Montreat students, faculty, and alumni can all agree that our beautiful mountain campus can feel more like summer camp than college at times. For Hannah Kate (Madsen) Bramblett (’14), however, Montreat really was a summer retreat. Rick Madsen, Hannah Kate’s dad, attended Montreat and graduated in 1979. Though he and his family settled in Florida, they made frequent trips to the cove when Hannah Kate was young.
Despite her strong family connection, Bramblett never saw Montreat as a true prospective college choice until her close friend, Hannah (Scholz) McVay (’13), began looking at Montreat to play volleyball. When Bramblett reached out to the soccer coach, she was offered a spot on the roster. Initially, she declined due to financial reasons, but the Lord had a greater plan. A crucial scholarship brought all the pieces together for Bramblett to attend Montreat.
She joined the soccer program during a rebuilding year. One of just four freshmen that year, the team won only a single game. However, by Bramblett’s junior year, the team qualified for the national tournament. While qualifying for nationals was a memory she’ll never forget, Bramblett was gifted with many other touching experiences at Montreat.
“My cup was overflowing,” she reflected. “I was poured into by friends, staff, community members, and church members.”
Today, all of Bramblett’s best friends are fellow Montreat alumni who helped shape her into who she is today. Faculty and staff played an equally important role, guiding her and helping her truly begin to own her faith.
Originally an elementary education major, Bramblett switched to Psychology and Human Services in her freshman year. During her time at Montreat, she and her brother Joseph (’16) worked as Wilson Scholars. Hannah Kate served in the Advancement Office and Joseph worked in the Communications Office. That experience was valuable to her for many reasons. As a student worker, her opinion was asked, valued, and considered.
“I felt like I was part of something special whenever I walked into the office,” she said.
Her boss at the time, Dave Walters, often invited her over for dinner and once extended the offer to her family. She recalled being amazed at his family’s willingness to open their home. Another key connection through Montreat was Fran and Steve Aceto, a couple who were also dorm parents to her father in the 70s. These relationships among others played a crucial role in solidifying her faith as truly her own, not just something she was told to believe.
“They helped give me the foundation I have in adulthood,” she said.
Because Montreat was a place where she could be wrapped in a community of believers, Bramblett wanted to find a way to give back to the college. When she was asked to join the Alumni Association Leadership Council, she jumped at the opportunity to support current students, stay connected to the school, and have an excuse to bring her family to North Carolina. Her brother, Joseph, also serves on the council, making it even more meaningful.
Now living in Central Florida, Bramblett is a busy wife and mother to Everett with another baby boy on the way. She works for Booster Enterprises, which helps elementary schools promote character, leadership, and fitness. Having served in her role for almost ten years, Bramblett thanks Montreat for giving her guidance and direction.
“Montreat gave me values that I carry with me every day,” she said, offering encouragement to today’s students. “My purpose is not rooted in me, but in Christ. Your years at Montreat College are transformational years to pour into your friends, try something new, and get involved. Listen to the wisdom that is all around you. The Lord is actively working in you and molding you into the man or woman he created you to be.”