Duplin’s Sturgill Set to Graduate from the University of Mount Olive
Duplin’s Sturgill Set to Graduate from the University of Mount Olive
MOUNT OLIVE- Kasyn Sturgill of Pink Hill is excited to soon be graduating from the University of Mount Olive (UMO). After completing four years in the Biology Department, Sturgill is sure that his hard work and dedication in the classroom will help him persevere in life.
Sturgill’s brother, Ronnie, was the first of the family to attend the institution. Ronnie competed on the cross-country and track and field teams on the Mount Olive campus while enjoying the small town atmosphere and strong academics. Sturgill was intrigued by his brother’s love for the school, so he decided to apply to UMO as well.
Sturgill said, “I also selected UMO because it is a small university, and I get more one-on-one time with my professors. It is not too far from home and it offers a lot of scholarship and research opportunities. So, UMO has been the perfect fit for me.”
Scholarship availability was another factor that went into making Sturgill’s decision to attend UMO. Sturgill receives the Herring Scholarship, the NC Need Based Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship, and the Progress Energy Environmental Science Scholarship.
“These scholarships have made it possible for me to attend school and minimize my loans,” noted Sturgill. “Because paying for school is entirely my responsibility, I now have the ability to have a bright future with as little debt as possible, thanks to UMO.”
Sturgill has made the most of his college experience and has maintained a busy schedule juggling biology and honors courses, student clubs, an internship, and a job at Texas Roadhouse. During his senior year, Sturgill landed the positions of president of the Honors Leadership Council and secretary of both the Henderson Science Club and Tri-Beta. He also interned at Edward’s and Associates Physical Therapy in Beulaville, where he worked alongside physical therapists and physical therapy assistants.
“UMO has prepared me for my future by giving me an amazing education. The Honors Program has shaped me as a scholar by giving me the confidence, leadership skills, and academic skills necessary to continue to grow in life,” he concluded.
Although Sturgill’s academic journey at UMO is coming to a close, he is excited for his future. He has applied to numerous graduate physical therapy schools and is waiting to hear back from institutions such as Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, Wingate University, and Elon University. His ultimate goal is to become a physical therapist.
The University of Mount Olive is set to graduate nearly 320 students at its spring commencement on Saturday, May 2. The graduation speaker will be Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries President and Founder Kenney Moore, also an alumnus of the University.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.