Kennesaw State University senior Anna Spruill has received a scholarship from the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF), sponsored by CVS Health. The scholarship will fund her participation in the 2026 NRF Student Program, a national retail conference scheduled to take place in New York City in January.
Spruill, who is majoring in marketing with minors in retail and consumer services as well as advertising and digital media, expressed her satisfaction with the recognition. “I feel incredibly proud of myself,” Spruill said. “To receive a scholarship from a national foundation means so much to me. I think I’ve told everyone I know! It just feels like real proof of how hard I’ve worked and how far I’ve come.”
The NRF Student Program is a four-day event that brings together students from across the country for keynote sessions, industry panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. As part of the program, Spruill will have access to on-site interviews and career connections with major retail brands such as Walmart, Best Buy, Viore, Coach and others. Scholarship recipients are also invited to attend a private dinner with senior executives from CVS Health.
“This conference is going to be a huge opportunity,” Spruill said. “My biggest goal is to graduate with a full-time job, and I’m really hopeful that meeting people and interviewing in New York will help me get there.”
During her time at Kennesaw State’s Michael J. Coles College of Business, Spruill became active on campus after initially feeling isolated while living off campus. She joined the Marketing Club and the NRFSA club, later serving as one of its social media coordinators. Additionally, she completed an internship in sales and management with fashion retailer Buckle.
“I decided I wasn’t going to sit in the back of the classroom anymore,” she said. “I started asking questions, joining organizations, meeting people. Getting involved changed everything for me.”
Spruill learned about the scholarship through KSU’s NRF Student Association during her junior year and was encouraged to apply by faculty advisor Heather Morgan.
“Anna is the kind of student who fully embraces every opportunity placed in front of her and often creates new ones for herself and others,” said Morgan, clinical assistant professor of marketing. “As a marketing student and an active leader on our NRF student board, she is constantly advocating for involvement, professional growth, and community. Her recognition at the national level reflects her drive, leadership, and the caliber of students our university is proud to showcase on a national stage.”
Spruill encourages other students to seek out opportunities beyond their coursework. “Put yourself out there,” she said. “Join the club. Apply for the scholarship. Say yes to opportunities. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken that chance.”
