Muskegon, MI — As commencement approaches, Baker College is celebrating students whose determination, growth, and achievements have made a lasting impact across the Hive. This spotlight features MacKenzie Stevens, recipient of the Undergraduate Student of the Year award.
For Leslie, MI native MacKenzie Stevens, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Baker College represents more than completing a program. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with opportunity, growth, and possibility.
Stevens discovered her passion for marketing while working for a previous employer, where she participated in a marketing internship program and contributed to the company’s social media efforts. Seeing creative ideas come to life and watching audiences engage with the content inspired her to pursue marketing professionally.
“I really enjoyed the creative process and seeing my work out in the world,” Stevens said. “It was rewarding to watch how people responded and engaged with the content.”
Throughout her time at Baker College, Stevens balanced school, work, and personal responsibilities while completing her degree online. She credits the flexibility of the program with helping her stay committed to her goals, even during challenging seasons of life. “One of the biggest challenges I faced during college was finding balance,” she shared. “There were times when work and school had to take priority over everything else, which could feel overwhelming.”
Despite those challenges, Stevens remained focused and continued pushing forward. Being selected as the recipient of an Excellence Award became one of the proudest moments of her college experience.
“Receiving that recognition was incredibly meaningful because it was something I never expected,” she said. “It reminded me that hard work, perseverance, and dedication do not go unnoticed.”
Stevens says her support system played a major role in helping her succeed. She credits her mom and boyfriend for encouraging her throughout her college journey and helping her stay motivated during difficult moments.
After graduation, Stevens plans to take time to celebrate the accomplishment and enjoy her first summer without classes in nearly six years before continuing to grow professionally within her current organization in a more marketing-focused role. “The company has a very exciting future and a lot of growth ahead,” she said. “I’m excited to see how I can continue to grow professionally within the organization.”
For Stevens, graduation day symbolizes accomplishment, independence, and stepping confidently into the future. “It feels like the moment I can finally step into a new chapter and start living life on my own terms,” she said. “I look forward to the unknown ahead.”
As she reflects on her journey, Stevens hopes future Baker College students remember to be patient with themselves throughout the process. “Give yourself grace,” she said. “Every assignment and every challenge is helping you grow, even when it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about the College of Business, and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.