Published on Dec. 3, 2025
Updated on Feb. 24, 2026
By Kaleigh Ibarra & La Toya Stevens
Kampbell Hemeyer realized it was one of her last times on the stage before graduation. The bright theater lights above seemed like stars––a reflection of the universe she had built for herself at Mizzou.
A native of Hermann, Missouri, Hemeyer is pursuing a double major in Strategic Communication and Music. Her passion for music began early and guided her academic journey, shaping not only what she studied but how she imagines her career in the entertainment industry.
When it was time to choose a university, Mizzou stood out. It was the only school that offered her the chance to combine her passions, and the School of Journalism encouraged her to pursue both paths. A recommendation from her high school choir teacher led her to a Mizzou professor for voice lessons. Watching a senior friend of hers successfully navigate the same path gave her confidence she could too.
“That was the whole reason why I double-majored, I figured out that this could actually be helpful for what I want to do anyway, if I want to go into the entertainment industry,” she said.
She didn’t always feel that certainty. Before arriving on campus, Hemeyer feared she would feel like “just a number” at a large university. That worry faded quickly.
Finding her community
For Hemeyer, a larger campus meant more possibilities.
“There were so many different kinds of people, even a few like me, I was able to connect with quickly,” she said.
After growing up in small schools –– including a high school of about 300 –– stepping onto a campus this size offered a freedom she never expected. Here she said people didn’t know everything about her the way they did back home. She was free to explore, make a fresh start for herself and build her own community.
She also credits her professors with making her feel supported and not overwhelmed, “They’re here for you whenever you need them, but they’re not going to helicopter parent you.”
Outside the classroom, she immersed herself in organizations across campus: serving as the President of Mortar Board Secret Society, performing with University Singers, working as a stagehand for Mizzou Reservations and Events, joining Tour Team, interning with Academic and Student Communications, coordinating social media for the strategic communication department, member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, serving as the account manager for this year’s National Student Advertising Competition team and participating in American Advertising Federation through her capstone.
She laughs about her “full days,” but she thrives in them.
Learning balance
To keep up with her busy schedule, Hemeyer emphasized communication, organization and making full use of campus resources, including office hours, Tiger Tutors and regular meetings with advisors. For her, having structured spaces to work and people to guide her made the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying on top of her commitments.
A moment she’ll remember
The reality of graduation didn’t fully hit until she stepped under the lights at the Mizzou High School Choral & Vocal Festival in the Missouri Theatre. Singing “Measure Me, Sky” with the University Singers, the stage lights looked like “stars in the sky,” she said.
It was then she realized: this was one of the last times she would perform here.
“It just hit me, that this was one of my last moments on that stage,” she said. “It felt like a full-circle moment. I built my own universe at Mizzou.”
Her advice
Her message for incoming students is simple: explore boldly and make the most of the resources around you.
“There’s a plethora of opportunities,” she said. “There are more people than you can meet, more professors than you can get to know. You just do what you want with it. I’ve never felt like a number here––in the best way.”
Don’t wait –– explore a student organization, attend a concert or performance on campus, meet with a professor during office hours or use Tiger Tutors for extra support. Explore at least one new opportunity each week, connect with people outside of your usual circles and build your own Mizzou experience.