Commencement Spotlight: Brielle Thompson

Commencement Spotlight: Brielle Thompson, Bachelor of Science in Marketing; Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Future Plans: Customer Account Coordinator, International Paper

Brielle Thompson, a 22-year-old native of Powder Springs, Georgia, will graduate on May 9 with dual degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management from the Albany State University College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies. 

During her time at Albany State, Thompson balanced academics, athletics, and professional development. She was a member of the ASU Softball team and actively involved in Students Advocating for a Stronger Sisterhood (SASS), contributing to student engagement and campus life.

Thompson gained valuable industry experience through multiple internships and ambassador roles. She served as a Coca-Cola Campus Ambassador and completed a Procurement Operations Internship with Coca-Cola in Summer 2025. She also worked as an ambassador for Intuit TurboTax and Credit Karma and contributed to the university’s marketing efforts as a Marketing and Communications Intern from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026.

Following graduation, Thompson has secured a position as a Customer Account Coordinator with International Paper, where she will begin her professional career in business operations and client relations.

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
I became interested in my field because I wanted to understand how businesses work behind the scenes. I was curious about how companies connect with people and how products get to customers. As I learned more, I realized I liked both the creative side of marketing and the problem-solving side of supply chain. That made me want to keep learning and growing in this field.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because it offered me the opportunity to continue my softball career while also pursuing a strong academic path. From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like a place where I could grow and be supported. The environment felt like home, and I knew I would be surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. ASU gave me the chance to develop not only as a student, but also as an athlete and young professional.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most about marketing and supply chain is that there is always something new to learn. I like being able to be creative while also solving problems. Marketing helps me understand people and how to connect with them, while supply chain focuses on making sure everything runs smoothly. I also enjoy that my work can make a real impact on a company and its customers. It’s a field that keeps me engaged and allows me to grow.

 

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
The people who have made the biggest impact on me at ASU are my softball coach, Coach Jason Bryant, Dr. Edwin Odipo Nyamwala, and Mrs. Rachel Lawrence, my MarComm internship advisor.

My softball coach, Coach Bryant, has played a huge role in shaping me both on and off the field. He has always been someone I could talk to and is like family to me, he has shown me how to stay mentally strong through challenges which has meant a lot throughout my journey. Professor Odipo has impacted me academically by pushing me to think critically and grow in my field. Mrs. Rachel has had a major influence on my professional development through my time as a MarComm intern, she helped me gain real-world experience, and recognize my potential beyond the classroom. Each of them has inspired me in different ways and contributed to the person I am today.

 

What are you passionate about outside of your education?
Outside of my education, I’m very passionate about softball, personal growth, and building my brand. Softball has been a huge part of my life and has taught me lessons that go far beyond the field, like leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. I also enjoy creating content and finding ways to express myself creatively, especially when it comes to branding and social media.

 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
I would tell other ASU students to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Get involved on campus, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Balancing academics, internships, and extracurriculars can be challenging, but those experiences will prepare you for life after college. Also, stay consistent and disciplined, even when things get hard, because that’s what will set you apart in the long run.

 

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
I would tell a high school student that ASU is a place where you can truly grow into the best version of yourself. It’s more than just a university it’s a community that supports you and pushes you to succeed. Whether you’re interested in academics, athletics, or leadership opportunities, ASU provides the resources and environment to help you reach your goals.