Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kate Mielitz. I am an Assistant Professor in Family Financial Planning at Oklahoma State University. I am also an Accredited Financial Counselor. I earned my AFC® designation through the FINRA Military Spouse Fellowship program. I got my Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State in 2018.
When you were choosing programs, why did you choose K-State?
Funny you should ask. This is a longer story, but I need it on the record…when I got my Master’s degree in Communications I knew I wanted my Ph.D., but my husband, Slade, was active duty and we never landed anywhere close to an institution where I could go in person. One night when he was on 24-hour duty (Hooah! Go Army!) and trying to stay awake, he started looking for Ph.D. programs that were reputable but that I could do from a distance. He found K-State and I was off and running to apply! So, he gets the credit for finding the program! Kansas State has a good reputation as a land grant university, and I was happy that the program was hybrid in nature. It met my needs to be with my family, but still allowed me to pursue my degree with the stringent requirements of a traditional program.
What do you remember about your time at K-State?
The people. My co-hortmates in particular (Spoon, Princess, Vincent, Ben, Julie, my school husband David, and Alan) but also the other students and the faculty. I loved going to campus for 2 weeks every summer and seeing everyone. I loved that the classes were held via Zoom so that we got face time with our professors and could have research meetings or other discussions via that same platform. I miss Hale Library and the staff there so very much! Best university library in the nation, if you ask me. They could get me anything I needed, at any time practically, and everyone was always so willing to help!
How has your education in PFP enhanced your current career path?
I transitioned from being a military spouse who worked in the non-profit/corporate world to being a professor. I was doing a fair amount of the same work (financial education) prior to getting my Ph.D., but now I get to do it at the college level. Being able to connect with students on a regular basis and see them grow in their relationship with money is incredible. Most of my financial education work was workshops so I didn’t get to see the growth very often. Also, I freaking LOVE research. So, I get the best of both worlds—teaching and research. Getting my Ph.D. in PFP really expanded my reach and understanding of how research impacts the boots on groundwork of financial professionals.
What recommendations would you make for future financial planners?
- Always prioritize the person behind the money. Above all else, the person comes first.
- Keep your eyes open for opportunities to learn, even if the topic area isn’t something you think you want to know more about. I’m not an investment, tax planning, retirement planning type of girl…but boy howdy did those classes, and the other CFP® core courses, help me become a better, more well-rounded financial professional. I’m able to ask better questions and troubleshoot things more easily with clients and making connections for my students is also easier.
- Take the touchy-feely Communications courses, understand how to work with your clients first and foremost.
- Own it when you don’t know and own it when you make a mistake. Get the answers needed and fix the errors.
What professional achievements are you most proud of?
- I received the Mary Ellen Edmonson Educator of the Year for 2020 from AFCPE.
- Being awarded the FINRA Military Spouse Fellow Mentor of the Year Award in 2019
- I was just selected to join the AFCPE Board of Directors!
What kind of things do you do in your community?
- I am a member of the Education Advisory Board for the Tourette Association of America.
- I am actively involved in the Oklahoma Chapter of the Tourette Association. This includes giving formal presentations with my children (we all have Tourette Syndrome).
- I’m the Finance Team Advisor for the University of Wyoming chapter of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.
What are your hobbies/interests? What do you do for fun?
I love, love, love to read. Psychological or political thrillers mostly, but I’m also a sucker for a good romance novel. I like to sew—making masks is a kick. I’m an amateur photographer—mostly my dogs and kids, but also landscapes, waterfalls, stuff like that.