CU-Lock Haven alumnus returns to Lock Haven to inspire students to build careers, confidence and connections

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (09/16/2026) — When Michael Watkins '93 returned to Commonwealth University-Lock Haven on Thursday, Sept. 10, he came prepared to share career advice with approximately 50 students in a TRIO First Year Seminar.

But his most important message was more personal: where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

A first-generation college student who once worked three jobs to pay for school, commuted to campus and admits he "could have easily failed out of college," Watkins drew on his own journey from Lock Haven student to successful sales, leadership and marketing professional to encourage students to take full advantage of their college experience.

Watkins spoke openly to the students about growing up in a 1,000-square-foot home, receiving free school lunches and being the first in his family to attend college. Although he graduated third in his high school class and was accepted to Penn State, Pitt and IUP, he ultimately chose Lock Haven because of the opportunities he found there - including faculty mentors, career guidance, professional networks and leadership opportunities.

His college experience, however, was not easy. Watkins commuted to campus, received no financial contribution from his parents and worked three jobs to pay for school. He joined no clubs and was rarely on campus beyond classes and work.

"I could have easily failed out of college," he wrote in his presentation. "But Lock Haven changed my life beyond what I learned."

Watkins credited Dr. Betty Schantz, then assistant dean of education, with helping change the trajectory of his life. Although he was a business major, Schantz believed in him, created opportunities, expanded his network and exposed him to people and experiences beyond the world he knew.

She provided additional work-study opportunities, helped him gain experience and confidence through events she hosted, introduced him to public officials and community leaders and even offered to pay for his master's degree at Penn State.

"One person here can change your life," Watkins told students.

He challenged students to seek out those people during their time at The Haven - and to become those people for others.

Watkins also shared the career journey that followed his Lock Haven experience. After graduation, he began in sales, selling pipes, pumps and industrial equipment in Williamsport. He later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to join a company he had previously sold to, arriving with $1,000 in savings and knowing no one.

That decision became the beginning of a 30-year career spanning sales, leadership and marketing with companies including Smucker's, M&M Mars and organizations in the pet and consumer packaged goods industries.

His advice to students was practical and immediate: start building career capital now. Watkins encouraged students to attend every class, introduce themselves to professors, take public speaking courses and surround themselves with people they want to become. He urged students to use LinkedIn to research companies and careers, connect with alumni and professionals, and begin building a visible portfolio of their interests and expertise.

He challenged students to reach out to three potential mentors each month, attend career fairs before they need a job, use campus employment to develop communication and leadership skills, volunteer in settings where they can interact with successful professionals and take leadership roles rather than simply joining organizations.

His "15-Minute Rule" encouraged students to spend 15 minutes each day learning, connecting and following up. He also encouraged students to attend alumni and speaker events, leave each event with three new names and one next conversation, and keep records of their professional relationships, accomplishments and projects.

The goal, he explained, is to graduate with more than a degree - to leave Lock Haven with mentors, advocates, references, relationships, experience and opportunities.

"Start at the bottom and grind," Watkins advised. "Work hard and build relationships that open doors. Build year after year by learning and growing."

For Ashley Conrad, director of alumni and employer engagement at CU-Lock Haven, Watkins' return to campus demonstrated the powerful role alumni can play in helping current students envision what is possible.

"Michael's willingness to return to The Haven and openly share his story with our students is incredibly meaningful," Conrad said. "He didn't just talk about his success - he talked honestly about where he started, the challenges he faced and the people who helped him along the way."

"That perspective is powerful for students, particularly those who may be wondering whether they belong here or what their future can look like," she added. "We are incredibly grateful to Michael for volunteering his time, investing in our students and continuing to show what it means to be a proud and loyal Bald Eagle."

Watkins' visit reinforced a simple but powerful lesson: a student's circumstances today do not have to define their future.
His own journey offered students a living example of what can happen when they embrace opportunity, build relationships and keep moving forward.

And his final challenge was one that each student will be able to carry with them long after graduation, "Don't let your story end in Lock Haven."

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