KANSAS - The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is proud to bring you the "KCAC Alumni Spotlight" series. Every two weeks, the conference will aim to highlight an alumnus of one of our KCAC full member institutions. We hope in this series to highlight successes that KCAC alumni had not only on the field, court, etc., but also in the classroom and now in their chosen professional field.
KCAC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT — MCPHERSON COLLEGE
Alumnus: Arryana Barton
Degree Earned at McPherson: B.A. in Communication (Minor in Entrepreneurship), 2015
Career Alumnus Currently Holds: Works in the NIL & Athlete Relations Industry as a Strategic Marketing Consultant
How did your time at McPherson help to prepare you for life after college/entering the workforce?
BARTON: "My time at McPherson College taught me how to perform at a high level while managing constant demands. Balancing academics with collegiate athletics built discipline, time management, and personal accountability. My academic studies strengthened my understanding of messaging, branding, and business fundamentals, while track & field reinforced consistency and resilience. That combination prepared me to step into the workforce ready to handle pressure, manage projects, and deliver results without needing hand-holding."
Were there any pre-professional experiences (internships/job shadows/etc.) during your college years that prepared you for entering your chosen field?
BARTON: "My college experience as a student-athlete directly prepared me for my career in NIL and athlete relations. As a Communications major, I built a foundation in storytelling and branding, that now shapes how I position athletes and develop marketable identities. As a two-time track and field All-American and team captain, I gained firsthand insight into the student-athlete lifestyle; balancing academics, training, travel, and performance pressures. That lived experience allows me to create realistic campaigns and expectations that respect an athletes performance, well-being, and identity."
What lessons did you learn competing in collegiate athletics that helped prepare you for life after your playing days were over?
BARTON: "Competing in collegiate athletics taught me how to show up consistently, even on days when motivation was low. I learned the value of preparation and discipline, how to take feedback without ego, and how to adapt quickly when plans change. Most importantly, athletics helped me build lasting confidence; a confidence that continues to guide me through career transitions, challenges, and long-term goals with resilience and self-trust."
ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 28 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
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