Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! Below you'll find our most recent Alumni Spotlight interview.
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Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra "Ali" Cottom '13
Alexandra "Ali" Cottom graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2013 with a BS in Chemistry.
What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?
What brought me to Pitt-Greensburg was the opportunity to receive a quality education in a close-knit, supportive environment. I was drawn to the campus’ welcoming atmosphere, the smaller class sizes, and the ability to build meaningful connections with professors and peers. Pitt-Greensburg offered the perfect balance of academic rigor and personal support, which allowed me to grow both intellectually and personally.
Ultimately, it felt like a place where I could truly belong and thrive—and that sense of community continues to inspire my connection to the University today.
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Resident
What activities were you involved with as a student?
As a student at Pitt-Greensburg, I was actively involved in several organizations and leadership roles that significantly shaped my college experience. I was a cheerleader, which gave me the opportunity to represent the University and build strong connections within the campus community. I served on the board for Habitat for Humanity, helping to organize service initiatives and promote student involvement in meaningful outreach.
I was also a member of the Chemistry National Honor Society, reflecting my commitment to academic excellence in the sciences. My role as a Resident Assistant (RA) provided valuable leadership experience and allowed me to support fellow students in their residential and academic journeys. Additionally, I was involved in the Academic Village Senate, where I contributed to enhancing the living-learning environment and supporting programming that fostered student growth and engagement.
These diverse roles helped me develop strong leadership, communication, and community- building skills—qualities I continue to carry into my professional and personal life today.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
Yes, I was fortunate to be mentored by several incredible individuals at Pitt-Greensburg who truly impacted my journey. Dr. Melissa Marks played a pivotal role during my senior year by helping me envision how to translate my science degree into a future in education. Her guidance gave me the clarity and confidence to pursue my passion for helping students as a future school counselor.
Dr. Mark Stauffer and Dr. Matt Luderer were both outstanding mentors in the chemistry department. Their knowledge, support, and encouragement helped me persevere through challenging coursework and fostered my love for science.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Sheila Confer made a lasting impression on me during my time living in the Academic Village. Her ability to create a supportive, empowering, and enjoyable community helped me thrive in the residential setting. She truly embodies what it means to guide and uplift young adults.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
The class that had the most impact on me was Strategies and Techniques. This course laid the foundation for my future in education by introducing me to the essential elements of effective teaching. It combined both theory and hands-on experience, allowing me to explore instructional planning, classroom management, and diverse models of teaching in a meaningful and practical way.
What made this course especially impactful was its focus on meeting the needs of all learners, including students in special education. It challenged me to think critically about how to design lessons that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in best practices. The use of taxonomies of learning to define objectives and assess student progress helped me understand how to align instructional strategies with learning goals.
Ultimately, Strategies and Techniques confirmed my passion for education and helped me envision how I could use my science background to create engaging, supportive, and effective learning environments. It was a turning point in shaping my educational philosophy and career path.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?
What I remember most vividly from my time at Pitt-Greensburg is the strong sense of community and connection that made campus feel like a second home. Whether it was cheering on the sidelines, late-night talks with residents in the Academic Village, or collaborating with classmates and professors who truly cared, there was always a feeling of support and belonging.
Some of my favorite memories are tied to the moments where my roles as a student leader, resident assistant, and cheerleader intersected—balancing academics, leadership, and service while growing into the person I am today. The individualized attention from faculty, especially in the chemistry and education departments, also stands out. Their investment in my success made all the difference.
Pitt-Greensburg gave me more than an education—it gave me a foundation, a network, and lifelong memories that continue to inspire me.
What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduating from Pitt-Greensburg, I’ve continued to build a life rooted in education, leadership, and service. I’m currently pursuing a graduate degree in school counseling, where I’m expanding on the foundation I built during my undergraduate years. My goal is to support students’ academic, emotional, and social growth, and to be a strong advocate for their success in and out of the classroom.
In addition to my graduate studies, I’m a cheerleading coach, a role that allows me to mentor young athletes and help them develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. Coaching has been an incredibly rewarding experience and a meaningful way to stay connected to youth development and education.
Both paths reflect my continued passion for helping others, building community, and using my skills to make a positive impact—values that were instilled in me during my time at Pitt-Greensburg.
How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?
My experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepared me for life after college by helping me build confidence, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a strong sense of purpose. The academic rigor, especially within the chemistry and education departments, taught me how to think critically, solve problems, and persevere through challenges. Faculty like Dr. Melissa Marks, Dr. Mark Stauffer, and Dr. Matt Luderer were instrumental in helping me discover how to use my strengths to support and educate others.
Outside the classroom, roles such as being a resident assistant, cheerleader, Academic Village Senate member, and student leader in Habitat for Humanity provided real-world experiences in communication, time management, collaboration, and service. These opportunities helped shape my passion for education and guided me toward a career in school counseling, where I now support students' personal and academic development.
Pitt-Greensburg gave me more than an education—it gave me a foundation of resilience, community, and purpose that continues to guide me in every step of my journey.
As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?
As an alum, I support Pitt-Greensburg by proudly representing the values and education I received in both my professional and personal life. I frequently share my positive experiences with prospective students and colleagues, encouraging others to consider Pitt-Greensburg as a place for growth and opportunity. I also stay engaged through social media, university updates, and by supporting fellow alumni in their endeavors.
While I have not yet had the opportunity to attend many alumni events, I’m eager to become more actively involved. I see serving on the PGAA Board as a meaningful way to give back to the campus that shaped me, and I’m excited for this opportunity to deepen my engagement, advocate for current and future students, and contribute to the university's continued growth and success.
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
My advice to fellow Bobcats is to embrace every opportunity Pitt-Greensburg offers—both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved, build relationships with your professors and peers, and don’t be afraid to step into leadership roles, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Those experiences will shape your confidence and skills more than you can imagine.
Also, remember that your path doesn’t have to be linear. It’s okay if your goals evolve—mine did, and Pitt-Greensburg gave me the support and flexibility to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Most importantly, lean into the community around you. The connections you make here will stay with you long after graduation and can guide you through whatever comes next.
For fun:
What is the last book you read? The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I’m an avid reader—I always have a book (or three) on my nightstand, and I especially love diving into true crime stories.
- I’m in my seventh year as a varsity cheerleading coach and love mentoring young athletes both on and off the mat.
- My stepson, Landon, will be attending Pitt-Greensburg this fall, which makes my connection to the university even more meaningful.
- I’m a huge sports fan—you can catch me cheering loudly during games, no matter the sport.
- I have a soft spot for anything true crime-related, from documentaries to podcast. I'm always ready to solve a mystery!