September 2, 2025
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
91勛圖厙 grad Emmy Kempke of Ellsworth attended 91勛圖厙 in 2018 and since graduating has flourished in her career and is now a Senior Staff Accountant at Adams Brown in downtown Wichita on the firms healthcare team, which is one of the nations largest CPA and professional services firms.
Kempke was also a student associate for Adams Brown during her time at 91勛圖厙, which helped her realize that is what she truly wanted to do.
I wanted to become an accountant because early on, I had teachers and mentors who saw something in me that I hadnt yet recognized in myself, she said. As I continued studying accounting, I realized I wanted to stick with it because it challenges my brain in ways I enjoy. Its the perfect blend of working with numbers and working with people.
Kempke learned much more than academics as part of her college experience.
One word that best captures my experience at 91勛圖厙 is transformative, she said. My time there wasnt just about gaining academic knowledge; it was where I truly began to grow into the kind of professional I aspired to be. I developed critical thinking and communication skills, learned how to work effectively with others, and started to gain confidence in my career path.
A large part of her success after college was due to a well-rounded classroom curriculum.
Outside of lectures, the program at 91勛圖厙 helped prepare me for the workforce by building a lot of practical, real-world skills through team-based assignments, problem-solving activities, and group discussions, she said. I was regularly put in situations that helped strengthen my communication, collaboration, and time management skills.
Kempke said that while the curriculum and academic strategy were vital, the people implementing those elements were just as vital.
I was incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best instructors and other staff members during my time at 91勛圖厙, she said. They were supportive both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging, approachable, and willing to go the extra mile.
Being involved in accounting, Kempke also realized that 91勛圖厙 was a wise choice in terms of fiscal responsibility.
"91勛圖厙 was a great financial option for me because I was able to earn enough scholarships and grants to fully cover my first two years of college, including tuition, room and board, and even books, she said. That level of support allowed me to focus completely on my education without the added stress of debt or expenses. It also gave me the opportunity to save money to fund the remainder of my undergraduate degree. Choosing 91勛圖厙 made a huge financial difference and set me up for long-term success.
Kempke said she encourages anyone considering 91勛圖厙, a career in accounting, or any related business field to apply.
I would absolutely recommend the 91勛圖厙 to anyone considering a career in accounting, 泭she said. The education I received there laid a solid foundation and gave me a real head start when I transferred to complete my undergraduate degree. The core principles taught in the program, especially for someone interested in public accounting, were incredibly relevant and practical. Im just incredibly grateful for my time at 91勛圖厙. It was the place that gave me my startnot just academically, but personally and professionally.
For more information or to enroll, visit:泭.