Immersive Master of Business Administration
The Immersive Master of Business Administration (IMBA) at The Thomas D. Arthur Graduate School of Business is an intensive, comprehensive pathway designed to equip high-achieving undergraduates with meaningful business experience.
The curriculum contains the same core courses required of all ECU MBA students and culminates with an immersive internship experience with an eastern North Carolina company.
Let’s get going!
Now is the time to join a cohort-based learning environment that brings together high-performing students from varying backgrounds. You will progress together through the Immersive Master of Business Administration pathway in one academic year, creating a strong network that will support you beyond graduation. Classes are delivered face-to-face by select faculty over two semesters, then you will take that classroom knowledge to your internship. We will match you with a company looking to fill leadership training programs and management-track positions. To prepare you, your coursework will be complemented by leadership training workshops, professional networking, and volunteer projects. You will be part of a pathway that aligns with ECU’s mission to be future-focused and innovation-driven.
We have your dream job. You are the dream talent.
For more information, contact Leonard Mansfield, IMBA advisor, mansfieldl16@ecu.edu | 252-328-6970.
Attend an Information Session
- October 9, 2025 (Thursday) at 4:00 pm – Bate 1300
- November 10, 2025 (Monday) at 4:00 pm – Virtual session
- November 20, 2025 (Thursday) at 4:00 pm – Bate 1300
- January 20, 2026 (Tuesday) at 4:00 pm – Virtual session
- January 28, 2026 (Wednesday) at 4:00 pm – Bate 1300
Complete this IMBA Information Session form to sign up for an Information Session.
Application Information
To apply for the Immersive MBA (IMBA) pathway, students must first be admitted to the MBA program. Once admitted, applicants will complete a supplemental IMBA application through ECUAward. If you have previously submitted a scholarship application via ECUAward, please review your saved responses carefully, as all submitted information will be considered during the IMBA review process.
The supplemental IMBA application includes the following components:
- Personal Statement
- YouTube Video Statement
- One Letter of Reference from a faculty member
Review the supplemental IMBA application in ECUAward for detailed instructions and guidance on each component.
Important Dates for Fall 2026 Cohort
- Application Opens: November 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Mandatory Interview Date: February 27, 2026
Please note: Attendance at the interview is required to be considered for admission into the IMBA pathway.
In the News
Class of 2026
Whitley Anderson
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management Information Systems
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I will bring the creativity of a dancer and the structure of an IT professional. My diverse work experience has given me a unique perspective on problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. I will leverage my skills and learnings to contribute in meaningful ways to the cohort and grow as an IMBA student.
Cameron Britton
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I bring a mindset that challenges ideas and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. I thrive on encouraging others to think differently, which I believe will elevate the conversations and growth within our cohort.
Jessica Bustos Soto
Hometown: Garner, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences, BS – Biology
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I bring a unique perspective with my background in biology, which allows me to approach business challenges through a different lens, being able to combine analytical thinking with a passion for innovation.
Nicole Cerezo Santana
Hometown: Clayton, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA -Management; Certificate – Data Analytics
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
What makes me unique is that I’ve learned to successfully balance being a business owner, student leader, and professional all at once. That ability to juggle many roles while staying creative and driven is something I bring to this cohort, and I hope it inspires others to stretch beyond their comfort zones too.
Logan Graney
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
Something unique I bring to this cohort is the ability to be present and consistent, whether it’s my studies here or my internships in the ECU sports community. I will carry that same mindset into this cohort.
Beecham Hartsell
Hometown: Kinston, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA- Management
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
I was blessed to grow up in a small town in Eastern North Carolina, where I engaged in all sorts of outdoor activities, including baseball, which I pursued all the way through college. Being fortunate enough to compete collegiately for two years has given me great perspective on how to notice each member of a team’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to properly utilize one another to heighten the chances of success.
Claire Hefner
Hometown: Mount Gilead, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
What makes me unique is my ability to pair strong interpersonal skills with a disciplined, hardworking mindset. I approach challenges with reliability and persistence, ensuring I can contribute to both the productivity and cohesion of the cohort.
Lauren Humann
Hometown: Rockingham, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BS – Entrepreneurship
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
I bring a technical background to the cohort, having attended Richmond Community College, where I earned my Associate of Science and Electric Utility Substation & Relay Technology. To this cohort, I bring passion and excitement for our futures, for ECU, and for the Eastern North Carolina community.
Andrea Knight
Hometown: Tarboro, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management; Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences, BA – Political Science
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
With my background in management and political science, I have learned that the best decisions are made through collaboration. My capacity to listen to diverse perspectives will not only enrich the cohort but also allow me to broaden my understanding.
Kylie Kresho
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Health and Human Performance, BS – Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies; Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, BA – Psychology; College of Business, Certificate – Professional Selling
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
With a background in the retail industry, I have learned to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and to be prepared for any potential curveball. I bring to the cohort a creative and open mindset, which is beneficial when working in a team setting to find innovative solutions.
Evan Lambert
Hometown: Garner, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Operations and Supply Chain Management
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
I am bringing my inner drive for learning new and innovative skill sets to this cohort. Knowing that group dynamics make for a collective array of talents and insights, I look forward to working with my peers to collaborate in this exciting setting.
Cole Languell
Hometown: Newport, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BS -Entrepreneurship; Certificate – Professional Selling
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
I bring an authentic approach to leadership and problem-solving, while also valuing balance and making sure we don’t forget to laugh along the way.
Albert Lytton
Hometown: Nashville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing and Finance
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
Solving a problem, learning a new skill, or anything that grows my understanding of the world genuinely excites me. I hope to share that excitement and energy with our cohort as we take on many new challenges.
Tyler Mintz
Hometown: Penderlea, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BS -Entrepreneurship; Minor – Business Administration
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
I bring a unique mix of extensive work experience and entrepreneurial training, giving me both resilience and a creative perspective to share with the cohort.
Cailyn (Devaye) Stackhouse
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
UNC Greensboro, Bryan School of Business and Economics, BS – Marketing, Social Media Marketing concentration
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
One thing unique about me is that I’m transitioning from a different university, which gives me a unique perspective to share. I also bring creativity through my marketing skills, which I’m excited to contribute to the cohort.
Jordyn Strupp
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management; Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences, BA – Political Science
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
Something unique I bring to this cohort is my experience with nonprofit organizations. I believe that understanding and utilizing the connection between nonprofits and the community is essential for regional transformation.
Molly Thomas
Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BS – Entrepreneurship
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
As I begin my fifth year as a Division I student-athlete, I have gained a unique perspective and growth through overcoming injuries. Serving as a team captain has allowed me to develop strong leadership and teamwork skills, and I’m excited to bring those experiences into this cohort as we work collaboratively towards shared goals.
Anderson Ward
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing; Certificate – Professional Selling
What is something unique about you that you bring to this cohort?
During my senior year of college, I had the privilege to serve as the East Carolina University Student Body President. Through this experience, I was able to gain invaluable knowledge of not only how the university runs at a high level, but I learned how to run an organization. Sitting on the ECU Board of Trustees allowed me to review a 1.1-billion-dollar budget, work directly with high-level faculty and staff, and integrate student-focused initiatives throughout my tenure. Having the opportunity to generate new ideas, lobby with other members of the university, and then get my ideas implemented was one of the most rewarding experiences, and I believe this knowledge will help our cohort create lasting change around our community.