Alumni Then & Now: Maria Watts ’03
Maria Watts is a 2003 Centenary graduate currently living in Chicago, Illinois, with her husband and two children. Maria was recently named to the 2020 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market Mergers & Acquisitions.
Centenary Days
I studied Business and Spanish while at Centenary, and was involved in a lot of different organizations, including Chi Omega (where I served as President), Soccer, Choir, and Cross-Country. I traveled abroad with the choir and studied in Spain my junior year. I chose to attend Centenary because of the liberal arts education, Methodist foundation, and ability to have a well-rounded college experience that focused on academics but allowed for the pursuit of multiple interests.
Life in 2020
I live in Chicago with my husband and two children. I am an investment banker at Baird where I advise companies on mergers and acquisitions & equity offerings. I’ve focused over the past decade on companies in the consumer sector, which, selfishly, is fun. I work with companies that have products we use, stores and websites we shop, and restaurants we frequent. I advise them on finding their next partner, raising capital, and/or growing through acquisition, which are often transformational events for the owners and management teams. I travel a few days a week for work. My family and career are my priorities, so those events are on my calendar first. However, I try to build connections and maintain ties as my schedule allows. I am a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and in a monthly book club. My husband and I hosted the Centenary women’s gymnastics team for dinner at our home when they were in town for a meet a few years ago. I also enjoy seeing Centenary friends when they come through for work or fun – reach out if you’re coming to town!
What was your favorite campus study spot?
I was old-school and appreciated the quiet and no-nonsense library environment.
What residence hall did you live in?
I lived in several places on campus - Sexton, James and Rotary - as well as off-campus in a house with Chi Omega friends. I learned that asking potential roommates how early you go to bed was something I wish I had known. Even in college, if given the opportunity, I was an early to bed person.
What was your favorite off campus hang out spot?
Shreveport has grown so much since I was there, but my memories seem to revolve around food! Superior was one of my favorite off-campus restaurants and I enjoyed going there with friends. Another one was Leon’s BBQ, owned by my dad’s close friend, and right down the street from campus. I also had a few close family friends, the age of my grandparents, who always welcomed me over for a meal.
Who was your favorite professor? What was one of the greatest things they taught you?
Dr. Rankin and Dr. Christensen were both great professors – demanding, but fair. They also showed a real interest in, and commitment to, supporting Centenary and its students in extracurriculars. It didn’t seem like just a job for them, they were invested in the Centenary community.
How did Centenary’s unique community prepare you for life after college?
Centenary encouraged the joy of discovery. I was able to pursue my different interests if I communicated and problem-solved through any schedule or expectation conflicts. The answer was never “no,” but “What are your suggestions to make that work?” That independence, with support, taught me the importance of finding allies and advocates, and to think through all the options and questions in advance in order to present a stronger case.
How did Centenary prepare you for networking?
Centenary taught me to be open-minded, listen better and forge connections for myself and for others. My Centenary experience introduced me to a diverse group of peers who brought different backgrounds and perspectives to every conversation. There was not one correct answer or reaction to a situation, and it was important to understand where others were coming from and learn from that. My involvement in a variety of activities allowed me to work on my “connector” skills. I was regularly put in a position of bringing people together and introducing commonalities to people who might otherwise not have crossed paths. I wish I was able to see my friends from Centenary more often, but I built meaningful relationships that can pick right up where they left off, even if it’s been a while.
What was your favorite campus activity, event, or club that no longer exists? – Pam Foncesca, Class of 2021
Honestly, I took a lot of pride that when I was at Centenary, it was the smallest Division I athletics program in the U.S. It was a draw for me originally that I could play a sport and sing in the Centenary College Choir and participate in sorority life. That said, I think it was the right decision to change divisions. There were definite downsides to being at a smaller school when trying to compete with much larger programs.
Did you ever have your laundry stolen from the residence hall laundry rooms? Or any other quirky, “only at Centenary” events? – Maria, Class of 2021
I did not have my laundry stolen, but Centenary students’ pride in tradition can’t be underestimated. Choir Camp and everything associated with the Centenary College Choir, sticks out as the most unique, and unique to Centenary, experiences.
What’s one thing I should do before I graduate? – Cason Hancock, Class of 2021
Study abroad - the maturity and appreciation you’ll gain from it are irreplaceable. Try something even if you aren’t good at it. Your college years are for exploration. In no other environment or time in your life (until perhaps retirement!) will you have more free time and encouragement to try new things and push your boundaries.