Immersive MBA Alumni
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.
Class of 2025
Rodney Bonilla
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing and Supply Chain Management
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I think the most unique thing that I will bring to the cohort is my energy and ability to persevere through difficult tasks but enjoy the adventure along the way.
Jackson Bostic
Hometown: Elizabethtown, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Accounting
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Growing up in a small town in southeastern North Carolina, I learned from a young age the importance of building relationships. With limited resources in my rural area, I had to make connections, so I was aware of when opportunities emerged.
Kyleigh Burton
Hometown: Roxboro, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Fine Arts and Communication, BFA – Dance Performance and Choreography
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Although my undergraduate career as a Dance Performance and Choreography major may be more non-traditional, I have developed many qualities that align with the IMBA program.
Christopher Chesley
Hometown: Warrenton, Virginia
Undergrad Institution and Major:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management Information Systems
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Having been a part of many organizations and holding leadership positions during my undergraduate studies, I will bring unique experiences and an eagerness to learn.
Jack Dyba
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Health and Human Performance, BS – Sports Studies
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
With my background in sports studies and my four years of work experience at ECU Athletics, I believe that I bring a different perspective to this group of students.
Fiona Freyholtz
Hometown: Sneads Ferry, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Throughout my internships, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with businesses through all phases of their growth, from new ventures to well-established companies. This experience has given me a new way to look at business, helping me understand and deal with problems both locally and nationally.
Emma Gebel
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I bring a distinctive global perspective to this cohort, shaped by my exposure to diverse cultures and a deep passion for international business, further enriched by my studies in Germany.
Craig Geter
Hometown: Fort Liberty, 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 take pride in my ability to persevere through challenges and prioritize personal growth, which I believe will be a positive addition to the group. My undergraduate experiences have taught me the value of resilience along with the importance of continuous development, and I look forward to sharing those insights.
Jordan Hatch
Hometown: Locust, 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 am entering my fourth year as a division one student-athlete, in which I have spent extensive time working collaboratively with my team towards a shared goal. My familiarity with teamwork and discipline are skills I am eager to bring to this cohort because of their significance in both leadership and business.
Isabella Jimenez Vargas
Hometown: Wendell, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort? I will bring a combination of leadership skills and a collaborative mindset. As a dedicated team player who excels in collaborative settings, I am excited to contribute to and learn from my peers.
Matthew Kornegay
Hometown: Mount Olive, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
East Carolina University, BSBA – Management
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
As a former college baseball player, I have learned the art of multitasking while also producing quality work. I feel my skills and abilities as well as my drive to be the best I can be will add immense value to this team.
Jay Patel
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Finance
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Looking forward to sharing my perspective and working together with others in the cohort, where we can all learn and grow as a team.
Lily Puett
Hometown: Franklinton, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management,
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I am a firm believer that you should look at life with “a glass half full” mentality, I hope to pass this outlook to my fellow peers in the IMBA program.
Sarah Ragsdale
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, Collee of Business, BSBA – Marketing
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Something unique I’m bringing to this cohort is my creative nature and ability to think outside the box. My retail-background experience has honed my ability to innovate and adapt quickly as well as collaborate on solutions that blend creativity with practicality.
Katie Rowland
Hometown: Apex, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BS – Entrepreneurship
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
I am looking forward to bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving mentality to my cohort. Through my undergraduate degree I learned how to bring solutions and innovative answers to any array of problems.
Hunter Wilson
Hometown: Goldsboro, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Degree:
ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What is something unique about you that you are bringing to this cohort?
Creativity is the biggest factor in being able to stand out. All it takes is a little out-of-the-box thinking to turn even the most difficult of tasks into fun problems to solve. My willingness to take risks, be creative and turn mundane tasks into fun projects is something I look forward to bringing to the cohort.
Class of 2024
Matthew Blount
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Health and Human Performance, BS in Public Health
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I am hoping to sharpen the necessary skills to prepare myself for entering the workforce as a proven leader and team member. The Immersive MBA will allow me to build connections with my cohort of diverse high-performing students, who are all looking to make a difference in their respective fields.
Carter Cunningham
Hometown: Haymarket, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? Obviously, I am pursuing a great degree from a great university, but more important are the relationships that I will build. Already, I have met some amazing faculty members and peers inside the cohort whom I am eager to get to know even more. The connections and relationships with the people inside of the Immersive MBA Pathway will mean more to me than the degree!
Ashley Dickerson
Hometown: Oxford, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I am hoping to gain high-demand skills, professional connections, and actual business experience from the Immersive MBA pathway.
Joshua Furlough
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I am eager to make new friendships and connections with others in the IMBA pathway. Additionally, I am excited about the personal growth opportunities that the pathway will offer me as an individual.
Jewel Herlong
Hometown: Marvin, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Finance
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I hope that I come out of this pathway with more experience in my field of study, an ignited/discovered passion, confidence in my educational/ work abilities, leadership, and a new family and network of faculty and students.
Andrew Kerry
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Finance, Risk Management & Insurance
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? My goal is to better my education and learn skills that you might not have with a normal bachelor’s degree. I am also excited to get to know everyone that is a part of the pathway and gain a better networking system that can help me later in life.
Jenna Mallberg
Hometown: Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management Information Systems
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? Building a strong professional network is a valuable outcome of that I want out of the Immersive MBA pathway. I hope to connect with fellow students, alumni, faculty members, and industry professionals to establish relationships that can lead to career opportunities, partnerships, mentorship, and access to a wide range of resources.
Isaiah Rutledge
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? New connections, a greater network, and a brighter light at the end of the tunnel. I want to be closer to my goals and dreams.
Jenna Scott
Hometown: Roxboro, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College Health and Human Performance, BS in Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I am hoping to further propel my business and management knowledge to jumpstart my career!
Theodore Sielatycki
Name: Theodore Sielatycki
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BS in Entrepreneurship
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I would like to continue building my network as a professional. Our professors and directors are extremely well-connected people; there is a reason that they got to where they are. I hope to enter this network and make many lifelong connections that are intrinsically valuable and career-advancing. Furthermore, I hope to learn unique skills and obtain technical knowledge that will set my cohort and I apart from the rest of the competition (whoever that may be). We want to change the world in some capacity and obtaining an IMBA is the first step in doing so.
Carmen Smith
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Management
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I want to build a network of connections and diverse experiences that strengthen my leadership qualities and knowledge.
Grant Smith
Hometown: Wake Forest
Undergraduate Institution & Degree: ECU, College of Business, BSBA – Marketing & BS in Entrepreneurship
What are you hoping to get out of the Immersive MBA Pathway? I am hoping to learn from the other students in the pathway, and I am hoping to continue to network with professionals who will be able to help me down the line.