PHILIPPI, W.Va .— Alderson Broaddus University has new reasons to celebrate its students. Over the course of a few short months, graduate school acceptance letters have been received by three students eager to continue the next level of their education.

“Alderson Broaddus has a supportive community, classes, and opportunities for growth that challenge you to prepare for life after college,” explained Brooke Pomp, an exercise science major with a concentration in athletic training from Philippi, West Virginia. Pomp also minors in psychology and strength and conditioning, plays for the women’s soccer team, and has been a resident assistant. She says her AB experience has more than prepared her to take the next steps in her academic career and made her confident when seeking and applying to graduate programs that fit her passion.

Pomp says she submitted five applications to various graduate schools specializing in the programs she is interested in. “I was accepted to all the graduate schools I applied to! After my interviews and extensive research, I chose to accept High Point University’s offer,” explained Pomp. “My professors prepared me to succeed after Alderson Broaddus by teaching me more than I would need, what to expect in graduate school, and how to excel in the field of athletic training.” Pomp says she is looking forward to graduating in May and will begin her graduate study in June.

Marion, Ohio native Anna Schmidt says she came to Alderson Broaddus because she was looking for individualized attention to best prepare her to pursue a degree in exercise science focusing on athletic training. “I knew when I decided to follow my passion that I would have to continue my education in graduate school. I chose to begin that journey at Alderson Broaddus because I enjoyed the campus, the small class sizes, and the opportunities to grow in and out of the classroom,” explained Schmidt.

Schmidt is majoring in exercise science and minoring in strength training and conditioning, coaching, and psychology. Apart from her time in the classroom, she has been rounding out her education with on-campus internship opportunities, captaining the women’s volleyball team, and working as the assistant coach for the men’s volleyball team. Equipped with a stellar resumé, recommendation letters from her professors, and a full list of achievements, she began applying to graduate schools. Schmidt was accepted to both the graduate programs she applied to and ultimately decided to continue her education at Gannon University in Ruskin, Florida.

Brooke Stewart came to Alderson Broaddus from Waverly, West Virginia. She majors in exercise science with concentrations in physical therapy and prosthetics and orthotics while minoring in business administration, healthcare administration, psychology, and strength training and conditioning. During her time at AB, Stewart has worked to involve herself in many activities. She is an assistant resident director, captain of the women’s rugby team, secretary of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the student ambassador program, and treasurer of the Greek sorority Zeta Eta Theta.

“During my time at AB, my professors have gone above and beyond to make sure I was supported and excelling in my studies,” says Stewart. “Throughout my experiences, I have learned many different techniques of patient care and rehabilitation that I will take with me into my graduate studies and eventual clinical rotations.” Stewart explained her preparation in and out of the classroom helped to bolster her graduate school applications. Having participated in in-home pediatrics, outpatient clinics, and inpatient rehabilitation and acute care experiences, Stewart says she is confident she will be ready to pursue her physical therapy doctorate at Marshall University.

“Our exercise science program is designed to give students a strong foundation of knowledge and professionalism that they can build upon in graduate school or utilize to enter their chosen profession. We are very proud and excited to see the success of these three students as well others who are still in the application and interview process for graduate schools across the country,” said Dr. Michael Boehke, dean of the College of Health, Science, Technology, and Mathematics. “Expectations increase in graduate school. I have every confidence that our students will excel.”

To learn more about academic offerings at AB, visit www.ab.edu.