Class of 2024 profile: Kassidy Dalton

First-generation student Kassidy Dalton arrived at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Trulaske College of Business four years ago from Stockton, a small town in southwest Missouri. A bit on the shy side in large crowds, Dalton – a self-confessed math and science nerd – was concerned about socializing and being herself in such a big world. But thanks to her involvement with the Heartland Scholars Academy and the Mizzou Disc Golf Club, Dalton found her people and her voice, and was soon creating opportunities of her own.  

Dalton will graduate with honors Sunday from the School of Accountancy’s 150-Hour Program, which merges a bachelor’s of science and a master of accounting into an integrated curriculum. She is also leaving Trulaske with certificates in taxation and accounting data analytics. Dalton’s dream is to one day find a career that combines her love of accounting and disc golf. In the meantime, she’ll be crunching numbers and upping her disc golf game. 

Learn more about this this up-and-coming Tiger leader.

Why did you choose Mizzou? 

The outreach opportunities they offered at my high school. I remember reps from Mizzou coming to my high school where anyone was free to talk with them. I began talking to a rep my junior year. I was also familiar with the campus because my high school band traveled to Mizzou for homecoming parades, state basketball championships and state band competitions. I had family and friends who attended Mizzou where the comaraderie and enthusiasm I experienced was like nowhere else.  

What motivated you to pursue your field of study at Trulaske? 

My field of study at Trulaske “STEMs” from the tremendous number of math and science courses I took before college. So, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in something related to these favorite subjects of mine. I was one of those individuals you would consider a “nerd.” Plus, my uncle is an accountant and he inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I am overjoyed with the choice I made. 

Who at Trulaske played an instrumental role in your college experience and what lessons did you learn from that person?

Associate Teaching Professor Mary Beth Marrs, director of the Heartland Scholars Academy and the Cornell Leadership Program, became a second mom to me at Trulaske. She still is my biggest mentor at Mizzou and an encouraging supporter of my time at the university. When I started college during COVID times, she was conducting the only in-person class I attended for a whole year, which game me a chance to form a much-needed relationship during trying times. If you have not met Mary Beth, I strongly recommend it! 

What business class at Trulaske made the biggest impression on you and why? 

Project Management – a hands-on undergraduate course that allowed me to improve my leadership skills and grow in my creativity. This management class went through every emphasis area of business, which, then guided me toward the path of accounting. Although I am getting a degree in one specified area of business, Project Management granted me insight into other fields of study in this discipline. Understanding every aspect of business can serve great importance in the workplace. 

Was there an obstacle that you had to overcome while a student at Trulaske and if so, how did you overcome it? 

I had to learn how to be social in a different environment. I grew up in a small town with a population of only 1,800 people. At times, Mizzou could be extremely overwhelming in terms of social events and trying to be myself in crowds larger than I had ever socialized in before. To overcome this obstacle, I had to remind myself that there were likely other students who were in the same position as me. I also told myself that being yourself is the best that you can be and others will understand that. Learning to overcome this obstacle has greatly helped shape me into the person I am today. 

What kind of leadership skills have you gained at the Trulaske College of Business? 

I have always been outgoing and personable – especially in the workplace – but my experience at Trulaske has taught me how to handle tough situations appropriately. To be a leader, you must be there for the good times and the bad, and Mizzou has shown me ways to understand both sides. I have also learned more about the importance of relationship building. Networking at Trulaske events like career fairs has had a huge impact on my ability to build relationships that have been key to my success. 

What are your favorite Mizzou memories? 

Studying abroad in Portugal, traveling to the College Disc Golf National Championship in North Carolina and South Carolina for three years, going on corporate business trips to Ohio and Florida, and attending Mizzou Homecoming parades. 

Looking back on your college career, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned? 

First, never take your free time for granted and two, do not procrastinate until the night before an assignment is due. I found free time hard to come by in college, but I always made the best use of it. I would typically play disc golf, read or take a walk around campus in my spare time. In addition, I know procrastination can be a eal problem in college. It is easy to put something off until the last minute, but seriously, do not do that to yourself. Allot yourself ample time out of each day to put in your time for homework. 

What advice would you give to incoming Mizzou students? 

Say yes to any educational opportunity that is presented – you never know where it might take you in your career. One of those yeses might be the chance to make a change and break away from your norm, changing your life forever. 

What’s next for you? 

After graduation, I will be working at a certified public accounting firm in my hometown. I love the small town, community-centric side of accounting and I cannot wait to start. I will also be working toward becoming a professional women’s disc golfer in hopes of becoming a world-wide, touring athlete. This hobby of mine can turn into a profession and that would be a dream come true. An ultimate goal of mine is to do taxes for other disc golfers as a way of helping them out while still participating in a sport I love.