Student Spotlight
Kylee McMellon
Spring 2024 Graduate
Sport management
Before coming to RELLIS, Kylee McMellon was a self-doubting prospective student unsure of her place in higher education. Today, she’s a confident graduate of the Tarleton State University-RELLIS Sport Management Program and is pursuing a master’s degree at Texas A&M University in Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism.
Her journey at RELLIS is a testament to the power of a supportive community and the transformative impact of hands-on learning experiences.
“If you had told freshman year Kylee that in four years, she would graduate with a 4.0 GPA, be accepted into a master’s program at Texas A&M University, and become a teaching assistant in her first semester, I would have probably laughed in your face,” Kylee said.
As part of the first cohort of the sport management program, Kylee immersed herself in unique opportunities that shaped her future.
“Before attending RELLIS, I had no idea I wanted to enter this industry,” Kylee reflects. Her initial plan to work in sports public relations or coaching evolved as she discovered a passion for event management, hospitality, and tourism.
Her time at RELLIS was marked by exceptional experiences, including working with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Final Four and the college football playoffs. These opportunities allowed her to forge close connections with classmates and faculty alike.
The connections Kylee formed on campus became an essential part of her academic journey.
“These are the friendships and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Kylee reflects. “I know I can reach out to them, and they will support me no matter what,” she said.
Kylee says RELLIS also allowed her to develop her leadership skills. She took on the challenge of reinstating and serving as president of RELLIS Royals, a student organization that became an integral part of her college experience.
“By choosing RELLIS, I gained a wide range of opportunities,” Kylee said. “The smaller campus size allowed me to form close connections with the incredible women in RELLIS Royals and with my classmates,” she continued.
Kylee was also a RELLIS student worker for two years, a role that significantly expanded her skill set and understanding of higher education. As part of her responsibilities, she played a crucial part in informing prospective students about RELLIS by giving campus tours, attending recruitment events, and engaging with potential students through digital communication.
She recognizes her former supervisor, DaNeetra Walker, for supporting her on her journey and helping her discover a potential career.
“DaNeetra helped me discover my passion for working in higher education and was a tremendous support throughout my two years,” Kylee reflects. “I knew I could go to her with anything, and she would always be there to help and support me,” she said.
Her gratitude also extends to her RELLIS academic mentor, Dr. Alex Sullins.
“Dr. Sullins believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Kylee says, acknowledging his role in helping her realize her full potential as a student. “He introduced me to RELLIS when I had his class at Blinn College, and I can say without a doubt that he played a crucial role in helping me realize my full potential as a student,” she said.
Kylee’s experiences at RELLIS have set her on an exciting path. She aspires to work in the events, hospitality, and tourism industries. Her long-term goal is to teach event management or sport tourism in higher education.
For Kylee, RELLIS represents more than just an educational institution; it symbolizes transformation and growth.
“RELLIS is where I found my footing, discovered my strengths, and developed the confidence to pursue my goals,” she says. “It’s where I transformed from a doubtful freshman into a capable, driven individual ready to take on the challenges of a master’s program at Texas A&M University. RELLIS means growth, support, and the realization of my potential,” she said.
As Kylee continues to build on the foundation laid at RELLIS, her story serves as an inspiration to current and future students, showcasing the profound impact that a supportive educational environment can have on personal and professional growth.
