Haslam College of Business - Spotlights

The UT Ph.D. student is teaching young students about data science through soccer.

Jared Smith (UT B.S., ’16; M.S., ’17; Ph.D., ’20) did not set out to become an entrepreneur. He set out to solve problems. That instinct, honed through years of research, competitions and late nights troubleshooting code, led him to co-found two companies and return to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as a mentor for the…

Growing up in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Jessica Bookstaff Doppelt’s (HCB, ’00) story is woven with family legacy, business acumen and a passion for community. Doppelt recently returned to theUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville, to speak to the current Haslam College of Business M.S. in Marketing cohort at the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and…

The Department of Marketing in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business welcomed two new faculty members at the start of the fall 2025 semester — Nawar N. Chaker and Aaron M. Garvey both joined the department as associate professors. Chaker joined Haslam from Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business. With…

Growing up in Knoxville, Alexandria Carter (UT, ’23) dreamed of pursuing a music career in Nashville. She never imagined becoming a scientist, let alone a biomedical entrepreneur. When Carter began her studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, however, she discovered a surprising new passion for engineering. “It was really UT that lit that initial…

Josh Scull is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, where he immersed himself in the UT student chapter of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an involvement that opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities and provided a jumpstart in his chosen profession.

The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, housed in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, hosted its first Meet the Founders event of the academic year on September 3. The gathering featured Blake Thompson (UT M.S., ’12), founder and owner of Teammate Basketball, a grassroots organization launched in 2017 to empower youth…

Lindsey Hessler is a senior from Germantown, Wisconsin, double majoring in management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business and physics through UT’s College of Arts and Sciences. As part of the Spark Scholars program supported by the UT Center for Materials Processing, Hessler currently works as a tech to market summer…

Javonte’ Harding is used to making an impression, whether he’s sprinting on the track or designing clothing that speaks to the soul. A graduate student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a standout on the UT track team, Harding is also the founder of I.AM.NRML, a fashion brand that challenges the idea of what…

Matt Allum is pursuing a music career and higher education.

Diamond Monroe, a driven Full-Time MBA student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, is the founder of Diamond Monroe Organics, an all-natural skincare and hair growth brand built with purpose, passion and plenty of research. With a dual focus in supply chain and entrepreneurship, Monroe brings both scientific rigor and entrepreneurial…

Rachel’s Dessert Bar is a small Knoxville, student-owned business from Haslam marketing major Rachel Stewart.

Paul and Pat Green came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1977 from Bristol, Tennessee, to pursue their college degrees together. “We were dating at the time,” says Paul. “Pat majored in industrial engineering, where she was one of only two or three female students in the program.” Paul chose to study finance at…

Images communicate in ways that words cannot. Anne Smith, head of the Department of Management at the Haslam College of Business, sees photography as a way to observe management styles. “I’m very interested in how to use images in the field, getting organizational members to take pictures and talk about them,” says Smith. “For three…

Is nature truly priceless? Perhaps so, but you can put a monetary value on it. Food, fuel, shelter and myriad other commodities are sourced from the natural world, and some economists, including one at the Haslam College of Business, are attempting to measure this natural capital in concrete, capitalistic terms. A study published by Nature…

Tracie Woidtke was on the faculty at Texas A&M University when the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, opened the Neel Corporate Governance Center in 2003. Jim Wansley, head of the Department of Finance, reached out to Woidtke to see if she’d be interested in a new faculty position they were creating. “I agreed to meet with…

An avid soccer player, biker, swimmer and gardener, Ernie Cadotte spends much of his free time enjoying the great outdoors of Tennessee. His wife, Bonnie, shares his passion for nature, especially the mountains. The Cadottes came to Knoxville in the 1970s when Ernie joined the faculty at the Haslam College of Business. Today, Ernie studies…

Kayla Moran, a UT College of Law alumna, founded an influencer law firm to meet a growing need in the creator economy.

Nick DiMeglio (MBA, ’24) and his sister Cait created a fashion line focused on giving back.

UT alumni Derrick Furlow Jr. and Kim Quigley are making a difference in athlete mental health.

Rocky Top Customs – a business from a University of Tennessee, Knoxville, student – specializes in crafting unique, hand-painted custom shoes. Addison Yelton, a sophomore from Johnson City, Tennessee, founded the business while pursuing a B.A. in art and competing as a goalkeeper for the Lady Vol’s soccer team. Yelton started painting as a child…

Rachel Ramsey (College of Nursing, ’05) is the founder of Nashville-based The Newborn Nurse, LLC. The company provides in-person and online newborn education, as well as day and night in-home newborn nurse care as families transition from the hospital to their homes.

Joseph Harrison, an associate professor in Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business believes that truly understanding business leaders and firm strategy requires going beyond traditional research methods.

Luke Cornelius is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, majoring in management with a collateral in supply chain management and a minor in environmental studies.

Two University of Tennessee, Knoxville alumni, Pierce LaMacchia (HCB, ’12) and Joe Seiber (’07), have partnered with the university and Vol Dining to introduce their local coffee and doughnut businesses to campus.

After a generous financial gift from Knoxville entrepreneur Randy Boyd this spring, the Center for Business and Economic Research bears a new name – the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. President and CEO of Knoxville-based Radio Systems, Boyd attended the Haslam College of Business from 1975-1979. “Some of my favorite courses were in…

Tony and Mike Tuber are the co-founders of T Squared Putters, a company specializing in premium, fully customizable golf putters. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, the Tuber brothers moved to Knoxville to pursue their business education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business. Tony, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in…

Wesley Pitts is a rising senior business management major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business. He is also an entrepreneur revolutionizing the lawn care industry through grounds maintenance automation. Pitts, who is currently serving in the Tennessee Air National Guard, became an entrepreneur when he founded KnoxBots to help commercial properties…

Everyone’s entrepreneurial journey is a unique, individualized experience. While some embark on the path through franchising, others find their niche in invention or innovation. For Knoxville native Rheagan Haynes, the gateway to entrepreneurship unfolded through acquisition. A senior management major at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, Haynes recently became a student…

Marengo appreciates the opportunity to work on real-world business problems the MSBA program offers.

Major: Marketing Collateral/Concentration: International Business Minor: Leadership Studies Year: Junior (Class of 2025) Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Major: Marketing Collateral/Concentration: International Business Year: Junior Hometown: Bristol, TN

As Haslam’s doctoral programs coordinator and assistant director for the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, Vossler enjoys the diverse challenges she takes on as part of her work.

“Most of what I’m working on is just improving class materials to enhance learning or to try and make learning the tough stuff more fun.”

Member of the UT Cheer Team, senior marketing major Jack Cupit combines his love of music and the Vols with his plans to enter the music industry.

Gibson, Haslam’s director of advancement, has a passion for building relationships.

Hayden, a senior in marketing, found a sense of belonging in Haslam’s scholars and ambassadors programs and beyond.

Weissmueller, the economics department’s office manager won the 2023 Haslam Staff Award for Innovation and Creativity.

Geron is the new director of operations for the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haslam College of Business.

I am in my last semester at the Haslam College of Business, pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in human resource management and a collateral in entrepreneurship. Throughout my four years at UT, I have maintained an overall GPA of 4.0, which I attribute to remarkable professors.

Fleming took an unusual path to becoming a medical doctor, first earning her bachelor’s in finance.

As the new director of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, Bob Buckner brings an understanding and passion for both disciplines.

Thatcher, an expert in the area of team faultlines and conflict, has been a trailblazer in educating young scholars on how to write conceptual manuscripts.

I am a third-year student in the Haslam College of Business, pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a double major in business management and sustainability.

Long credits skills and knowledge gained in the Haslam MBA program for his success in the supply chain industry.

Ladd credits Haslam with teaching her leadership skills she applies in her job as a sales district leader with PepsiCo.

Cauble, who plays the mellophone in the Pride of the Southland band, is majoring in supply chain management and accounting.

As assistant director of the Haslam Office of International Programs & Study Abroad, Jacobs assists students considering study abroad options.

Marsh credits Haslam for providing the education that led him to a successful career.

Rolfe used degrees in finance and law from UT to build a successful career, leading to her becoming the first chief operating officer of HCA Healthcare’s Galen College of Nursing.

While at Haslam, Chen has spent a semester studying in France, earned his real estate license, started a niche realty firm, won funding for it in the college’s Graves Business Plan Competition and more.

As the new director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, Bruce strives to put pertinent economic research in the hands of decision makers.

After retiring from the NFL, Maggitt earned his MBA from Haslam and used the skills he gained there to found the EDGE (Education, Development, Guidance, Empowerment) Foundation to create opportunities for inner city youth.

Magill, who is retiring from Haslam after a successful 40-year career in event operations, will return during Graduate and Executive Education’s busiest seasons to lend a hand.

Lester credits her success in business and academia to her training at Haslam.

Lipcius says Haslam’s MBA program has helped him balance his time between academics and sports.

Embodying the Volunteer Spirit, alumnus Greg Curtin traveled to Poland and threw himself into relief work for Ukraine.

Scott draws on his experience in industry to instill his supply chain management students with practical, applicable knowledge.

As director of career management for Haslam’s Graduate & Executive Education, O’Dell helps students navigate their career path.

Love says she found support, involvement and inspiration at the Haslam College of Business.

Carruthers recently was named the inaugural William F. Fox Distinguished Professor of Labor Economics.

Delgadillo, a dual economics and finance major is a community volunteer and a CAP Advocate with the Office of Access and Community Connections.

Turgeon has created a fellowship endowment to fund graduate fellowships in Haslam’s marketing department.

Mashinski says her experiences while earning her accounting degree at the University of Tennessee was the foundation of her successful 30-year career.

Working with community organizations and educators, Jackson connects high school students with programs that expose them to the possibilities Haslam and UT offer.

As a high school junior, Nhu Bui attended Haslam’s Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) program, which made the University of Tennessee her top school choice after graduating high school.

With a background in commercial real estate, Roark is building a real estate education program at Haslam.

Mikaiel assisted the Big Orange Pantry by optimizing its supply chain to deliver emergency food assistance to students, faculty and staff.

Alexander credits lessons learned at Haslam as keys to her success, especially the importance of building relationships.

The accounting alumnus credits Haslam for his solid financial understanding, which has supported his successful business career.

“We welcome students during freshmen orientation and give them hugs at graduation,” Basehart says.

Melerine says her experience as an intern in the U.K. will help build important skills that she will apply in future careers.

Summers, a senior business analytics major, says what he learns in classes in Haslam has very real applications.

Beginning her first semester at UT, Bolumole is most excited about meeting the students and teaching supply chain decision analytics this fall.

Sanchez, coordinator of TakeOff, Haslam’s yearlong program for first-generation students, was a first-generation student, too.

Lobel is the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus for the Haslam College of Business Department of Accounting and Information Management.

Heatherly credits Haslam with helping her learn to balance her schedule of rigorous accounting classes, internships and philanthropy.

Worsham says one of his motivations is helping people connect with others.

An internship opportunity in a Haslam College of Business finance class changed Pratt’s life, leading him into a career in real estate.

O’Steen is a current student in the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Tri-continent program.

The MSHRM program at the University of Tennessee gave me something much more valuable than credentials and a piece of paper to hang on the wall. The professors and staff associated with this program went to great lengths to provide us with current valuable information, techniques and relatability to the current work force.

“My experience in the MSBA program, especially the capstone course, fostered my ability to interact well with clients and team members.”

Studying abroad in Barcelona was more than a learning experience. The opportunity to live and study abroad as well as travel around to other countries for the first time enlightened me to so many aspects of life and the real world. Independence, problem solving, adaptivity, and resilience were skills that I really needed to improve…

Australia was a legendary destination that I would recommend without reservation to anyone seeking a development experience abroad. The emphasis Aussies place on appreciation of wildlife and the world’s natural beauty was inspiring every day – some of the greatest sunsets and the most stars you will likely ever see. In a business sense, Australians…

The opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, for the mini-term this year was by far one of the most beneficial that I’ve had in my three years at UT. Academically and professionally, I benefitted from the hands-on nature of our learning experiences; I believe that they even surpassed what I could have learned from…

Through immersing myself in the cultural melting pot of London, learning first-hand of the experiences of others from Tennessee who have made their careers overseas and in the international marketplace, and experiencing the societal and market differences between Britain and the United States, I can fervently say that I feel not only more confident in…

Though of course this class can be easily be taken at UT, taking it in Ireland had other perks as an undergrad that one would not receive in a traditional classroom setting. I loved that we could interact with Irish businesses because I am intrigued with international business and how other countries are similar or…

While I was in Germany I learned to live like a local. Picking out a favorite coffee shop in town, learning to use public transportation, and having a favorite meal such as schnitzel are some of the many things I miss now that I’m back in the States. Getting to know the waiters at our…

GP offered me the unique experience to leverage my business education with the international business knowledge I had learned within the GLS program and throughout my study abroad experience. During my internship, I was assigned to assist GP Harmon (the recycling leg of GP) to perform a quantitative and qualitative analysis on entering into foreign…

The experience of traveling to Germany on my own helped me to grow as a person in charge of my own choices. Traveling semi-independently has sparked in me a whole new excitement of seeing the world. Walking around the busy streets in Munich, hearing words in a foreign language, smelling the aromas of German cuisine,…

Going to Argentina and Uruguay opened my eyes to new people, food, friends, and a world I could never find or experience through a typical class lecture. From visiting automobile manufacturing plants to seeing how wine was made, I do not know how I could have done this on my own. I had the privilege…

The summer after my junior year I worked for Ernst & Young in New York City. The office is in Times Square, so there is always something going on outside. As a tax technology Intern, I worked with visual basic programming in Microsoft Excel and Access. I also became the install specialist for a demo…

In my three weeks abroad, I learned to adopt some of the cultural practices of Italy. It was hard to wrap my head around some things, like shops randomly closing during the middle of the day so employees could go home, eat lunch, and take a nap before returning back to work. While eating in…

I had an amazing time abroad in Argentina and Uruguay. This trip allowed me to acquire a personal experience on how global businesses operate outside of the US and how they overcome barriers we would not encounter locally. Thank you, Haslam, for making this trip possible!

My internship with Procter & Gamble was full of learning experiences. I was working in the fabric care category, which encompasses Tide, Downy, Gain and other big brand name products. My job as an intern was made up of four projects, all related to inventory. One project was to develop a tool to identify overage…

This past summer after my second-year at UT, I had the great privilege to intern for McCormick & Company in Maryland as their distribution intern. For the duration of my internship, I focused on my main project which was to create and implement a new manual activity sheet for 117 distribution technicians to record their…

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Cuba. We live in a country polluted by consumerism and materialism. In Cuba, people truly care about their family their friends and live a happier way of life. I learned that wealth does not mean happiness and since coming back I have…

Throughout the entirety of my trip, everywhere I looked there were opportunities to soak up the richest history and culture. While all of Europe is overflowing with historical significance, London leads the world in terms of innovation in business and education but also holds on tight to its roots.

During the fall 2015 semester, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Georgia‐Pacific, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. While at GP, I worked as a strategic sourcing and procurement analyst supporting the MRO and capital group. Essentially, this group is responsible for purchasing maintenance and operating supplies for the multiple GP facilities as well as…

Through hands-on Excel training, analytical thinking techniques, customer relationship development strategies and the first-hand experiences and knowledge of the various marketing/business professors at Haslam, I was able to come to my internship at Marathon Petroleum Company with a strong backbone of intellectual capability. The various Excel projects I created during the course of my internship…