Karli Arkell earned a bachelor’s degree in management and healthcare administration in May 2025. She earned a master of business administration degree in May 2026. She is the first to complete the accelerated MBA program at SMSU. She was also a decorated member of the Mustangs Volleyball team over her four years at SMSU. A native of Lamberton and 2022 graduate of Red Rock Central High School, Arkell completed these two degrees in four years. Arkell began her professional career in May 2026 as a financial analyst on the procurement team at Schwan’s Company in Marshall. This is her story in her own words. 

What initially drew you to SMSU, and why did you decide it was the right place for your education? When I first started looking at colleges and thinking about my future, I knew I wanted to play college volleyball somewhere in the NSIC. SMSU stood out to me right away. It had an amazing volleyball program, it was close to home, and the professors I met were welcoming and willing to help with any questions I had. I could tell right away that the culture at SMSU was a place I would call home for the next four years.

What point in your undergraduate journey did you decide to take the leap into the MBA program? Around my sophomore year, I started to think about pursuing my MBA. I realized I was going to graduate early, and I became really interested in furthering my education. It also allowed me to take advantage of my fourth year of volleyball eligibility. Another big factor was that I already knew many of the professors and wanted to challenge myself while gaining additional education before entering the workforce.

You completed your bachelor’s degree in 2025 and then earned your MBA just one year later as SMSU’s first accelerated MBA graduate. What inspired you to pursue the accelerated MBA path? By the end of my sophomore year and into my junior year, I knew this was the path I wanted to take. After several conversations with my advisor, H. Rickgarn, I realized how much I could accomplish in just two more semesters at SMSU. We mapped everything out and decided I would begin the accelerated MBA during my fourth year.

What did you appreciate most about the accelerated MBA experience? I really appreciated the fast-paced nature of the program and the ability to complete it in just two semesters. Taking multiple courses at once and finishing them back-to-back was challenging but rewarding. My professors were always willing to answer questions and guide me, which made a big difference throughout the experience.

How did your experience as a member of the Mustang volleyball team shape your time at SMSU? Being a member of the Mustang volleyball team shaped me in so many ways. It gave me lifelong friendships, challenged me as both a player and a person, and taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and gratitude. I met some of my best friends through volleyball, learned valuable life lessons, and had some incredible experiences. I am so thankful to have been part of such a special program.

In what ways did your role as a graduate assistant in the Communications and Marketing Office contribute to your personal or professional growth? My role as a graduate assistant in the Communications and Marketing office also helped me grow. It allowed me to develop a more creative side of myself, one that differed from my usual analytical, numbers-focused mindset. Working alongside such supportive people helped me learn a lot, and I grew both personally and professionally. From photography at events to interacting with others and thinking creatively, I gained new skills that expanded my portfolio.

How did your time at SMSU help prepare you for your position with the Schwan’s Company? My time at SMSU gave me a strong foundation in business concepts and prepared me well for my new role. I had meaningful conversations in the classroom and in office hours that went beyond academics and touched on business, life, and the world. The relationships I built with my professors had a lasting impact on me, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

What advice would you give to other students who are considering the accelerated MBA path? For anyone considering this path, my biggest piece of advice is to manage your time. The accelerated route is definitely doable, but it requires discipline and avoiding procrastination. I also encourage students to connect with their professors. In my experience, they genuinely want to help, whether it is with coursework, big-picture thinking, or even life advice. Those relationships are so valuable.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your SMSU experience or your transition into your career? Looking back, I am extremely thankful for my time at SMSU. Being a student-athlete, completing the accelerated MBA, and working as a graduate assistant allowed me to meet amazing people, gain meaningful experiences, and grow both personally and professionally. Thank you to everyone I met along the way, and to the Mustang Nation: LET’S RIDE!