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Student Spotlight: Cade Howell

By Kala Allen-Dunn | Nov 27, 2023

Freshman Earth and Environmental Science major Cade Howell has quickly become an integral part of our Racer community here on campus. His willingness to embrace new experiences, his desire to get involved and his positive attitude will take him far in life. Meet Cade!

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Cade, tell us a little about yourself!

I am a freshman from Hopkins County, Kentucky, and I graduated from Webster County High School and Madisonville Community College in 2023. In my free time, I like to go outside and exercise, kick back and chill with my friends or hang out in my room playing games. Oftentimes, it ends up being a combination of the three. I really love to listen to music, so you'll often find me out and about with earbuds lodged in my ears or jamming out on one of my runs. 

What is your major, and how did you decide on your field of study?

My major is Earth and Environmental Science (EES). It took me a while to decide on this, as I have always been interested in a wide range of sciences. Geography, however, was always something I tended to come back to, and I knew it would be something I would continue to enjoy for the rest of my life. 

What inspired you to choose Â鶹´«Ã½ State?

I chose Â鶹´«Ã½ State for a variety of reasons. I wanted to go far enough away that I could get a full-on college experience, but not so far that travel between campus and home would be a chore. Â鶹´«Ã½ is located about an hour and a half's drive away, so it's the perfect distance. Â鶹´«Ã½ also has a very good EES program, which was a big draw. A lot of people from back home also went here, or at least considered it, so Â鶹´«Ã½ was always on the radar. In fact, over half of my graduating class applied to Â鶹´«Ã½. Â鶹´«Ã½ is also very similar in size and landscape to Madisonville, so I never truly feel away from home whilst I'm on campus.

Are you planning to study abroad? If so, where would you like to go, and why?

If I were to study abroad, I would preferably like to go to Europe. I visited Italy and the Vatican City over the summer of 2022, and that little taste of what the continent has to offer left me wanting to experience more. In regards to which particular country I'd like to study in, I do not have a preference, as I would be fascinated by simply being there.

What's been your favorite part of the Honors College experience so far?

My favorite part of the Honors College is the community that comes along with it. When I attended Honors Prime in July, I knew I was in for a treat due to how much fun everyone was. When actual college started, I knew I had friends from camp, and my association with the college exploded from there. Through the Honors College, I have met so many wonderful people and lifelong friends.

Any parting thoughts you'd like to share with future Racers?

If I had to give advice to incoming Racers, it would most certainly be to get out of your comfort zone. Enjoy your time here as a student and make the most of it. There are innumerable groups, clubs and organizations to become a part of. So get out there, make some friends and truly experience what it means to be a Racer.