It’s Been Quite a Ride

“The last four years have been quite the ride, but I would not have wanted it any other way.” As a senior majoring in finance, Keiara Burke’s Wildcat journey has been exciting and challenging. Whether it was in the classroom or the summer internship she landed as an analyst with JP Morgan Chase, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, Keiara feels that she has been pushed to become the kind of young professional that she, her family, and B-CU can all be proud of. Years of applying herself have not gone unnoticed by faculty members in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. The Professor of Business Administration, Leadership and Professional Development describes Keiara saying, “Keiara demonstrates a love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed in college and beyond.”   

Staying on Top with Scholarships 

And succeed she has! Keiara’s years as a Wildcat have seen her become the recipient of several scholarships, including the FedEx/UNCF Scholars scholarship, the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship, and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation/UNCF Scholarship. These scholarships have made a profound difference in reducing her personal education debt and opened doors to additional opportunities. Professor Ida Wright of theCollege of Business and Entrepreneurship says of this scholarship winner, “Keiara Burke is an outstanding student and exemplifies John Wooten’s Quote, ‘Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.’ ”  Being a military child, Keiara has made the best of every situation she has faced. Her most recent challenge was her family relocating to Greece during the pandemic and Keiara remaining behind to complete her studies at Bethune.  Keiara has mastered the three D’s: diligent, determined and dependable!”

Embracing a Balanced Life

The Professor of Business Administration, Leadership and Professional Development recalls that, “Keiara has led a very diverse extracurricular life both on campus and in the community.” Keiara’s love for business finance is matched by her love for community. She has made herself available to provide high-quality tax return assistance to residents of the Daytona Beach Community and has also been an active member of such organizations with the Bethune Executive & Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP) and the National Association of Black Accountants. She has also served as sophomore class treasurer and president of the sponsorship committee of Girls with Curlz.