Oglethorpe University first-year Kat Fuqua ’30 didn’t want to put her ambitions on hold when she went to college.

At just 19 years old, the business administration major is already an accomplished equestrian who has competed at the Grand Prix level in both dressage and show jumping. She has earned both national and international recognition, including triple gold at the 2024 FEI North American Youth Championships and a fifth-place finish in the Dressage Young Rider Freestyle at CHIO Aachen.

But even as the young rider sets her sight on competing at the sport’s highest levels, she is pursuing another important goal: building a strong academic future at Oglethorpe University.

When choosing a college, Fuqua knew she needed an environment that would allow her to invest fully in both.

“I chose Oglethorpe primarily for its perfect location,” says Fuqua. “My barn is located in Alpharetta, so it is easy for me to train every day after my classes. But what also really caught my attention about Oglethorpe was how small the class sizes are in relationship to most other colleges. I enjoy how I am able to have a relationship with my professors and easily ask them questions if I need clarifications on any assignment.”

Fuqua has structured her first semester with morning classes, leaving afternoons available for training. She has also intentionally scaled back her competition schedule while adjusting to college, giving herself time to focus on academics, build relationships and settle into the Oglethorpe community.

“I have enjoyed this first semester at Oglethorpe tremendously,” Fuqua said. “I definitely feel like I will have the ability to train and compete normally when the intensity begins.”

That confidence comes in part from the support she has already found in the classroom. Fuqua said her professors have been understanding of the demands she balances outside Oglethorpe and willing to communicate when challenges arise.

For Fuqua, those two parts of her life are not entirely separate. Throughout her coursework in the Hammack School of Business, she is already seeing connections between her coursework and equestrian. 

“There is so much more that goes into the sport than just riding horses, like management finances, marketing and building professional relationships,” says Fuqua. “As a business major, I am learning about these exact qualities and how they will help you create a successful business.”

Years of competing have also taught her the importance of teamwork and organization, skills she now sees reflected in her business education.

That ability to pursue an education without setting aside the passions and experiences that make a student who they are is part of what Fuqua has found at Oglethorpe.

“When your professors and peers understand that you are on board with the hard work ahead, they will back you and encourage you to chase your dreams,” she says.

For Fuqua, college isn’t a choice between preparing for her future and pursuing the passion that has already shaped so much of her life. At Oglethorpe, she’s finding room for both.