
