40 under 40
Two University of Indianapolis alumnae will be joining the Indiana Business Journal’s ‘Forty Under 40’ list for 2011.
UIndy alumnae Nichole Wilson and Kelly Campbell represent two very different fields. Wilson, a director of rehabilitation and sports medicine, and Campbell, an international entrepreneur, joined a list of politicians, corporate executives and law partners among other influential individuals who were honored this year.
Following the nomination process, these alumnae were chosen based on the “level of success…in their chosen field, their accomplishments in the community and the likelihood that they will stay in Indianapolis and build on those achievements,” according to the IBJ website.
Wilson received her master’s degree from the Krannert School of Physical Therapy in 2002, followed by her doctoral degree in 2006. Wilson’s interest in the medical field was influenced by her aunt’s profession as a nurse, but she decided that physical therapy better suited her interests after injuring herself in high school.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, she applied to what is according to her “one of the best physical therapy schools in the nation.”
In her time at UIndy, Wilson served as class representative for her physical therapy class and participated in a number of off-campus opportunities offered by the school.
Wilson studied with a strong group of students, according to Sam Keggereis, professor for the Krannert School of Physical Therapy.
“The majority of our kids are just really sharp kids…not only bright and competent, but also have an altruistic mindset, and they want to help people,” Kegerreis said.
In her administrative position with Community Health Network, Wilson uses the various skills and knowledge she gained throughout her years as a student.
“Every day there is something different – there’s really no typical day,” Wilson said.
Her day may include meetings, communications with staff, e-mails, phone calls and site visits to any of the 11 outpatient clinics at which she serves as director. Her aforementioned altruism is not only apparent in her professional life, but also in Wilson’s work with the Center for Leadership and Development as a facilitator and mentor.
After a few years working in the fashion industry, Campbell decided to attend school for a subject in which she was interested, the international relations program at UIndy. She earned her master’s in international relations in 2006. Campbell still uses the knowledge gained in her classes with Milind Thakar, associate professor of history and political science, Jyotika Saksena, associate professor of history and political science and Charles Guthrie, professor emeritus of history, on her frequent international trips
“She was very intelligent…she got the big picture,” said Thakar.
Today, Campbell’s big picture includes The Village Experience, an independent fair trade retailer and international travel group. Through her work as co-owner of The Village Experience, Campbell has traveled to over 40 countries, visiting Kenya 10 times and Uganda eight times. She also serves as co-founder of The Village Cooperative, an international not-for-profit that focuses on sustainable development.
By offering cultural trips to individuals and universities, Campbell hopes to exact change.
“[I hope to] make philanthropists out of people when they’re young so that the world will slowly change for the better,” Campbell said.
Campbell further noted that these trips allow students to experience what can only be read in a textbook.
Both alumnae offer advice to UIndy students and soon to be graduates. Campbell suggested that students earn as much experience as possible, whether it be through internships, travel or volunteer work.
“Be the professional that you’ve always wanted to be starting day one and you’ll definitely stand out,” said Wilson.
