Business Management student finds the right path at UA Wayne
When Josh Carter toured The University of Akron Wayne College, the small-campus atmosphere stood out right away. The full-time Business Management student and Barberton native says he found a place where it’s easy to connect, both in the classroom and through campus activities.
Josh first applied to The University of Akron because it was the closest option to home. After learning about the Wayne campus, and its affordability, he scheduled a tour. “I fell in love with the small campus and atmosphere,” he says.
When Josh Carter toured The University of Akron Wayne College, the small-campus atmosphere stood out right away. The full-time Business Management student and Barberton native says he found a place where it’s easy to connect, both in the classroom and through campus activities.
Josh first applied to The University of Akron because it was the closest option to home. After learning about the Wayne campus, and its affordability, he scheduled a tour. “I fell in love with the small campus and atmosphere,” he says.
Josh chose Business Management because of his interest in business but wanted room to explore different directions before committing to a specific field. He also appreciated the flexibility the degree provided. “I feel like I can get a job in almost any field of business with the degree that I chose,” he says. “That gives me a better chance at not being stuck in one position.”
Josh has brought a strong work ethic and a practical mindset to campus life. He credits his experiences balancing school and work with building the time-management habits that have helped him stay organized, dependable, and focused. Outside of class, Josh enjoys hands-on projects, especially woodworking. He runs a small woodworking business where he designs and builds custom pieces like cutting and charcuterie boards. Along the way, he’s strengthened his creativity, problem-solving and patience, while also learning how to communicate with customers and manage his time efficiently.
On the Wayne campus, Josh has participated in the Art Club, bullet journaling activities, and the Loud in the Library events held regularly throughout the semester that are easy ways to meet people and feel connected.
For Josh, the best part of UA Wayne is the small-campus atmosphere. He says the relationships between students, staff, and faculty feel “very connected—almost like family.” When it’s time to focus, he heads to the library to study or catch up with friends, or to the upstairs student lounge in D wing, where the large windows look out onto his favorite view of the woods.
One of the biggest surprises has been the friendships he’s built along the way. He didn’t expect to feel as connected as he does, but he believes the campus size helped make it possible.
As he heads toward graduation in May, Josh says UA has helped him prepare for the future through opportunities like career fairs. He’s also gained experience on campus by working as a student assistant, gaining on-the-job experience and professional skills while completing his degree.
For Josh, attending UA Wayne has proven that a supportive environment can make your college experience more personal. “UA Wayne is a friendly, close-knit campus where students are more than just a number,” he says, a feeling he hopes other prospective students experience, too, whether they’re just starting college or returning to finish a degree.
UA Wayne’s annual Celebration of Graduates once again honored students who recently completed their degrees through the Wayne campus. More than 150 students, family members, st ...
When Josh Carter toured The University of Akron Wayne College, the small-campus atmosphere stood out right away. The full-time Business Management student and Barberton native says h ...
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