LVC Transfer Student Builds Career Path with Athletics & Breen Center Support

Key Points:

• Micah Partee '26 transferred to LVC and found community, mentorship, and new opportunities through academics and athletics.
• He stayed involved with football as a volunteer offensive coach after his playing career ended, building leadership experience.
• He worked closely with the Breen Center for Career & Professional Development, completing multiple interviews and gaining career support.
• He secured a position in the Sherwin-Williams Management Trainee program and continued building management experience while completing his degree.

When Micah Partee's '26 twin brother chose LVC, he decided he go to a different school to follow his own path. His brother, Malachi '26, D'28, was having a great experience studying Physical Therapy at LVC, while Micah was considering dropping out if it weren't for the encouragement of two professors, Dr. Tim Maret and Dr. Steven Lichtman. Soon, after visiting Malachi on weekends, his friends quickly became Micah's, too. And when Chris Thompson, now LVC's Head Football Coach, reached out, Micah decided to transfer to start his sophomore year.

"Thanks to my brother's encouragement and the thought of playing football again, it was one of the best decisions of my life," said Micah. "Though my playing career was shortened due to concussions at running back, Coach Thompson gave me the opportunity to stay around the team in another capacity to share my football knowledge with my teammates and younger players as a Volunteer Offensive Coach. It was great preparation since I want to be a head coach one day."

Micah, who also plans a career as a music company executive and then owner, chose to major in Marketing and minor in Business Administration to pursue these goals. He also worked closely with the team in the Edward and Lynn Breen Center for Career & Professional Development, starting in his first semester after transferring.

"LVC focuses on post-graduate success and job placement," noted Micah. "Between classes, interviews, and extra-curriculars, having a campus center that offers support throughout, including last-minute, is critical to student success. After participating in eight interviews this academic year, the Breen Center people were a necessary part of my success. From Natalia [Smith '21, M'24] helping me find a tie in the Career Closet, Wally [Choplick '12] helping me tie said tie, to literally using their iron and ironing board, I'm really glad I listened and reached out to the Breen team."

Micah's tenacity and positive attitude eventually led to success. He came across a Sherwin-Williams Management Trainee program while exploring internships and other opportunities. He recently received an official offer to start the eight-week program soon after graduating in May.

"The opportunity for professional growth, their focus on newer graduates, and close proximity to my home and LVC, solidified my decision that Sherwin-Williams would be a great start to my career," said Micah. "While the future may be uncertain, the opportunity to stay close to loved ones is always worth it."

Micah is also appreciative of the many professors who were there for him along the way.

"I started as an Interaction Design major, and Professors [Jeff] Ritchie and [Joel] Kline provided helpful advice and classroom guidance. In the Business Department, I attribute much of my success to inspiring professors who are experts in their fields. Professors [Treva] Clark, [Brynn] Mason, and my advisor, Dr. J. [Kimberlee Josephson] each taught me business and communication skills I will use for the rest of my life."

Despite having a job offer in hand, Micah did not take it easy this semester. Instead, he took on another challenge by becoming a supervisor at a local Burger King.

"After accepting the pre-offer from Sherwin-Williams, I wanted to better prepare for this management opportunity. Burger King was my first job when I turned 16, so it was a full-circle moment. I want to bring authenticity back into business practices: business does not have to be solely transactional; relationships also matter. I can't wait to bring this attitude to my future career."