
Kinsey Bakhaus

Kinsey Bakhaus
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Plainfield, Illinois
Major(s)
Communication
Minor(s)
Public Relations
Kinsey Bakhaus ’27 is making the most of her time at Carthage. A recipient of a music scholarship and a dedicated member of the choir, Kinsey continues to explore her love for music while working toward a degree in communication with a minor in public relations. A former volleyball player, she’s also keeping sports in her life by preparing for a career in sports broadcasting, media, or public relations. “I’m passionate about combining my love for sports with effective communication, storytelling, and audience engagement,” she says.
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of its strong sense of community, welcoming setting, and the opportunity for one-on-one learning. The small class sizes allow me to build meaningful connections with my professors, creating a more personalized and supportive learning experience. Being part of such an engaging environment makes my college experience even more fulfilling.”
Faculty mentors
“Professor Colleen Palmer has greatly impacted my college experience. Her engaging teaching style, genuine care for her students, and passion for the field is both inspiring and insightful. I enjoyed having her as a teacher so much that I added a public relations minor, which has opened my eyes to exciting career possibilities in the field. Through her guidance, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of public relations and its real-world applications, making me confident in pursuing a future where I can thrive in this industry.”
“I have also grown tremendously as a performer and singer thanks to the guidance of Professor Maggie Burk. She has helped me develop essential skills such as breath control, vowel shaping, and many other techniques that have completely transformed the way I sing. Her teaching has not only strengthened my abilities as a choral singer, but has also deepened my appreciation for the art of vocal performance.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class so far has been Principles of Public Relations because we had engaging discussions on current crises happening in the world. I loved how involved the class was, the communication between students, and the opportunity to analyze real-world situations through a PR lens. It was fascinating to learn about the different aspects of public relations and how they shape the way organizations navigate challenges, communicate with the public, and manage their reputations. This class truly deepened my appreciation for the field and its impact on society.”
Toughest class
“My toughest class was Quantitative Social Justice, mainly because I’ve never been particularly strong with numbers or math. My strengths and passions lie more in writing and communication, so navigating the statistical aspects of the course was a challenge. However, it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and develop new skills, making it a valuable learning experience despite the difficulty.”
Campus involvement
“I’ve played volleyball, participated in the Treble Choir, and am involved in the Carthage Choir. Additionally, I work at the Tarble Athletic And Recreation Center whenever my schedule allows, balancing my academic and extracurricular commitments while staying active in the campus community.”
Unique opportunities
“Being part of Carthage Choir has given me the incredible opportunity to travel to England for our choir tour! While there, we will perform in several venues, showcasing a repertoire that includes songs rooted in English culture. Beyond the performances, this experience will allow us to explore new places, immerse ourselves in the rich history of England, and create unforgettable memories together as a choir. I am so grateful for this opportunity to grow both musically and personally alongside such a talented group of singers.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite places to relax and spend time with friends are either Starbucks or The Tower lounges. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee or unwinding in a cozy lounge, both spots are perfect for taking a break and catching up with friends.”
Favorite memory
“I love Homecoming week at Carthage because it’s filled with exciting events and a great atmosphere. From the parade and football game to the food trucks and campus festivities, there’s always something fun happening. I also enjoy playing beach volleyball whenever the weather is nice. It’s the perfect way to stay active, meet new people, and make the most of the beautiful outdoor setting.”
Best study tip
“Definitely make the most of all available resources, such as the Writing Center, tutoring services, and the opportunity to connect with professors in small class settings. Also, setting aside a dedicated time each day for studying can help you stay organized and succeed academically.”
Best tip for making friends
“Getting involved is so important! I’ve made some of my closest friends through choir, my time on the volleyball team, and simply by connecting with people in my classes. Being active in different groups and activities has truly made my experience more fun and meaningful.”