Alumni Profile: Katrina Harvey, Class of 2008

When did you graduate and what was your major?

May 2008 B.B.A in Accounting

May 2009 M.B.A

Why did you choose Henderson?

I actually chose Henderson because this is where I believed I was instructed to come. I did a week long fast the week of my campus tours. I visited a lot of schools and I felt that my choice would be Baker University. The day of my HSU tour, there was a young lady who was from the very town where Baker was located, and we had a long discussion. After walking on Henderson’s campus and speaking with her, I called my parents immediately and informed them that Henderson would be my home. I felt at peace when I walked on the campus and knew it was the one.

Who were your best friends while attending Henderson, and are you still friends with them today?

Well, I met a lot of amazing people while attending Henderson that I consider to be friends. They all played a huge role at different points in my college experience, and I am truly grateful for the part each of them played in my life. The ladies that I talk to on a very regular basis are Crystal (Taylor) Smith, LaQuita Jones, Jackie Stephens, Jennifer Brown, and my line sisters from the 11 V.I.P of Crimson & Cream.

Who were your favorite professors?

My favorite professors were Dr. Hoskins and Mrs. Eula Thomas. Dr. Hoskins just made Accounting seem so easy. Her style of teaching was warm and supportive and not boring at all. She would say “Now this part is really tricky and I have to think about it too, so let’s work through it together.” Simple statements like that made me feel as if she was human too and that she still has to think about the process as well. It let me know that it was okay not to grasp every concept the first time through and allowed me not to put myself down when I did not understand.

Mrs. Thomas was the best Communication teacher. I learned how to find my voice in her class. I remember how she made us play tic tac toe while getting to know one of our classmates. We realized quickly that you couldn’t truly listen to the person and play the game well or vice versa. You need to give people your attention when they are speaking or you will miss something.

What is your current occupation?

I am a Staff Accountant II for Southern Bancorp Bank and a Zumba Instructor at A-Town Fitness.

How did Henderson prepare you for your career?

Henderson equipped me with the tools that I needed to be ready for my career through very knowledgeable teachers in the School of Business. My professors really cared that we grasped the concepts that they presented and taught us how to think. Everything was not cookie cutter out-of-the-book work. I remember in one of my classes we had to play Monopoly and go around the board 52 times. After that, we had to make journal entries for each event that took place in the game and made financial statements as well.

What is your favorite memory of Henderson?

Becoming a member of the Iota Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and graduation.

When was the last time you have been on the Henderson campus?

I serve on Henderson’s Business Advisory Council for the School of Business, so I was on campus for that meeting and the Scholarship Banquet in April.

What other job do you think you’d be really good at?

A professor.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

Most say that I do not know how to relax, but going to the gym and playing with my child are very relaxing to me.

Who do you admire the most, and why?

I admire my mother so much because she is the toughest but sweetest woman you will meet. She made sure that she gave me a great foundation growing up so that I could stand on my own when it was time. She is an exceptional mother and I strive to be the same for my child.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

I am looking forward to watching my child grow and develop and seeing where my career path takes me next. I still have goals that I need to accomplish and can’t wait to see the progress, I will have made in 10 years.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

I believe that everyone should do whatever they want to do at least once in their lives. That could be taking a trip, eating the largest pizza ever, swimming with sharks, hearing their favorite speaker, competing in a bodybuilding show, running a marathon, or whatever that one thing is that will truly make them happy to say that they did it. That one thing is completely different for everyone.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?

To get back up and continue to push on despite how many times failure comes my way. Failure does not mean defeat.

What are two interesting facts about you?

1. I love to dance, and therefore I love to teach it. I am a Zumba Instructor, and I have taught dance to my group known as the Spiritual Warriors for 11 years now.

2. I have competed in two bodybuilding shows in the Figure division.

If your life was a book, what would its title be?

Merely a Vessel

If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be?

Be in control of your own life; do not allow others to dictate your outcome.