International student-athlete speaks about her experience in economics and business

Demi-Lee Carlisle, an international student-athlete with a double major in economics and business analytics, will be the student commencement speaker at the College for Business Analytics & Communications spring ceremony on May 16, 2025.  

Originally from South Africa, Carlisle arrived at Minnesota State Moorhead with a swim cap and a computer science course load. “Swimming was my way in, but academics were always my priority,” she says. 

During her freshman year, Carlisle took an economics class with professor T.J. Hansen, which sparked an unexpected passion. “I fell in love with economics,” she says. “I enjoyed coding, but I liked the social aspect of understanding how people respond to incentives and how economies evolve.” That’s why she decided to change her major from computer science to a double major in economics and business analytics, an ideal blend of her interests. 

Her path was shaped by professors T.J. Hansen and Oscar Flores, who mentored her academically and helped her develop her passion. The economics program travels with all expenses paid to national conferences each year. Carlisle attended the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) conference in Washington D.C. in 2022 and 2025. 

One of those trips was during the peak of the global supply chain crisis, a moment that marked a pivotal memory for her. “It wasn’t just about theory anymore, it was about real-world impact,” she says. “That trip, fully funded by alumni, showed me what was possible with my degree.” 

Later, Carlisle decided to do her senior thesis on the cost of loadshedding on the South African economy. She presented this research at the Eastern Economics Association conference in New York and the Student Academic Conference at Moorhead. 

Outside the classroom, Carlisle immersed herself in the full MSUM experience. As a learning community mentor for STEM and business students, the Election Chair in the Student Senate, tutor in the Academic Success Center, treasurer of the Economic Society, and member of the SAFAC committee, she got involved with the policies, budget, and processes that shape student life. “I wanted to be part of conversations that make change happen,” she says. 

Her involvement on campus has made her expand her leadership, problem solving and time management skills. “I’m getting a well-rounded experience not only as a student-athlete but in meeting new people, networking, and going to conferences to get a deeper understanding of what I learn in class,” Carlisle says. 

Reflecting on her education journey, she advises new students: “Get involved. You are more than just a student. Find your community will help you know where you belong.” 

Her commencement speech will highlight heart, grit, and humility. “My biggest takeaway after leaving MSUM is that I’m not closing the door. I’m opening more,” she says. 

During her time at Moorhead, Carlisle was awarded multiple scholarships, including the Larry D. Dahlsad Endowment, the Majorie Sanders Memorial, and the Tammy J. Miller & Craig A. Palmer and Eugene Philipps scholarships. 

Photo courtesy of the GO!Team    

As a swimmer, Carlisle holds the 100-yard backstroke second-fastest time in school history, the 50-yard backstroke fifth-fastest mark in school history and the 100-yard freestyle ninth-fastest time in school history. She was recognized with the Outstanding Senior Year Award and Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award by the NSIC. She’s also a three times NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence and CSC Academic All-District selection. 

After graduation, Carlisle will pursue a Master of Arts in Economics at Miami University in Ohio.