Senior Van Dorn plans to start masters program while working on his business

Sydnee Bartruff

As this semester comes to an end, students spend these couple of weeks finishing up assignments, studying for finals and preparing for the next chapter that lies ahead.

For some, that next chapter involves graduating college.

“After graduation, I want to become a graduate assistant here at UNK while getting my masters. If not, I will try to acquire a full time job somewhere while taking my masters classes,” said Corey Van Dorn, an exercise science major.

A Jacksonville, Florida native, Van Dorn has accomplished many feats throughout his college career.

As a UNK wrestler, he is a four-time MIAA academic honor roll student and is part of a two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic team.

Enrolled to start the Masters of Business Administration program in the spring of 2019, the 22-year old will finish his wrestling career in March.

“There are so many opportunities and possibilities in life, and you should never shy away from anything because you never know where it may take you,” Van Dorn said. “You should always have an open mind to new things.”

To add to his resume, Van Dorn started a business called Savage Ruthless, a clothing company, from a marketing class he took.

He filed for the trademark of his company in December 2017 and it was granted registration in August.

His product lines include hoodies and hats with Savage Ruthless written on them, sold for men, women and even kids sizes.

“I would like to mentor undergraduate students in business and entrepreneurship. I also want to start another business during 2019,” Van Dorn said.

In addition to Savage Ruthless selling products, Van Dorn said Savage Ruthless has sponsored amateur and pro fighters. The company has also donated to Breast Cancer Awareness, American Cancer Society and others.

“We have a website, social media, a staff of designers, and we just keep growing larger and larger, selling products across the country,” Van Dorn said.

While he said he never expected to start such a thriving business, Van Dorn knew he had to adjust when starting college.

“Being from Florida, coming up to UNK was definitely a different environment, but in reality I went from a high school kid living with my parents to a college kid living on my own and making all my own decisions, so everything was going to be different no matter what college I went to,” Van Dorn said. “I really made the best of UNK though.”

Continuing his future as a Loper following his undergraduate graduation, he chose the university for a reason.

“I think I have at least met half the town since I’ve lived here. Everyone here is extremely nice and there are lots of opportunities here on campus,” Van Dorn said.