Franklin, N.C. native Brent Douthit believes that the versatility WCU provided him with inside of his degree has played a substantial part in his career.
Douthit graduated from Western Carolina in 2008 with a major in Sport Management with a concentration in exercise science. He currently lives in Asheville where he works as an owner service representative for a travel company.
Although Douthit thanked the many memorable and influential professors he had throughout his years at Western, one in particular had the largest impact. According to Douthit, “One stands out above the rest. Dr. Kadence Otto was my professor several semesters throughout the completion of my SM major. I feel that I gained the most from her courses because she was such a challenging professor. She required that we generate our own ideas and express our own opinions about course related topics. She always encouraged “deep” discussions, and I really enjoyed her classes and the enthusiasm she has a professor.”
While at Western, Douthit stayed active by playing intramural football and basketball for “The Beefcakes.” He also utilized Western’s Fitness Center by working out almost daily and according to Douthit he also “won a bench press competition… or two.” Douthit credits his love for all things fitness for giving him dedication and endurance it requires to be successful in life.
While visiting Western during homecoming weekend, Douthit noticed the ongoing construction throughout the entire campus. He believes these changes are necessary because of what he notes as being the biggest difference at WCU since he graduated in 2008: student population. Douthit acknowledged that the significant increases Western is experiencing in attendance must be compensated by newer, larger, more accompanying facilities.
Coming from a town within the radius set by campus which allowed for an easy commute, Douthit never had to experience dorm life. He lived in various areas around campus including Little-Hampton Savannah Apartments, but said that Love Avenue in Sylva was his favorite place to live and holds many of his college memories.
Douthit was known around campus for being social and fun-loving, but he also worked hard in class and kept his focus on the goal of graduation. Douthit worked hard to find the balance between work and play and encouraged current and future Catamounts to do the same.
“You will most likely have a lot of free time during college. Make sure you prioritize,” Douthit said.
With the experience he has gained after college by working in a field outside of his major, Douthit offers assuring advice, “Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right after you graduate. Nobody starts at the top.”
Douthit’s plans for the future are wide-open.
“I haven’t ruled out going back to school. I would like to eventually experience living on the coast. I have lived in the mountain my whole life. As for now, I am just enjoying my current job and life in Asheville.
