For Ellison Lambert, the College of Natural Resources has played a pivotal role in her academic and professional journeys.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management in 2019, Lambert ventured into the world of philanthropic event management.
But after a few years in the field, Lambert returned to the college to pursue an online master’s degree in parks, recreation, tourism and sport management (MPRTSM).
Lambert recently graduated and is now completing the coursework for the sport, entertainment and venue management (SEVM) certificate.
“I knew it was going to be a great, quality education, because I’ve done it before, and I love parks and recreation, and once I was full time in it, I knew it’s where I wanted to stay,” Lambert said.
Lambert added, “I was also really excited about the SEVM certificate. Venue management has always been interesting to me, but it wasn’t something I had considered as a career before this program.”
Choosing NC State to Pursue Her Degrees
Growing up, Lambert was part of a family that always loved the outdoors and their experiences together were important in shaping her future aspirations.
“We loved traveling to all of the North Carolina beaches, and we were more of a beach family than a mountain family,” she said. “But we would always go out to the parks and my dad would always take me fishing at Bond Park in Cary.”
Little did Lambert know, one of her favorite childhood places would be pivotal early in her college career. As part of the PRT 358: The Recreation Program course, Lambert completed a service learning project for Bond Park.
“Everything, I feel, has been very full circle in my life, of things that I loved as a kid or experienced as a kid,” Lambert said.
During her undergraduate studies, Lambert chose a concentration in sustainable tourism. By her senior year, she, along with some of her friends in the program, founded the Tourism Management Association.
Looking back, Lambert fondly remembers Annette Moore and Whitney Knollenberg, two professors who really inspired her to pursue a career in parks and recreation.
Moore, she recalled, was always enthusiastic when she taught her classes, and Knollenberg’s passion about tourism and its impacts really resonated with her.
“I loved their passion for the industry and it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Lambert said. “Whitney ended up being a mentor for me throughout my entire undergraduate experience. And I still come back and speak in her classes and stay connected with her.”
Exploring the World of Event Philanthropy
It was during her first internship experience with Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina that Lambert first explored the world of philanthropic event management.
As an events intern for the foundation, Lambert helped plan fundraising events. That included the annual Wish Ball, which raised more than $500,000 to support experiences for children with critical illnesses.
Lambert’s interest in fundraising and event planning was piqued further once she became involved with a student organization formerly called “Students for University Advancement.”
She worked as the president of the organization, which planned the student portion of NC State’s annual Day of Giving and handled the senior campaign.
Following graduation, Lambert had the opportunity to continue to pursue her newfound passion as an event coordinator at the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.
There, Lambert was in charge of planning the nonprofit’s annual fundraising events, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. The events ranged from a clay shooting tournament to a T-shirt campaign.
After coordinating events for a couple of years, Lambert went on to become the nonprofit’s special events manager and then director of special events.
“I was creating the invitations and the website, working with vendors, writing the script for the hosts, soliciting sponsorships and auction items,” Lambert said. “Every piece of the event from start to finish was my responsibility.”
Lambert added, “When I look at all the things I loved most about events and my role, it was the relationship-building piece, especially getting to know the vendors, guests and the families that were coming to speak at the event.”
Advancing Her Career Goals With an Online Degree
After being promoted to director of special events at Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, Lambert decided it was time to advance her career by pursuing a master’s degree.
“I’ve always been a big set-goals, reach-your-goals type of person,” Lambert said. “I knew there were a lot of things that I needed refreshers on, and things that, since I was focused on tourism during my undergraduate studies, I might not have focused on enough.”
Lambert first learned about the online MPRTSM degree program when Erin Adair, online and distance education coordinator, spoke to her undergraduate senior seminar course to discuss the program’s benefits, including its affordability and flexibility.
The flexibility of the program was a big factor for Lambert. In both her former role at Ronald McDonald House and her current position with the Town of Apex, she works a lot of hours, often during nights and weekends.
Helping People Engage With Their Local Community
In 2024, while enrolled in the online MPRTSM program, Lambert accepted the position of volunteer coordinator for the Town of Apex’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department.
Lambert now works with thousands of volunteers who log more than 50,000 hours of service each year. She also oversees the town’s pollinator initiatives.
Additionally, Lambert works with groups seeking to enhance the town’s trails and park systems. This includes the Adopt-A-Park program, with which she helps to facilitate work days.
Lambert also works with the Apex Youth Council, an independent organization run by local middle and high school students to enhance the community through leadership and service.
“I love seeing young people get engaged in their community and seeing them see how important volunteering can be and how important it is to give back,” Lambert said. “It’s just the best feeling to even be a small part of that.”
She added, “Working in parks and recreation is rewarding, fulfilling and fun. I’m so happy that this is what I get to do each day.”
- Categories:
