Makaela Lloyd is a part of the 150th class at the University of Northern Iowa. She is from Grinnell, Iowa, majoring in interactive digital studies with a minor in public relations. Lloyd has an interest in working in strategic communications and the social media industry.
After graduating from high school in 2024 and touring the UNI campus, Lloyd struggled to find an interest. She started her academic journey at Des Moines Area Community College, taking online classes, with only one in-person lab. After touring schools to transfer to, she was having trouble finding a place that felt like home.
“I told myself I need to figure out what I want to do,” said Lloyd. “I just need to go, because if I don’t go, I will probably never go.”
Now she has found herself enjoying the aspects of living in the dorms on UNI’s campus and becoming a Panther.
Lloyd was very excited to get involved on campus and fully immerse herself in the Panther experience. She joined a variety of student organizations on campus, including Chi Alpha and Dance Marathon
“A few months ago, I would have been shocked at what I am doing now, ” said Lloyd. “I wanted to make sure I did everything possible to explore my options when I got to UNI.”
After exploring opportunities on campus, she became the fall media executive chair for the student organization Colleges Against Cancer. In this role, she will be doing the social media posts, graphics and flyers to be put up around campus.
Lloyd also reflects on the Panther Welcome Week experience — getting to hang out with the squirrels on campus and meeting new people helped her feel at home.
I have never grown so much in one week,[/pullquote],” she said. “I am glad they have these events; they are needed. It was such a great experience.”
