As the West Virginia University 68th Mountaineer Mascot, Mary Roush was the third female and the first freshman in the University’s history to hold the title. Following her time in undergrad, Mary is currently pursuing her M.S. in the Integrated Marketing Communications program through the College of Creative Arts and Media Online Programs. We were able to chat with Mary and get a few answers to questions we had for the previous mountaineer in our program. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications, and what made you choose to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees at West Virginia University?
MR: As a native West Virginian, it was important to me to continue my higher education in my home state. Luckily for me, WVU had everything I wanted and more. I decided to pursue my master’s degree because the University made it a smooth transition from undergrad to graduate school and I just kept wanting to learn more!
You have an incredible story from your time as an undergraduate at WVU. How did your experience as the Mountaineer influence your decision to stay at WVU for grad school—and did it play a role in choosing the IMC program specifically?
My time as the University’s 68th Mountaineer Mascot was nothing short of amazing and an incredible honor. Serving my state and university in this role allowed me to see how truly passionate I was about West Virginia and how I wanted to use that love and passion in my career. It was a no brainer when I learned that I could stay at WVU for another degree. Who knows, maybe I will get a third!
How has your experience as the Mountaineer continued to influence your perspective as a graduate student in the IMC program? How has the adjustment been transitioning to an online student versus one that was so heavily involved in on-campus life?
Being the Mountaineer allowed me to see WVU and West Virginia through a different lens, and I feel as though I have taken that with me through my graduate studies and have dived deeper into how I can help the people of Appalachia through my skillset. Being a full online student is nice because it has allowed me to have flexibility with my schedule, which is something I never had in undergrad. However, I do miss the hustle and bustle of campus life and being involved in the student experience. :(
As the Mountaineer, you juggled a packed schedule of sporting events, press appearances, and university functions. What advice would you give to someone considering a master’s degree but worried about managing a heavy workload alongside other commitments?
My biggest piece of advice is to dedicate time to creating a time management routine for the semester, whether that be an online calendar, paper calendar, notification systems, or all of the above! Do this the first week of class and it will help you stay on task for the rest of the semester.
How would you describe the kind of student you are now, compared to before you wore the buckskins? Has your approach to learning or collaboration evolved during your master’s program?
I won the Mountaineer position in the spring of my freshman year of college, so I have evolved into a totally different person since then considering, I am no longer an 18-year-old living in Stalnaker Hall. The connections I made during my term as Mountaineer will last a lifetime and have helped me collaborate with people I never thought I’d have the privilege to work with. As much personal and professional development I’ve had since my term, I have always loved to learn and that is something that will never change.
What is one piece of knowledge you have gained from the online IMC program so far that you are implementing in your career?
Because the IMC curriculum is very similar to my undergraduate degree in Advertising/Public Relations, I feel as though my master’s program has really allowed me to fine-tune those strategic skills I have been studying. The IMC program has allowed me to perfect my expertise to the next level.
What advice would you give to a new online graduate student at West Virginia University who hopes to make a meaningful impact, like you have, but from a distance?
My advice would be to remember that wherever you may be, you are still a Mountaineer! Take that with pride and focus on the core values of Mountaineers at West Virginia University (service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation). Always help the people around you and make a difference wherever you are!