The latest addition to our series of Alumni Council Q&As features Council First Vice President Kaitlyn "Katie" (Smith) Harmon.
Q: When did you graduate from Waynesburg University, and what was your major?
A: I graduated from Waynesburg University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. I later returned to Waynesburg to earn my MBA with a concentration in Energy Management, completing that in 2014.
Q: Where has life taken you since graduating from Waynesburg University?
A: Life has taken me on quite a journey since graduating. Right after finishing my undergraduate degree in December 2011, I transitioned from my internship into a full-time role with CONSOL Energy, where I helped revamp their environmental management system. In August 2012, I married my best friend and fellow Waynesburg alum, Andrew. A year later, I returned to Waynesburg to pursue my MBA in Energy Management—one of the best decisions I’ve made. It was during that time that I discovered my passion for project management.
In late 2014, I received an opportunity to relocate to Atlanta, GA to work for J.M. Huber Corporation. It was definitely a leap of faith—Andrew and I didn’t know anyone in the area, so we had to build our own community from scratch. While in Atlanta, we welcomed our first son, Oliver, in 2017.
In 2020, we made the exciting decision to move back home to Cecil, PA to be closer to family. It also allowed us to reconnect and get more involved with Waynesburg University. Then in 2022, we welcomed our second son, Arthur. It’s been a beautiful whirlwind of change and growth since my time at Waynesburg.
Q: What is your current job/title, and what is your current location?
A: I currently serve as the Senior Manager of Customer Experience Global Programs and Change Management at Tate & Lyle, a global provider of food, beverage, consumer care, and industrial ingredient solutions. I work remotely and live in McDonald, Pennsylvania, located in Cecil Township.
Q: Can you describe your typical day?
and Oliver, on their commemorative bench in Johnson Commons
A: Right now, my day looks a little different than usual. The company I previously worked for, CP Kelco, was recently acquired by Tate & Lyle. As part of the integration team, I’m currently helping to design a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that blends the best of both companies.
My days are filled with collaborative sessions—working closely with our system integrator, IT, and cross-functional business process owners to identify business needs and define how our new system should operate. We’re in the middle of project design but also managing the interim period where both legacy systems are still active.
A big part of my role is making sure the customer and employee experience stays at the forefront. Change can be hard—new systems mean new ways of working—so I focus on training, communication, and adoption strategies to support our teams through the transition and minimize disruption.
Q: Can you describe your time as a student at Waynesburg and how it shaped you as a person?
A: I think I took a unique path during my time at Waynesburg. I crammed eight semesters into seven and spent my final semester commuting so I could get a head start on my career—you could say I’ve always been a planner!
While I was very focused on academics, I realized during my sophomore and junior years that I needed to expand beyond the classroom. I joined the Student Activities Board (SAB) in my sophomore year and helped plan events under the Athletic, Fun & Fitness committee. By my junior year, I served as SAB President and loved the opportunity to lead and collaborate with others to enhance campus life.
In addition to SAB, I worked as a tutor for both Math and Computer Science courses and as a lab assistant for Intro to Computers and various Programming classes. These experiences helped me grow into a leader and someone who’s passionate about both learning and sharing knowledge with others—all while finding ways to make it fun.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Waynesburg student?
A: One of my favorite memories is the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, where faculty and staff serve students a full Thanksgiving meal. It was always such a special moment—a time to pause, enjoy the community, and feel truly thankful. I loved sitting down with friends and reflecting on the support we received from the incredible faculty and staff. And of course, the food was delicious!
Q: Who was your favorite professor at Waynesburg, and why?
A: Dr. Elizabeth Wang stands out as one of my favorite professors. I was fortunate to take multiple courses with her and have her as my academic advisor. She consistently challenged me and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. Her genuine interest in my growth and success reassured me that I had chosen the right major—and the right university.
Even today, we still keep in touch, and she continues to cheer me on. Having that lasting connection speaks volumes about the kind of mentorship and care that Waynesburg faculty provide.
Q: Why is staying connected with your alma mater important to you?
A: Staying connected is my way of giving back to a place that gave me so much. I love checking in and contributing in whatever ways I can. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of participating as a panelist in Q&A sessions for prospective students and serving on the Computer Science Advisory Board to help guide the future of the program.
I also enjoy supporting campaigns like WU Day of Giving, Orange Week, and the recent celebration of 175 Years of Light. To mark that milestone, my husband and I were honored to donate to have a bench dedicated in our name. It’s a small way to commemorate our time there and celebrate the University’s incredible legacy and future. Make sure you stop by the bench in Johnson Commons near Hanna Hall to take in the beauty of Waynesburg.
Q: What does your role as an Alumni Council member and officer entail, and what motivates you to give back to the University in this way?
A: I currently serve as the First Vice President on the Alumni Council, acting as the backup to our President, Vikki Beppler. As a Council, we meet regularly throughout the year to discuss how we can support the University’s mission and strengthen the connection between alumni and the Waynesburg community.
We assist with events like the Tie Dye and Ice Cream Social to welcome students back to campus and Homecoming to foster fellowship among alumni. Being involved allows me to stay connected and give back in a meaningful way—something that’s incredibly important to me after all the ways Waynesburg has shaped my life.
Q: What advice do you have for current students? For recent graduates?
A: For current students: get involved and try new things. It might feel overwhelming at first, but stepping outside your comfort zone is how you grow and discover who you really are. Whether it's joining a club, taking on a leadership role, or volunteering—those experiences will stick with you long after graduation.
For recent graduates: be open to opportunities that don’t perfectly match your degree. The job market can be unpredictable, and sometimes your path starts in unexpected places. I never imagined working in an Environmental department, but that’s where I got my start—and it led me to where I am today.