Isaiah Hubanks ’27

Never Felt Alone

When Isaiah stepped onto the Edgewood University campus, he expected college to feel intimidating and the transition to be difficult.

Instead, it felt easy.

“Warm and welcoming” is how he describes his first days as an Eagle. From settling into residence hall life to meeting his teammates for the first time, Isaiah found himself surrounded by people invested in his success as both a student and an athlete.

“I have never felt alone at Edgewood,”  he said. For Isaiah, that feeling has defined his college experience.

Many students worry about getting lost in the transition to college—becoming another face in a lecture hall or another name on a roster. It’s possible to be surrounded by thousands of students and still feel anonymous. Isaiah’s Edgewood experience is different. Professors know his goals—and his sport. Coaches know his potential—and his career plan. Classmates know his name—and many first conversations have led to lifelong friendships. For Isaiah, these personal connections have been the difference.

As a member of the men’s basketball team, Isaiah says he has gained something every new college student hopes to find—community. “We’re like a family,” Isaiah shared. “The athletics culture at Edgewood is built on mutual respect. Student-athletes understand the commitment it takes to balance classes, work, practices and competition. Because we all understand the grind, we genuinely support one another and celebrate each other’s success.”

Academically, his path wasn’t as clear. Isaiah arrived with 38 college credits and a reputation as a self-described “nerd who loved math.” But he wasn’t sure how to leverage that into a career plan. It was through conversations with faculty, particularly his professor and advisor, Dr. Jacob Gill, that Isaiah began connecting his strengths to a future in accounting.

Isaiah is starting his senior year with plans to pursue a career in tax accounting. He is completing an internship with Baker Tilly and will take the CPA exam after graduation. Looking ahead, he’s confident in his future—and grateful for the community that helped him discover it.