Student Spotlight: Josie Albin

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Posted on June 30, 2020 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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Hello South! My name is Josie Albin, and I am a rising sophomore studying HR Management and Marketing here at the University of South Alabama. A Kansas native and true Midwesterner, I grew up in Kingman, a quaint rural community in the heart of the U.S. (where harvest and post-season football are the most significant events of the year and “hard work” is the only work worth doing). Though raised with a deep appreciation for the heartland as the daughter of two proud Kansans, I believe that my family and I always knew that the fearlessness and resilience I had inherited would lead me on a journey far away from our familiar and simple homeland.

My journey to the Mitchell College of Business began long before I had ever heard of the University of South Alabama. Throughout the last two years of my high school career, I accumulated over 45 college credits, fulfilled all high school requirements as valedictorian, interned at a pharmaceutical start-up, served in various state leadership positions, and enjoyed success in athletics as a state-caliber runner. While I had gained incredible experiences, it was not until I stumbled across a link to the National Distinguished Young Woman website that the adventure truly began. Without a thought about the details or considering the possibility of selection, I signed up, decided to weight-lift for the talent portion, and told my rather astonished parents about the program days later. In November of 2019, I was sitting with my host parents after a long day of rehearsals when they asked me if I had considered what might happen if I won the title.  Well, I had not and decided to research the university-granted scholarships; the University of South Alabama immediately caught my attention. Shortly after, I stepped off the stage (honored to represent my state as the DYW of Kansas) and nonchalantly notified my mom that, “I might be going to South Alabama.” Though we now laugh at that moment and my tendency to throw my parents for what has become a wild ride, I had applied to South and had my sights set on the Mitchell College of Business (MCOB) within the week.

One month after submitting my application to USA and receiving an interview request for the Mitchell Scholar program, I was flying to Mobile with a grin that would have put the Cheshire cat to shame. I stepped onto campus for my interview with Dean Wood and learned about the incredible support that the MCOB provides students.  After touring campus and meeting students and faculty, I flew back to Kansas knowing I had found my college home at the University of South Alabama as a DYW and Mitchell Scholar.

Reflecting on my first year at South, I am beginning to realize that the adventure has just begun. My freshman year I found great community and friendships in Alpha Omicron Pi, the MCOB, a local gym called JH Fitness, Grace Community Church, and Campus Outreach. I was supported and encouraged to push limits by my professors at MCOB, Mr. Abe Mitchell, Dean Wood, and my peers. The Mitchell Scholar program has afforded me opportunities to meet and learn from inspiring individuals, including Pete Hayes and Jake Gosa, attend educational events such as the annual Women’s Focus Conference, and create lasting connections with professionals in our Mobile community.

Over the next few years, I eagerly look forward to researching with Dr. Chow, working for MCOB, serving as a Mitchell Ambassador, and participating in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO). Outside of the Mitchell College, I am excited to continue my involvement in Alpha Omicron Pi, Campus Outreach, and Distinguished Young Women. Barring health concerns, I will be traveling all of second semester with Semester at Sea, a world-renowned program that allows students to travel and study aboard the MV World Odyssey and serve in countries all over the world.

Following graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration degree at Vanderbilt University. I also have hopes of settling in the south and working in marketing management for an international corporation. These ambitions would not be possible without the support and guidance of Dean Wood, the Mitchell family, and the staff at the Mitchell College of Business.  I would like to express my gratitude to all of South’s faculty, the Mitchells, and the community of Mobile for their confidence and investment in my future.

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