Featured Senior: Kyle Collette ’12

Major: psychology and mathematics
Minor: business management

Hometown: Findlay

Only at The University of Findlay was Kyle Collette able to combine the things he is passionate about – tennis, psychology and mathematics – into his college experience. Collette transferred to Findlay after studying three semesters at a large out-of-state school. “I missed competitive tennis and was given an offer by the coach here to return to Findlay to play, so I decided to give it a chance,” he said.

Because he planned to stay at UF for four years to play tennis, and he had already completed some math courses at his previous university, Collette decided to pursue both a psychology and mathematics major. “Both majors are things I’m passionate about, even though they don’t seem connected,” he said.

Later, Collette added a minor in business management because one of his long-term goals is to own a tennis facility. During his senior year at Findlay, Collette also began courses in the University’s master of business administration (MBA) program, which he plans to finish in the next couple of years. Collette credits his faculty adviser, John Malacos, Ph.D., professor of psychology, for helping him decide what his goals were while in college. “He has spent hour upon hour guiding me in my scheduling, providing different paths for me to explore and develop and has been a constant, steady source of support in nearly every aspect of my life,” said Collette. “However, possibly most importantly, Dr. Malacos sought to have me foster and develop more fully as an individual.”

Outside of class, Collette’s favorite activity is tennis – the driving reason behind transferring to Findlay. “It has long been my greatest passion, and I love the competitive aspect of sports,” said Collette. “The camaraderie and friendships developed are among my closest.”

Collette was a three-year captain of the varsity men’s tennis team. He earned several honors and awards, including Freshman of the Year, and was a four-time first-team all GLIAC honoree.
“Not only has my tennis career been enjoyable, but the mixture between classes and extracurricular activities, along with the student-teacher dynamic, was something totally different from what I experienced at the larger campus,” said Collette. “I have been able to become actively involved in a variety of clubs and have been given much more personal interest by faculty and staff than I had thought possible.”

In addition to tennis, Collette was involved in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), a 2011 Apple Conference team member, the Psi-Chi Honor Society, the Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society, the Euler Math Club and the Psy-Key Club. Through his involvement in SAAC, Collette says he gained the knowledge and ability to understand and make changes within UF’s athletics policies while also helping within the community. “This year, we raised several thousand dollars for a young boy in need of a therapy pool through the help of the Make-a-Wish Foundation,” said Collette. “Seeing his and his mother’s faces at halftime of the basketball game was more than enough to validate the importance of our mission and the happiness it can, and did, bring.”

Collette recommends that other students “get involved early and often. Take part in something outside of your comfort zone … Classroom experiences are very beneficial in learning and gaining knowledge. However, I have found that it’s even more important to get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer possibilities.”

“I have cultivated my ability to work in teams, as well as have found a deeper analytic ability within myself to discern what different acts will result in given outcomes,” he said. Collette also said that he has learned to try and understand interpersonal relationships and take the time to see others’ perspectives while maintaining an open mind.

After graduation in May, Collette plans to work full time for Athletic Alliance in Marysville – an opportunity he learned of through Scott Freehafer, Ph.D., director of the MBA program, who introduced Collette to the company’s CEO. Athletic Alliance installs indoor and outdoor courts (such as tennis courts) in sports facilities, among other products.

“Findlay has the opportunities needed for one to succeed,” said Collette. “If you are able to seek out and maintain an open-mind and determined attitude, the potential to success is undeniably great, no matter where you may look. Find your passion and do everything in your power to make that desired future come true.”