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TTU at Fredericksburg Student Graduates with Honors

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

Madison stands in front of a light-colored brick building while holding up a sign that says I'm a Texas Tech Alumni
Madison, now a proud TTU Alumni
 
Madison stands in front of a light-colored brick building while holding up a sign that says I'm a Texas Tech Alumni
Madison, now a proud TTU Alumni

Madison McLellan started her college career at Rice University, where she ran cross country and track for the Owls. As happens to most of us, life added a few twists and turns that left Madison's academic path harder to envision.

Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg became a new route for Madison after she had the opportunity to gain insight into the University Studies Program and got to know her current advisor, Ann.

"I love Fredericksburg," Madison explained. "As a distance learner it's a little bit of a different experience than your regular university student, but it is the best way I could have imagined it!"

In addition to building great relationships with her advisors and professors, Madison says she loved the opportunity to get close with other students. With the different life experiences every student brings to the table, Madison believes she is supported and learning in more ways than one.

Madison McLellan stands alongside her mother in front of a TTU at Fredericksburg backdrop
Madison (right) poses with her mother (left)
Madison McLellan stands alongside her mother in front of a TTU at Fredericksburg backdrop
Madison (right) poses with her mother (left)

"The support I've gotten from everyone here has been beneficial to my learning career," she said. "I have fallen in love with my degree!"

Madison credits her academic success to the hands-on support from the close-knit community of faculty and staff at TTU Fredericksburg.

"I was never really a 'big school' kind of person," she explained, coming from a graduating class of 1,100 from The Woodlands High school in Texas. "It's kind of like a family setting, where everyone knows you and you feel at home, which is perfect for my personality."

In August, she participated in the commencement ceremony as the Banner Bearer for University Programs, an honor reserved for students of outstanding achievement. Madison graduated summa cum laude with degree concentrations in business and plant and soil sciences, with a focus on viticulture and organizational leadership.

Madison plans to use this degree by going into the wine industry in the Hill Country. She is unsure what side of the industry she would like to work in but is open to trying her hand at all roles.

Madison sits in a chair with her legs crossed next to a statue of Raider Red in front of a building composed of light-colored bricks.
Madison sits next to Raider Red statue
Madison sits in a chair with her legs crossed next to a statue of Raider Red in front of a building composed of light-colored bricks.
Madison sits next to Raider Red statue

"I love everything from the vines to the business side. There's so much involved in a winery," she said.

Madison has a lifelong career goal of owning a coffee and wine bar, with the hopes of using Texas wines and fair-trade coffee beans. She believes that pursuing her degree in Fredericksburg will help achieve her dream. "Many professors are also winery owners and provide practical advice and teaching to a small business enthusiast," she explained.

"I would highly suggest coming to TTU at Fredericksburg," she said. "If you are a working student, it's a great opportunity to learn and earn a great degree!"