This is part of #EberlyAmazingStudents, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Joelle Neatrour is a senior at IUP studying human resources and general management in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. She is from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a town not far from Indiana. The greater Johnstown area has a direct pipeline to IUP. Many students from the local high schools come to join the Crimson Hawks.
Eberly has been held in the highest regard by her friends who are enrolled in one of IUP's many programs. Not only did Joelle have many friends committing to IUP, but her uncle is also an alumnus who was a part of the football team. She credits his warm stories of his college days as another factor that put IUP on her radar. She appreciated the fact that IUP was close to her hometown, but she could have her own space on the IUP campus and she could still easily go home to visit family and friends.
Eberly's reputation and accreditation played a huge role in Joelle's decision to enroll at IUP. "I have known many people who were business students at IUP, and they always talked about how great Eberly and the professors were, so that also influenced me to come here. I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in business."
When discussing her experiences at Eberly, Joelle expressed her satisfaction. "I have had so many positive experiences while studying in Eberly. The professors are always willing to help and go the extra mile to help students understand the material. The students also make Eberly great. Everyone is always friendly and helpful in my classes."
Joelle joined Delta Zeta sorority during her second semester of her freshman year in 2017. She credits DZ with being a major platform to network throughout the student body and Greek life. Included among her favorite activities in Greek life are attending philanthropy events, having sisterhoods, and going to formals.
Joelle holds down two jobs on top of being a student. She is a student employee in Eberly and credits her work as another way to network and make friendships with other students and graduate assistants. She also works at the HUB gymnasium on campus. She has worked there for two years and mentions how working there has allowed her to develop many great relationships while earning extra money.
Leadership skills and time management skills are two of the key attributes that Joelle has obtained and refined through her time with Eberly and DZ. "My leadership skills have improved greatly from holding positions in my organization and working on group projects in my classes." As a participant in Eberly's Small Business Institute this semester, Joelle is working with her team and the faculty advisor on real-world business problems.
Joelle's favorite saying is, "Always find time for the things that make you feel happy and alive."
"I really love this saying because it is something that people can forget because they can get consumed with classes and work, but it's a good reminder to make time to do things you love, like participating in sports and different clubs/organizations."
In the future, Joelle's plans are to move to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh to pursue a career in human resource management.
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!"