College of Business Outstanding Islander Graduate Emma Morrow Has Bright Future in Marketing
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – From leadership roles in student organizations to a prestigious internship with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Emma Morrow ’22 has proven that she is deserving of the title of Spring 2022 College of Business Outstanding Islander Graduate.
Morrow is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship on May 21 at the American Bank Center. She is one of 1,285 Islander graduates – the largest number of graduates in a single semester in the university’s 75-year history. The honor of Outstanding Islander Graduate is sponsored by Academic Affairs.
Morrow’s interest in business was piqued at an early age when her grandfather first explained the importance of financial stability. It was during a spring break visit with her grandparents during her junior year of high school that Morrow first discovered the wonders of the Island University.
“I decided to attend Texas A&M-Corpus Christi the second after I set foot on campus for the first time. I felt so at home on the Island.” Morrow, who is originally from the Dallas-area, said. “I fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere of TAMU-CC. I can’t imagine another university like TAMU-CC because even on the rainiest days, you find the sunniest faces here.”
Through her hard work and academic fortitude, Morrow earned several scholarships that helped cover her academic expenses. She also worked multiple part-time jobs and had family support to realize her goal of earning her degree without accruing debt.
“I can’t thank my parents enough for the sacrifices they made to allow me to be here,” Morrow said. “I am also thankful for the many generous donors that were willing to gift their funds towards my education.”
One of Morrow’s most influential experiences at TAMU-CC came from her involvement in the Honors Program, which included an applied experience internship with the HRI’s Socio-Economics Group (SEG) where she gained valuable insights into the field of social marketing and branding.
Dr. David Yoskowitz, TAMU-CC Professor and Senior Executive Director of the Harte Research Institute, recognized Morrow’s contributions to the SEG team, and offered to extend her internship with HRI.
“Emma is tenacious. She sets goals and moves to achieve them,” Yoskowitz said. “The SEG’s experience would not have been the same without her; she will always be a part of us. She is family.”
Morrow also found opportunities for personal growth through her involvement in multiple student organizations, including the Sea Turtle Club, Islander Green Team, Student Volunteer Connection, and Panhellenic Council.
“I was able to gain valuable experience through my memberships of these different organizations, Morrow said. “I learned more about effective communication, finance and budgeting, event planning, and business ethics.”
In 2021, Morrow represented her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha as a nominee for the TAMU-CC Homecoming Court, where she saw an opportunity to grow her skills as a marketing professional. Pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, Morrow campaigned around campus to win support. For Morrow, hearing hundreds of people cheering for her at the Homecoming game was a memory that she will always cherish.
“Sitting among an amazing group of accomplished people, knowing we had all worked so hard to be a part of that court, is a moment I will never forget,” Morrow said.
Morrow shared a few words of advice for students hoping to make a lasting Islander Impact.
“To Islanders looking to achieve greater success during their time on campus, I would say, push yourself to say, ‘Yes.’ Most of my prestigious positions, awards, and scholarships all came because I was one of a few to apply or the only candidate to accept when there was an open seat,” she said. “The Island University provides numerous opportunities to be successful; you just need to have the willingness to show up and be dependable. The skills will come with the experience, and you will have built yourself into a better person for it.”
Post-graduation, Morrow hopes to travel and find employment working with an international marketing firm.
“Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi opened an unlimited number of doors to a new and bright future for me, regardless of my career path,” Morrow said. “TAMU-CC has fulfilled my dream of finding a home and countless relationships that will never fade. I am indebted to TAMU-CC, and I hope that one day my future children will follow in my footsteps at this amazing university.”
