Hometown: Houston, Texas
Majors: Exercise Science and Psychology
Future Plans: Coach volleyball, earn a master’s degree in psychology

Hannah Nicolaisen chose the University of Illinois Springfield “because of the community, the connection with the U of I System and because I felt an instant connection to the volleyball team,” she said. She plays for the UIS volleyball team as an outside hitter and middle blocker. She is also director of the TedxUofISpringfield student organization and a Career Peer Student Mentor in the Career Development Center. This semester she is also volunteering as a research assistant. “UIS provides lots of opportunities to get involved on campus,” she said. “As a transfer student, I really enjoyed the chance to join in through work and organizations. I am grateful to have met several kind professors and faculty members at UIS who have gone out of their way to provide whatever assistance I needed.” Following graduation from UIS, she plans to take a gap year while she gains professional experience and coaches volleyball. She then plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.