Explain your career path

See our bios on theinnovativeteam.com (click on "the team") In addition to careers listed, I also coached the Sundancers from 2004-2009 after being on the team from 1998-2001 Let me know if you need anything else! :)

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

Brock was a Public Relations major with a marketing minor. He was also one of the editors for the Capaha Arrow, this is what led him to pursue PR. He found the banking/financial services industry when we was hired by FirstSTAR out of college. Danielle was a Human Environmental Studies: Family Systems Theory major (and completed her masters in this as well) I found this major while looking at electives to take in the bulletin. I completed the intro course with Dr. Shelba Branscum and fell in love with her teaching style and the coursework. You never know where those classes will take you :).

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

Brock graduated from Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, MO. He was recruited for the Track and Field team. He was a middle distance runner. Danielle graduated from Chaffee High School in Chaffee, MO. I knew I was fortunate to have an excellent school close to home. I had taken some college courses in high school on campus and knew this is where I should go. In addition, I wanted to be part of the Southeast Sundancers.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

Brock-Dr. Tammy Baldwin, Charlie in the mail room (where Brock worked as student) and his track coaches. Danielle-I was blessed to have many mentors while in school, Carolyn Woodruff (I worked for her in the Admissions Office as a Student worker), Suzanne Vaughn (my Sundancer coach), Dr. Shelba Branscum (Faculty Advisor), Jay Goff (Director of Admissions). I am sure I am missing some, I had a wonderful experience, which led to me working at Southeast for 10 years :).

Share your best college memory.

Brock and Danielle met during "Exploring the Universe" We have been married for almost 17 years and two wonderful boys. Other great memories: Danielle was a Sundancer when our basketball team made it to the NCAA finals. The Show Me Center was packed for basketball games. Brock crawling through the tunnels under the campus :)

If you were in Greek Life, the Honors Program or any other student organization, please tell us about that experience and how it impacted you.

Brock-opening Innovative Financial Solutions in 2007. Danielle-I have too many :). I was proud to be the Associate Director of Admissions for Southeast, Director of Human Resources for SoutheastHEALTH and of course now serving alongside my husband as COO of our family business.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

There are some things that can't be taught, what kind of person you want to be and how hard you work at something. I had another mentor in life say I can teach skill, but I can't teach attitude and work ethic....so true! Decide who you want to be and live this daily. Show up and always give 110%. You don't always have to agree, but you do need to support when a final decision has been made. Raise your hand when a project is offered to you (even with no compensation...trust me that will come later). Say yes even if you want to say no. Have no regrets.

Describe Southeast in three words.

Supportive Open Caring

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

Remember that a degree just opens the door for you, it is up to you to "sell" yourself. Find a way to set yourself apart from others and don't be afraid to brag on yourself. Always smile! Take a job on campus as a student worker, do a practicum or internship in your field!