An Alum’s Faithful Return to Campus: Anna Rasco’s Story
BY ERIN BURKETT ’20
2 MIN. READ
The Falls School of Business (FSB) at Anderson University has a long-standing tradition of preparing students to live out the message of discipleship found in Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus calls his followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Anna (Rayis) Rasco ’14, MBA ’18 beautifully lives out this calling in her life and career.
Rasco first visited AU during a Christ in Youth conference, unaware that this campus would become such a central part of her life. Drawn by the kindness, care, and intentionality she saw in the community, she knew she wanted to attend a small Christian school and God confirmed AU as the right choice.
Though she started in education, her path shifted toward public relations after heartfelt guidance from a message by an alumni in chapel and faculty mentors. Through AU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and valuable experiences in the Department of Communication and Design Arts, she found her passion and purpose.
After graduating, Rasco became an admissions counselor, sharing her love for AU while growing both personally and professionally. Eager to develop further, she pursued her MBA and a graduate assistant role in the Center for Career and Calling, where she had the chance to help students discover their passions and prepare for life beyond campus.
Rasco later fulfilled a dream by interning at Chick-fil-A, where she honed her marketing skills and explored human relations—an area that allowed her to apply her empathy, compassion, and leadership. After various fulfilling seasons in HR and consulting, Rasco transitioned to a more flexible, family-oriented role working remotely. She eventually joined Purple Ink as a talent consultant, where she thrived in helping match people to the right opportunities.
In 2023, Rasco returned to campus for Homecoming and had a conversation with her beloved former professor, Dr. Doyle Lucas. He encouraged her to consider stepping into his role upon his retirement. After much prayer, reflection, and hard but encouraging conversations, Rasco felt God’s call to return to AU—not just as an alum but as a professor in the FSB, starting in 2024.
With a heart full of gratitude and excitement, Rasco is now walking alongside her students, not only teaching but offering them guidance, prayer, and support as they navigate their own journeys. “I am so thankful every single time they invite me into that space in their lives,” Rasco shares.
Though this new role was unexpected, Rasco’s return is deeply rooted in faith. Her passion for innovation, love for her students, and commitment to their success reflect her desire to elevate not just the FSB, but the entire AU community, as they look forward to the future together.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.