Haslam College of Business - Graduating UT Haslam Seniors Bond in Service to Country

Matt Coyne, of Cranford, New Jersey, and Spencer Rabenold, from Austin, Texas, quickly became friends when they were assigned through ROTC to be roommates their first year at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Four years later, on the eve of graduation from the Haslam College of Business, the two remain roommates and friends, united by shared experiences. As ROTC cadets, they will be commissioned into the U.S. Army after graduation, where the shared bond of service to their country will continue to connect them.

Through ROTC to UT

ROTC influenced the pair to attend UT, offering generous financial packages covering most of their tuition.

Coyne, a supply chain management (SCM) major whose father’s work spurred his interest in the discipline, was also drawn to UT by Haslam’s highly ranked undergraduate SCM program.

“Everything in the world revolves around logistics, not just in business,” Coyne explains. “When I leave the Army, I have the opportunity to land a job pretty much anywhere because everyone needs some sort of a logistics network.”

Since Coyne will be commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant, his supply chain background will be pertinent, as he will be requisitioning supplies for his platoon.

“From my college supply chain background, I may be able to tell if there are issues in the supply line or if things are running smoothly,” he says.

Examining his college options, Rabenold knew he wanted to major in business and was familiar with Haslam, having spent his early years in Knoxville. When UT offered to supplement his ROTC financing with a scholarship covering his first year, Rabenold’s choice was clear.

“As an out-of-state student, Tennessee was going to be cheaper than going in-state,” he says.

Rabenold majored in economics with an international business concentration, which stems from a wanderlust born of journeying around the country with his family growing up. It has a more grounded business application, as well.

“Learning about the global aspects, I get a more holistic picture of business,” he explains.

International Exposure

In 2024, Rabenold and Coyne studied abroad in Germany during a mini term. They were struck by the regimented nature of business there. In a site visit to a BMW factory, Coyne saw a distinct, structured approach to business life.

“Germans approach business in a very punctual manner, and everything in the factory was meticulously laid out, highly structured and tightly controlled,” he says.

Rabenold, who also studied in Italy during his time at Haslam, observed that Italian business is more relaxed, with naps and vacations prized.

“Being in Italy and then going to Germany was a complete cultural turnaround,” he says. “Germans have vacations and benefits, but it is much more structured. Both systems achieve their ends, but it’s a very different way of doing things.”

According to Sara Easler, assistant dean for international programs and partnerships, by exploring business practices and culture abroad through Haslam’s International Programs and Study Abroad office, Rabenold and Coyne were able to broaden their perspectives and gain meaningful insight into how organizations and leaders operate across global contexts.

“Those experiences will serve them exceptionally well as they begin their careers as Army officers, bringing with them the adaptability, awareness and leadership needed in an increasingly interconnected world,” Easler said.

Testing Limits

In different ways, the two students found that being at UT challenged them to stretch themselves. Coyne had not traveled internationally before, but attending Haslam made him more willing to test boundaries.

“Coming to Tennessee forced me to push myself out of my comfort zone just by signing up for ROTC,” Coyne explains. “I have no family in the military whatsoever, so that was a big jump for me. Studying abroad, I saw this cool opportunity, and I thought I might as well try it. I’ve done things I never would’ve thought I would do..”

For Rabenold, persevering with Coyne and their fellow cadets through ROTC Ranger Company — a week of intense physical activity in extreme conditions — was a memorable challenge.

“Freshman year, a month after I showed up on campus, I was running with a heavy backpack in the woods,” Rabenold recalls. “I was cold, but I was cold with my friends and we were learning and pushing through that together, getting out of the comfort zone and experiencing new challenges. I barely knew some of these guys’ names, but then we were carrying each other.”

Service to Country

Honed by their college experiences, both enter the army as infantry second lieutenants and will first spend a year at Fort Benning, Georgia. Coyne will then head to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while Rabenold will be assigned to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. They look forward to the opportunity to give back to their country.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my country after it’s given so much to me,” Rabenold says. “From a home to free college, this country and its people mean everything to me!”

Coyne adds, “For me, it’s about contributing to something bigger than myself and supporting the men and women standing next to me.”

Main Image: Spencer and Matt pose for a photo in their uniforms.

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CONTACT: Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist (rmcnutt4@utk.edu)