A Wartburg degree leads to a fulfilling career in higher education

Megan Ryan Gleason ’07 found her love for Wartburg College before even enrolling.

“I knew Wartburg was the right fit for me when I came to the Iowa Broadcaster’s Association summer broadcasting workshop,” said Gleason. “I had the opportunity to work hands on with the Wartburg Television and KWAR equipment and see the faculty in action. We lived on campus for the week, and it just felt like home.”

While at Wartburg, Gleason majored in communication with a minor in Spanish, which helped her rule out a couple career options early.

“During high school, I worked at my local radio station and had the opportunity to do a job shadow at a TV station introducing me to opportunities in news. While at Wartburg, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the local TV station where I realized going into broadcasting was not ultimately my passion,” said Gleason. “But in addition to my emphasis in electronic media, I also had an emphasis in public relations, so I knew I still had a solid foundation with options in my major.”

In addition to classes, Gleason found organizations on campus to invest her time in. She was part of Wartburg Television, the Ambassadors, and the women’s rugby club all while also working as a Knight Caller and in Admissions.

She also spent a term at a bilingual Lutheran Church in San Bernardino, California, during her junior year.

“They ran a shelter for homeless men and housing for victims of domestic violence. It was an amazing opportunity to stretch my comfort zone and experience a cultural change from the Midwest,” said Gleason.

Building on her experience as an Ambassador, Gleason found her path after graduation in higher education.

“I loved helping students learn more about their next steps and seeing how Wartburg could be the right fit,” said Gleason. “I took a job in admissions with Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, for a year. When Wartburg Admissions had an opening, I jumped at the chance!”

Gleason spent five years with Wartburg Admissions before relocating to Kansas where she took a remote role as a project manager but eventually found she couldn’t stay away from higher education. She now manages marketing communications for colleges and universities across the country for 3 Enrollment Marketing.

Throughout her professional career, Gleason has found many mentors, but one always stood out.  

“Doug Bowman (former director of admissions) is the person I work to emulate the most in my day-to-day,” said Gleason. “The way he made you feel like the most important person in the room when he was working with you is amazing! He met thousands of people in his time working in Admissions and never made you feel like he didn’t remember every detail about you; what a skill!”

As a Wartburg alum and higher education professional, Gleason has some advice for current and future Wartburg students.

“Travel! Go on the Service Trip, May Term trip, or even just spend time with your roommates in their hometowns. You will never have the time to spend exploring like you want after graduation; try to see it all,” said Gleason. “Get involved! You’ll meet some of the best people that will become your lifelong friends! Get a job! On campus or off, start finding your mentors in a professional environment. Learn to manage your time with more than just one priority.”