Angelica Rodriguez, a first-generation graduate student at Newman, says pursuing higher education is her way of honoring her parents and heritage.
“Neither one of my parents was able to obtain a college or graduate education, and being the very first one in my family means that their hard work and effort have paid off,” she said.
Rodriguez’s mother grew up in Mexico, but returned to the U.S. as a teenager, while her father immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, making the difficult leap away from his family in Mexico to pursue a better life.
“I am eternally grateful to my parents for all of the sacrifices, hard work and dedication they have given my siblings and me to have a better life than the one they had,” she said.
After earning her undergraduate degree in biology in 2025, Rodriguez decided to pursue her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus in healthcare administration.
“I never imagined myself pursuing an MBA, yet here I am, trusting that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” she said.
Her heritage
During her time at Newman, Rodriguez served as vice president of the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization (HALO) and helped bring back the Día de los Muertos celebration at Newman in 2024.
“My culture and roots are important to me, and I am so happy that I was able to be part of the team that put on this event,” she said. “This event helped us get students, faculty and individuals from around the community together to celebrate the lives of our loved ones.”
Sonja Bontrager, assistant professor of Spanish and co-director of Hispanic initiatives, got to know Rodriguez through the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency test, as well as through a student trip to the Kansas State Capitol for Latino Leadership Day in spring 2024.
“She showed a deep respect for her cultural and linguistic heritage,” Bontrager said. “In her studies, work and service, she consistently expressed gratitude for her family and handled herself with professionalism and care.”
Along with her heritage, faith has played a major role in getting Rodriguez where she is.
“I struggled with trusting the path God had laid out for me, but every time I doubted, he gently reminded me that I was right where he wanted me to be,” she said. “ Whenever one door closed, he guided me toward another that was open. Every challenge I faced became an opportunity in disguise.”
As a student, Rodriguez was a peer facilitator in the Navigator program under Assistant Dean and MBA Program Director Angie McCoy. Now, McCoy is her advisor in the MBA program.
“Angelica was a pre-med as an undergraduate, so it was unlikely that our paths would cross, but I am glad they did,” she said. “She truly embodies the Newman mission, and I have no doubt that she will make a lasting impact with her career and the people that she encounters along the way.”
Balancing two roles
Rodriguez has put her biology degree to use as a medical assistant at Heartland Dermatology in Wichita, where she’s a part of a team that specializes in the Mohs procedure — a surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. This procedure not only improves patients’ quality of life but also often gives them a greater chance at a longer, healthier life with their loved ones.
“What I find most fulfilling in this role is being part of each patient’s journey toward becoming cancer-free,” she said. “I value the opportunity to connect with patients on a personal level, offering empathy and support as they go through a process that can often feel overwhelming and scary.”
She also works on Newman’s campus as a graduate assistant for the School of Business & Technology. Her role includes collaboration with faculty and staff to plan and coordinate on-campus events, as well as assisting students in the admissions process.
“This position is equally rewarding because I get to play a small part in shaping students’ futures and supporting them as they take the next step in their academic and professional lives,” she said.
To other students
To other Hispanic and Latino students, Rodriguez encourages them to pursue their college education.
“I have noticed that (fewer) Hispanic students are deciding to pursue higher education and are deciding to go straight into the workforce,” she said. “I would like to encourage other Latino students to strive for higher education and, despite the hardships they may face, pursue an education as a way to give back to our parents for what they have done for us.”
If she could offer one piece of advice to her peers, Rodriguez said it would be this:
“You belong here, and you are exactly where you’re meant to be at this point in your life,” she said. “If you’re ever doubting your abilities, your future or your career, remember that you are being led to the place you need to be, and sometimes in ways you can’t yet see.”
Newman’s MBA program, focus in healthcare administration
Healthcare administration professionals lead, manage and act as the central point within hospitals and large health care systems.
