A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business recently received a major recognition. Ludmilla Groenner (MBA, ’24), who graduated from Haslam’s Full-Time MBA program in the spring, was recognized by Poets & Quants as one of its 2024 MBAs to Watch. Now a corporate strategy manager with Eastman Chemical Company, Groenner says she was honored by the acknowledgment while praising Haslam’s MBA program.
“It was certainly a great recognition to end this MBA cycle at UT, which completely changed my perspective in business, solidified my career and provided a value change in my life,” she says.
David Maslar, an academic director with Haslam’s Full-Time MBA program, taught Groenner in finance classes and worked with her during case competitions and recruiting events. He calls Groenner a student who consistently stood out as one of the top achievers in her cohort.
“Her inquisitive nature not only demonstrates her intellectual depth but also reflects her commitment to understanding complex issues at a deep level,” Maslar says. “I am confident that, with her intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic, she will excel in any leadership role in which she finds herself.”
A Multifaceted MBA Experience
Groenner, a Brazilian native, noted that as an international student adjusting to a new culture, a different language and a new academic method, it was a challenge to undertake Haslam’s MBA program. However, she found the environment welcoming and felt supported by her classmates, as well as the college’s faculty and staff.
“When I saw I was named [by Poets & Quants], it showed that all this effort was worth it,” Groenner says. “The MBA program at UT was an amazing experience for me. I tell all my friends that every single day I walked through the Haslam doors, I felt this fulfillment and happiness, and I was proud to be there.”
Her pride in being a Haslam MBA graduate stems in part from being surrounded by faculty and students she calls “committed, knowledgeable, intelligent and experienced” and the opportunities the program offered her.
“I was impressed by how well-structured the MBA program is, providing not only academic support, but also promoting different areas, training, events — such as fairs or interviews — and, especially, creating the link between the students and companies,” Groenner says.
Lighting the Way to a Brighter Business Future
During her time at Haslam, Groenner excelled academically, earning the Golden Cord in recognition of her high performance and top GPA in the MBA program. Yet, Groenner, who is a full-time mother to her elementary-school-age daughter, also found time to volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank and Beardsley Farms in Knoxville. Because contributing to her community is important to Groenner, UT’s Volunteer Spirit resonates with her, and she will maintain these values going forward.
“I must mention the sense of community and passion for the university that every Vol carries with them,” she says. “I will carry all these Vols values with me in my professional and personal life.”
Missie R. Bowers, associate professor and the Beaman Professor in Business at Haslam, who taught Groenner in two business analytics courses, noted the recent graduate’s leadership qualities embodied the Volunteer Spirit.
“Ludmilla was a servant leader in the MBA program, and her leadership skills were outstanding,” Bowers says. “In all her interactions at Haslam, Ludmilla led by example. She demonstrated humility, integrity, respect, a strong work ethic, a keen intellect, determination, a willingness to listen, understand and help and a positive attitude in all her endeavors.”
In keeping with the Volunteer Spirit, Groenner believes in advocating for others with fewer opportunities. This is why she previously has served on diversity and inclusion bodies in her professional and academic careers and is currently serving as a member of Eastman’s resources group for diversity and inclusion.
“With our voice, we can promote others who are not heard and keep going together, improving this business environment,” Groenner says. “Diversity and inclusion help improve the company, because different points of view can create a better environment for everybody.”
Encouraging Others to Expand Their Perspectives with Haslam
Groenner worked in business management for several years before entering Haslam’s MBA program. She wasn’t interested in earning her MBA simply to put a new credential by her name. She wanted an education that expanded her horizons — Haslam delivered.
“I’m always looking for life experience that could provide new possibilities, new perspectives that enable me to connect with people with critical thinking from different cultures,” she says. “I got all of this in the Haslam program. I was immersed in an extremely collaborative, productive and academically excellent environment. I had an amazing experience, and as much as I can do for others to have the same experience, I will be encouraging them.”
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CONTACT:
Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu
