It is rare to find a student-athlete in a masters program. It is even more rare to find one who maintains a 4.0 grade point average. Neil Plank is one of those unusual athletes that fits into both categories.
"I think that I have the ability," said Plank. "At the same time, my grades are also something that I have to work at. My first semester here I did really well and got recognized for it so I wanted to continue the high standard I set for myself when I first arrived at ISU."
With his undergraduate degree in finance and insurance under his belt, Plank is continuing his first year of graduate school working towards a master's degree in management and finance.
"I would love to get involved in personal finance and take care of people's money, investments and plans for retirement," said Plank. "I really like the Bloomington/Normal area and wouldn't mind staying around here. It just depends on what opportunities I have here and what kind of opportunities lay elsewhere."
As a native of small town Mt. Zion, Plank spent his first year at Wisconsin as a Badger. Plank has found himself happier at Illinois State, as his drive to school before was approximately four hours. Now, Plank enjoys being closer to his family and friends.
"I like ISU's smaller atmosphere," said Plank. "I have no regrets coming here and have made a lot of good friends. Being at a Big Ten school was great because they had a large budget for us and there were a lot of perks, but then when I came here, I realized I had underestimated the talent in the Valley. It turned out to be a great conference and continues to get better."
Educationally, Plank has found that ISU helps student-athletes more.
"At Wisconsin, we were more on our own," said Plank. "Here, the athletic study center monitors you more. As much as I don't look forward to going there, it really helps out a lot. It has paid off for me because in the masters program it takes a lot more planning and organizing. Stuff can easily pile up, so I'm thankful for the study center to help keep me on task."
Along with Plank's important emphasis on his education, he has not forgotten his close friends. Many of his friends from high school ventured to ISU, so Plank's coming here was very easy because of his existing friendships at ISU.
"A lot of my friends in high school were also athletes," said Plank. "So we all had a lot in common I still remain close friends with a lot of them today."
Besides sharing athletics with his high school buddies, Plank and his friends often played card games, such as poker or euchre.
For Plank, the transition to a new college was easier for him than most, not only because he had friends here, but also because he was coming into a new team.
"The transfer from Wisconsin was pretty easy because of my friends at ISU and also stepping into a team," said Plank.
