How William Penn Helped Launch a Future in AI, Analytics, and Accounting

11/28/2025

William Penn University senior Rachel Cotter has achieved a rare and notable milestone: she was recently accepted into two master’s programs at the University of Iowa, in accounting and business analytics. This exceptional accomplishment – earning dual graduate program acceptances – showcases the power of a William Penn education. Cotter’s journey is a testament to how balancing rigorous academics with leadership, athletics, and service at Penn can set a student up for extraordinary success. It’s an inspiring story for any prospective student dreaming of a future shaped by passion, hard work, and a supportive university community.

Cotter, an Accounting major set to graduate from William Penn in May 2026, decided to pursue not just one but two graduate degrees to bridge her varied interests. “Once I learned how technology and analytics are shaping business decisions, I realized that combining accounting and business analytics would make me much more versatile… Together, they’ll allow me to bridge numbers with innovation” she explained. The University of Iowa agreed – offering her admission into its master’s programs in both Accounting and Business Analytics, an opportunity few students encounter at the same time.

One of the key sparks for Cotter’s interest in analytics was her exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) during her undergraduate studies. “One of my business professors — Dr. Stahle — introduced me to the impact AI is making in the world, which prompted my interest in how business analytics can uncover deeper business insights. Later, I started reading more about AI on my own, and that curiosity just kept growing,” Cotter said, reflecting on how her fascination with AI took root. That curiosity became a defining element of her academic journey. In fact, when Cotter interviewed for graduate school, the admissions team was impressed by her enthusiasm for AI’s potential in business. She discussed how AI can detect patterns humans might miss and transform fields like auditing and risk management – a perspective that made her stand out as “genuine[ly] curious” about leveraging new technology responsibly. By embracing innovative topics early on, Cotter not only discovered a personal passion at Penn but also strengthened her graduate applications.

Beyond her academic excellence, Cotter immersed herself in nearly every facet of campus life at William Penn, gaining a wealth of experiences outside the classroom. During her undergraduate years, she took on roles as a tutor for fellow students, a Resident Assistant in the residence halls, Treasurer of the Student Government Association (SGA), a member of the women’s wrestling team, and even a soldier in the Army National Guard. Balancing all of these commitments taught Cotter invaluable lessons in time management, discipline, and adaptability – skills that have proven crucial in her growth.

Equally important, Cotter thrived under the mentorship of dedicated faculty and coaches who encouraged her development. “Penn gave me a balance of academics, leadership, and service,” she said, emphasizing how a single school allowed her to wear many hats. “The professors challenged me academically but also encouraged personal growth, which made me confident stepping into more rigorous graduate work”. Whether she was training on the wrestling mat or leading a student government meeting, Cotter felt supported by a community that valued her contributions in each arena.

Her diverse involvements often intersected with her studies in meaningful ways. Serving as a tutor and organizing student events, for example, helped her connect theory to real-world practice. “Every hands-on role I took — whether tutoring, managing dorms, or creating student events on campus for SGA — helped me apply classroom concepts to real-life situations,” Cotter explained. “It taught me to take initiative, solve problems, and communicate across different teams, which built my confidence to take on graduate-level challenges”. Through these experiences, she learned to lead and collaborate, discovering personal strengths she hadn’t known before. “Penn’s community is very close-knit and prioritizes their students… giving students the chance to learn their strengths,” she said, grateful for the many opportunities she found on campus. In an environment where professors knew her by name and coaches and staff cheered her on, Cotter was able to stretch herself without fear – excelling academically while also serving her school and country.

Cotter attributes a large part of her success to the mentorship and support network she found at William Penn. Small class sizes and approachable faculty meant she never hesitated to seek guidance. It was a Penn professor (Dean Stahle) who first opened her eyes to the world of AI, and many others who pushed her to think bigger. In class, she was challenged to master accounting principles and analytical techniques; outside class, she was encouraged to try new roles and pursue bold ideas. This holistic approach gave her confidence in her abilities. “By combining my classroom learning with real responsibilities like tutoring students or coordinating events on campus, I saw how theory connects to practice,” Cotter noted, highlighting Penn’s emphasis on experiential learning. “That made learning more meaningful and showed me the impact data-driven thinking can have,” she added, linking her undergraduate projects to the innovative mindset she’ll carry into grad school.

The tight-knit campus community also played a pivotal role in Cotter’s development. At a larger university, it might be uncommon for one student to hold so many leadership positions or to receive as much one-on-one mentorship. But at William Penn, Cotter found endless chances to get involved. “I feel that Penn has a lot of opportunities to offer… Penn’s community is very close-knit,” she said, explaining that the supportive environment “prioritizes their students” and gives each of them a chance to shine. Knowing that professors and peers believed in her fueled Cotter’s drive. She frequently set goals – for the next semester, the next year, and beyond – and chased them, knowing her Penn family had her back. “Penn taught me how to manage multiple commitments and still balance a personal life,” she shared, crediting her undergraduate years with preparing her for the next big challenge. “I’ve learned to structure my time, stay disciplined, and still make room for balance. I’m confident that foundation will help me handle even the most demanding workload”.

Armed with a solid foundation from William Penn, Cotter is ready to take on her dual master’s degrees at the University of Iowa. She plans to study Accounting and Business Analytics concurrently – a demanding path that she feels well prepared for after juggling so much as an undergrad. Cotter remains focused on the future. “Every year I was thinking of my goal for the next year and how I could get myself closer to that,” she said, describing the forward-looking mindset that guided her at Penn. That mindset, coupled with her passion for AI-driven analytics, will shape her career aspirations. Ultimately, Cotter wants to “use data to improve transparency and efficiency in the business industry.” By “combining accounting with analytics,” she aims to “make organizations more ethical, efficient, and future-focused”. It’s an ambitious vision, but one she feels ready to pursue thanks to the knowledge and confidence she gained at William Penn.

As she prepares to embark on graduate studies, Cotter hasn’t forgotten the community that got her this far. Reflecting on her journey, she describes William Penn as the springboard for her success. “Penn gave me all the tools to grow a strong resume and improve myself, ultimately helping me make the decision to pursue a master’s program with confidence,” Cotter said. She also hopes her story will inspire others at William Penn to dream big. Her advice for current and future students? “Be curious. Learn beyond what’s assigned, explore new technology, and seek mentorship early,” Cotter advised.

Her remarkable achievement – going from a small campus in Oskaloosa to dual graduate programs at a Big Ten university – embodies the William Penn ethos: with supportive mentors, hands-on opportunities, and determination, you can define your own path to success. Cotter’s journey encourages prospective students to envision their own success at William Penn University. At Penn, as her experience shows, no dream is out of reach – and the possibilities are as wide open as your ambition.