Marycobb Randall ’12 Receives Mathews Medal

posted 2011.03.30

While at NC State, Greenville, North Carolina native Marycobb Randall ‘12 has excelled in her studies in the Poole College of Management and has had a significant impact on campus during her time as an undergraduate.

Randall has served as president of the University Student Centers Board of Directors, co-chair of the Undergraduate Student Success Task Force, vice president of Beta Alpha Psi, co-founder of the Wolf Wheels Bike Rental Program, and a member of the NC State Strategic Planning Steering Committee, Krispy Kreme Challenge publicity and media team, and the University Scholars Program Scholars Council.

Among her leadership roles, she recognizes her involvement as the student representative on the Talley Student Center Renovation and Expansion Building Committee as the experience that has allowed her to contribute most to her alma mater. In this capacity, she represented student interests throughout all planning and construction phases of a new $120 million student center.

“Studies have shown that students who become involved on campus are more likely to be successful in their endeavors – the Talley Student Center will provide a space that facilitates this assimilation into campus, creating an inclusive and interactive environment,” says Randall. “The new center will be the heart of the campus and will be enjoyed by future students for many years. The opportunity to be involved with a project of such magnitude has allowed me to see the many steps of project development and to understand the needs of project stakeholders.”

For her service and leadership to NC State University, Randall was awarded the prestigious Mathews Medal, along with fellow students Justin Boucher, Kristy Craig, and Jeffrey Johnson.

“Unlike our time in the classroom, we do not receive a grade for campus involvement,” says Randall. “It certainly is an honor to be recognized, but, more importantly, to have had the opportunity to serve NC State during my tenure as an undergraduate.”

The Mathews Medal honors graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to NC State. The award is named for Walter J. Mathews, the first student enrolled at the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1889. The medal recognizes seniors who have built a campus legacy based on leadership and service. Mathews continued his involvement with the university as an active alumnus, and this award encourages the student recipients to envision themselves as the alumni leaders of the future. It is modeled after the Watauga Medal, the highest non-academic award given to alumni who serve their alma mater.

Reflecting on her experience in the Park Scholarships program, Randall says that the relationships she formed with Park Scholars, faculty, and staff allowed her to develop personally and professionally. “The Park program encouraged me to broaden my perspectives, to challenge my own ways of thinking, and to become emotionally competent,” says Randall. “I now understand the importance of knowing why I believe what I believe.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in accounting, Randall will begin her graduate studies at NC State as a Master of Accounting Academic Fellow. She intends to pursue a career in public accounting to build public trust in publicly traded companies and ensure the integrity of financial data.

“It is my hope to continue to build structures and organizations in which others find value, and my plan to give back to my community, university, and profession in the future,” says Randall.