Celebrating Abbey Leamons: From COB to NRF to Kohl's HQ
When Abbey Leamons walks across the graduation stage, she carries with her a diploma and a plan for the future. She leaves the College of Business with a clear sense of purpose, a national scholarship experience that reshaped her career vision and a full‑time role at Kohl’s corporate headquarters. Her journey through the product and merchandising management program is a story of curiosity and the courage to say yes to new opportunities.
Leamons shares that one of her biggest moments of growth came when she made the decision to switch majors. “After switching my major and realizing I loved business, I became very passionate about my résumé and how my work during school could show my skills,” she said. That shift sparked a new level of motivation — one that would carry her through internships, networking events and national recognition.
That recognition came in the form of a prestigious scholarship from the National Retail Federation, which selected Leamons to attend its student program in New York City this past winter. The NRF experience is known for connecting top retail students from across the country with industry leaders, emerging brands and global companies shaping the future of retail. For Leamons, it was transformative.
“The NRF trip to New York was incredible,” she said. “I met so many people and learned about companies I didn’t even think of before. It made me really excited about the industry again.”
The program both broadened her understanding of retail and expanded her confidence. Surrounded by peers and professionals who shared her passion, Leamons saw firsthand how her skills and drive fit into the larger retail landscape. It was a moment of clarity: she belonged in this industry, and she was ready to make her mark.
Her academic journey at OSU was shaped by people who believed in her potential. Leamons credits Brigitte Cluver, senior instructor and program development coordinator, as a key source of encouragement. “I feel like the one professor who encouraged me the most was Brigitte,” Leamons said. “But my friends were very motivating, and the hiring recruiters I met along the way helped me so much with connecting.”
That combination — faculty support, peer motivation and professional networking — helped Leamons build a strong foundation. She took that momentum into her internship with Kohl’s last summer, where she excelled and earned a full‑time job offer before even beginning her senior year. After graduation, she’ll join Kohl’s headquarters as an inventory analyst, a role that blends analytical thinking, creativity and strategic decision‑making.
Leamons ’s advice to future students is simple and tested: “Don’t be afraid to get involved, network and curate your résumé.” It’s a mindset that opened doors for her — from national scholarships to corporate opportunities — and one she hopes others will embrace early in their college experience.
Looking back, Leamons can point to moments that defined her growth: switching majors, discovering her passion for business, building a résumé she was proud of and stepping into spaces that challenged her to stretch. Looking forward, she sees a future filled with possibility — one she’s ready for because she took the time to explore, connect, and believe in her own potential.
As Leamons joins the next generation of retail leaders, the College of Business celebrates her accomplishments and energy.
Related Blogs
