From the time she stepped onto campus at Southwest Baptist University, Emily Raines knew she wanted to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
And, with the academic and spiritual support of the SBU faculty, Emily is living her dream as the International Travel Coordinator with Children’s Heart Project at Samaritan’s Purse.
“I remember my first appointment as a management major with my advisor, Dr. John Zietlow,” said Emily, who earned her bachelor’s degree in management and her master’s of business administration. “I shared with him that I wanted to use the business skills that I would be learning over the next few years in nonprofit work. During that meeting, we looked at different avenues that I could pursue. He not only cared what I wanted to pursue professionally, he also cared even more for how I was doing spiritually.
“Dr. Zietlow, and many other professors in the College of Business and Computer Science (COBACS), are intentional with their students and diligent to pray for us as we pursue dreams that the Lord has placed within us. Reflecting on that dream over the past four years, it is awesome to see how it has become a reality.”
Also, being involved in SBU’s chapter of Enactus (formerly known as Students In Free Enterprise-SIFE), Emily was able to put what she was learning in the classroom into practice.
“The organization also gave me friends who were in my classes every day,” Emily said of the international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action. “Enactus taught me how to work hard outside of the classroom, which has really benefited me in what I pursue in and out of work.”
Emily also prepared for her future career by participating in mission projects through SBU’s Center for Global Connections.
“SBU’s mission trips are a unique aspect to the university,” Emily said. “My first mission trip abroad was to the country of Lithuania. This, along with many other experiences I have had to travel internationally, have helped me in my current position as an International Travel Coordinator.”
The knowledge that Emily gained in the classroom also laid the groundwork for graduate school and for what she is doing today.
“SBU taught me how to think critically from a Biblical perspective,” Emily said. “The rigorous education that I received taught me to work hard and develop skills that are intangible in the business world.
“I cannot repeat enough how incredible the COBACS faculty is at SBU. Connecting with these professors early on helped me to grow into a business professional. These were the people I sought guidance from and who wrote letters of references for me later on.”
The opportunity to grow in her Christian faith, integrated with her education, was another reason Emily chose SBU.
“SBU and the community provided many opportunities to grow in my faith,” Emily said. “I participated in Bible studies and took part in student worship opportunities. Being challenged in the classroom also helped me to grow in my walk. These experiences have helped me to interact with others in the way Christ would.
“Some experiences in life are invaluable and you remember them for the rest of your life. In my mind, the Christian education I received at SBU was invaluable. In the College of Business and Computer Science, I received not only a well-rounded education but faith integration.”