The three-day competition challenged students to navigate realistic sales scenarios, from networking with potential employers to role-play exercises that reflect the stages of technology sales.

Competition highlights include:

• Bronze (3rd place) overall team finish
• 2nd place in role-play competition
• Tyler Mastrangelo ’28, Teamwork Award and Top Technology Student
• Max Houck ‘27, Teamwork Award

“The competition confirmed that sales is what I want to pursue,” said Max Houck ’27, a marketing major from Crofton, Md. “Every conversation felt like it was advancing my career, and I’ve already made connections that led to interviews and networking opportunities.”

Outside of the competition, students also made time for team bonding, including a visit to a local axe-throwing venue and rage room.

Students representing ������Ƶ included Gabriella Scales ‘27, Ashlee Brehio ‘26, Tyler Mastrangelo ‘28 and Max Houck ‘27.

The team was coached by Chris Nelson, associate professor of marketing and director of the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center, and Ann Fritchman, executive in residence, with additional support from alumni Dave Goltz and Gabi Drumm-Schwartz.

The two-day experience is designed to connect alumni working across the commercial real estate industry with students preparing to enter the field, creating space for insight, mentorship and conversation around how the industry is evolving.

The Summit begins Thursday, April 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. with a Kick-Off Reception at Hi-Wire Brewery. Programming continues Friday, April 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the ������Ƶ Charlotte Center, located at 330 W. Tremont Ave., with a keynote from Nicole Young, managing director and head of CRE portfolio management at Wells Fargo.

Throughout the day, attendees will engage in alumni speed networking and interactive discussions exploring key areas shaping the industry, including capital markets, development, asset management and major property sectors, along with broader trends across multifamily, industrial, office and retail markets. The day also includes opportunities for students to connect directly with alumni and gain perspective on navigating real estate careers across changing market cycles.

The Summit concludes with an applied AI workshop led by Assistant Professor of Finance Thibaut Morillon, highlighting how machine learning and generative AI are being used in real estate analysis, underwriting and day-to-day workflows.

The event, “Charlotte’s Next Competitive Edge: Decision Intelligence,” will take place on April 15 at 6 p.m. at 330 W. Tremont Ave in Charlotte, North Carolina and is sponsored by the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business’ MSBA Flex program in Charlotte.

The conversation will focus on how AI is moving analytics from insight to action, and how organizations are adapting in response. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how AI is being used in practice, how roles and workflows are evolving, and what skills are becoming more important in a rapidly changing landscape.

Panelists include:

• Su Dong, associate professor of management information systems
• April Frazer ’03, CFO for Corporate and Investment Banking at Wells Fargo
• Eric Fender, enterprise transformation executive at Truist
• Danielle Nashold ’04, enterprise data, AI and data science technology strategy at Bank of America
• Derek Gould ’14, chief growth officer at Home Solutions

Designed as a candid and grounded conversation, the panel will highlight real-world examples, emerging challenges and the tradeoffs organizations are navigating as they integrate AI into decision making.

The program will include moderated discussion segments on analytics and judgment, organizational change and workforce readiness, followed by an audience Q and A.

The co-authored study, “The Role of Voice-Enabled Smart Devices in Promoting Prosocial Shopping Behavior,” published in Marketing Letters, examines how devices such as Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri influence consumer decisions.

Across four experimental studies, the researchers found that using voice assistants can increase the likelihood of donating to charity, choosing eco-friendly��products��and supporting socially responsible��brands. The��study suggests that voice-enabled devices may influence how consumers approach everyday decisions, particularly in social and ethical contexts. Rather than functioning solely as a convenience tool, these technologies may shape how users perceive and respond to social norms.

Key findings:��

• Consumers using voice-enabled smart devices may be more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as donating money or selecting sustainable and socially responsible products.
• Voice interactions may create a stronger sense of social presence, making users feel as though they are engaging with another entity rather than a traditional online platform.
• Increased awareness of social norms, including generosity and sustainability, may influence more ethical purchasing decisions.

The conference, sponsored by Issues in Political Economy, is an annual undergraduate research event that allows students to present their work while also serving as session chairs and discussants. The conference featured 46 presenters from 18 colleges and universities

The students were joined by Steve DeLoach, professor of economics, and Devon Hawkins, assistant teaching professor of economics.

“Presenting at the Issues in Political Economy Conference in New York City pushes students to use economics, not just learn it,” said Hawkins. “It is also a strong way we champion our students by giving them a real platform to share their ideas, build confidence, and see that their work can contribute to conversations in policy and business.”

������Ƶ student research

Jay Cornell ’26
Major: Economics
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Research mentor: Katy Rouse

Abstract: Private equity involvement in the U.S. healthcare industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, drawing public concern over the quality of care provided by private equity-owned hospitals. This study examines whether private equity ownership can be associated with differences in 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia and overall hospital mortality.

Quinn Faller ’26
Majors: Economics and Psychology
Hometown: Wilmington, Del.
Research Mentor: Steve DeLoach

Abstract: There has been a recent trend in the reduction of labor force participation by young males. This study explores the possibility that the decline in hours worked may be partially explained by the popularity of video games as a form of entertainment, especially marketed to young men.

Sara Fritz ’26
Majors: International and Global Studies
Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.
Research mentor: Brooks Depro

Abstract: Mining has long been associated with environmental pollution, ecological degradation, and adverse health outcomes in nearby populations. This study addresses whether proximity to the Yanacocha Mine, located in the province of Cajamarca, Peru, negatively affects child survival rates in surrounding communities.

Jin Kobes ’26
Majors: Economics and Political Science
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Research mentor: Olivia Healy

Abstract: Sporting mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics attract large audiences but provide minimal economic benefits to host countries. This study examines Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, Russia’s 2018 World Cup, and Japan’s 2020 Summer Olympics, focusing on the concept of sportwashing, which is the use of sports to improve tarnished international reputations.

This year’s group is the largest in the program’s history. ������Ƶ doubled the size of its physician assistant class from 38 to 76 students, growing its capacity to prepare clinicians for communities across North Carolina and the Southeast.

The expansion reflects a broader transformation in graduate eduction underway at ������Ƶ. From classrooms on the main campus in Alamance County to new opportunities in Charlotte, graduate education is evolving with intention and purpose.

Guided by the Boldly ������Ƶ Strategic Plan, university leaders are investing in
programs where student interest intersects with societal need — strengthening health sciences, business, counseling and legal education while positioning ������Ƶ to serve both emerging professionals and working adults seeking new pathways.

That growth builds on more than 40 years of momentum. ������Ƶ launched its Master of Business Administration in 1984, followed by a Master of Education in 1986. Graduate offerings expanded into the health sciences with a Master of Physical Therapy program in 1997, which became a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2003. The university established its School of Law in downtown Greensboro in 2006. Today, that trajectory continues with strategic expansion in fields
experiencing high demand.

“Pursuing growth now allows us to serve regional needs while also staying true to our tradition of innovation and student-centered academic excellence,” says Allie Duffney, dean of graduate admissions.

A Changing Landscape

������Ƶ’s growth reflects broader shifts across higher education.

“We’re seeing a decline in the traditional college-age population, so expanding strong graduate programs allows ������Ƶ to serve new learners while staying centered on our undergraduate mission,” says Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, applications and enrollment in health professions, counseling, data science and business analytics programs remain strong in recent years. “Health care, law and behavioral health professions are facing sustained shortages across North Carolina and the Southeast,” Duffney says.

Several graduate programs are expanding to ������Ƶ’s National Campus in Charlotte, where students can learn, intern and network alongside major health systems, corporations, nonprofits and courts in a major metropolitan area.

“Growth in Charlotte allows ������Ƶ to design graduate education aligned with workforce needs and to support interprofessional collaboration and community partnerships,” says Veronica Marciano, associate professor, founding chair and program director of physician assistant studies in Charlotte. “It creates space to innovate across disciplines and opportunities for involvement in system expansion and workforce development.”

Recent and planned expansions include increasing the cohort size in the PA program on main campus; launching a second PA program, a full-time law program and Master of Science in Business Analytics Flex Program in Charlotte; introducing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program; and expanding graduate certificates designed for working professionals.

A Critical Call for Health Care

In response to nationwide demand for physician assistants, ������Ƶ expanded its cohort size from 38 to 76 students in January. The program remains committed to engaged learning, hands-on clinical practice, close faculty mentorship and access to diverse, high-quality rotation sites.

������Ƶ plans to matriculate an inaugural PA class on the Charlotte campus in January 2027, pending accreditation-provisional review by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

“Establishing a PA program rooted in Charlotte directly supports workforce needs by preparing highly trained clinicians who understand the local health care landscape and are invested in serving this community,” Marciano says. “Our goal is not only to educate excellent clinicians, but to meaningfully support and strengthen the health care ecosystem in Charlotte.”

That responsiveness also shaped the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which plans to welcome its first cohort in fall 2026 on ������Ƶ’s main and Charlotte campuses.

“Mental health care is no longer optional; it is essential,” says Judy Folmar, interim program director and chair of the clinical mental health counseling program. “Communities across North Carolina and the nation are facing rising rates of anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use while the supply of licensed counselors has not kept pace.”

Delivered in a 21-month accelerated hybrid format, the 60-credit program is designed to equip graduates for licensure while combining academic preparation with extensive clinical experience.

“The growth of graduate education at ������Ƶ reflects both institutional momentum and a commitment to workforce relevance,” Folmar says. “What excites us most is the alignment between ������Ƶ’s engaged-learning ethos and the preparation of advanced practitioners.”

Skills for a Changing Economy

As organizations accelerate digital transformation and integrate artificial intelligence technologies, demand continues to rise for professionals who can translate data into strategic action.

“Organizations are undergoing rapid digital transformation and increasingly rely on data and AI to make faster, higher-stakes decisions,” says Mark Kurt, associate dean for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. “The MSBA Flex Program in Charlotte equips working professionals with applied analytics and AI skills plus the leadership and ethical frameworks needed to translate data into responsible, measurable business outcomes — without pausing their careers.”

Built on the same STEM-certified core as ������Ƶ’s full-time MSBA, the flex format is designed for working professionals and emphasizes AI-informed entrepreneurship.

Pursuing growth now allows us to serve regional needs while also staying true to our tradition of innovation and student-centered academic excellence.��—��Allie Duffney, dean of
graduate admissions

“Faculty and leadership are actively refining the curriculum, building stronger employer partnerships and adapting quickly to changes in the business and analytics landscape,” says ������Ƶ alum Craig Brandstetter ’25 g’25. “That flexibility and openness to feedback mean the program can stay relevant and cutting-edge, rather than being locked into outdated structures.”

Alongside degree programs, ������Ƶ is also expanding stackable graduate certificates designed for working professionals. Certificates in health care analytics and operations excellence can serve as stand-alone credentials or pathways toward an MBA or MSBA.

The Office of Continuing and Professional Studies recently launched its second cohort of an AI certificate for professionals, delivered fully online to provide practical AI fluency grounded in ethical application.

Expanding Access to Legal Education

������Ƶ Law has built a national reputation for experiential, practice-ready legal education. In 2024 the law school expanded its presence in Charlotte through the part-time Flex Program for working professionals and place-bound students seeking an in-person J.D. in North Carolina’s largest city.

That program quickly gained momentum, reflecting strong regional demand and ������Ƶ Law’s established ties to the Queen City, where nearly 10% of its alumni live and work. ������Ƶ has applied to the American Bar Association to begin a full-time law program in Charlotte in fall 2027.

“We already have strong relationships there through our programs and alumni,” says Zak Kramer, dean of the School of Law. “The legal community’s embrace of our Flex Program students confirmed that. A full-time program will allow our graduates to learn alongside Charlotte lawyers, build networks and launch careers there.”

Together, Greensboro and Charlotte position ������Ƶ’s School of Law as a statewide presence while maintaining the relationship-rich model that defines the institution.

Looking Ahead

As higher education evolves, graduate education is becoming an increasingly important part of the university’s future.

“The heart of ������Ƶ will always be our undergraduate liberal arts education,” Kohn says, “but we are strengthening and growing our graduate programs to meet changing societal and workforce needs.”

From Alamance County to Charlotte and beyond, ������Ƶ is expanding opportunities for graduate students to learn alongside health systems, businesses and legal institutions across the region. Those programs are preparing the next generation of physician assistants, counselors, analysts and attorneys to serve the communities that need them most.

“I don’t feel like my career trajectory post-graduation is the norm for an MBA graduate,” Dudash said. “I had to do some soul searching and pursued something different that aligns with my values.”

Before enrolling in ������Ƶ’s MBA program, Dudash worked at Duke Regional Hospital as communications manager, serving as the only communicator on site for the entire hospital and supporting more than 2,000 employees.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped support emergency preparedness efforts, including a command center that operated for months, and later supported community vaccination clinics.

“I learned so much throughout that experience,” she said. “I saw the best of the best and the worst of the worst and saw health care workers give their all.”

As the pandemic unfolded, mentors encouraged her to return to school. A nurse manager would ask her regularly, “When are you going back to school?” Dudash also had two mentors who recommended ������Ƶ’s MBA program.

“She would say, ‘It’s never a good time to go back to school,’” Dudash said. “They encouraged me to take the step.”

For Dudash, the MBA offered the flexibility to build leadership skills while keeping her options open.

“I can apply it across industries,” she said. “I wanted to strengthen my leadership skills and get a broader view of how organizations operate.”

She started the program in September 2020, a decade after graduating from the University of Florida with a journalism degree. Returning to school felt like a significant transition.

“I remember being nervous,” she said. “I was 10 years out of school and didn’t know how it would feel to be a student again.”

Rather than rushing through, Dudash took one class at a time and completed the program over four years, graduating in May 2024.

“I wanted to fully immerse myself in each course and build relationships with my classmates and professors,” she said.

She also described the program as a place where she could participate fully and grow, especially in courses that challenged students to share ideas and respond to feedback.

“It opened up my confidence in pursuing new ideas,” she said. “Your ideas are valid.”

As graduation approached, Dudash began thinking more intentionally about what kind of work would be fulfilling.

That summer became an opportunity to reflect. Dudash leaned into theater, a longtime passion through improv, including teaching improv comedy and pursuing operations work in the arts nonprofit space.

This past year, she balanced roles between Durham arts nonprofit Mettlesome Theater and nationally recognized DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) while also serving as chair of the Meals on Wheels Durham board.

But most recently, she was appointed Mettlesome Theater’s first full-time operations director.

“My ������Ƶ MBA gave me the confidence to say, ‘I want to help with this, and I want to pursue this,’” she said. “My dream job was to be an operations director or executive director of an arts nonprofit, and the program gave me the high-level perspective to lead that work.”

������Ƶ student Rony Dahdal ’26, and his brother, alumnus��Rafi Dahdal ’24 G’24��were highlighted in a The Assembly article chronicling their family’s journey from war-torn Syria to North Carolina in search of educational opportunity.

The story, details how the Dahdal family’s commitment to learning endured despite the dangers of civil war and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in the United States.��

After fleeing Damascus in 2012 amid escalating violence, the Dahdal family settled in North Carolina, where education remained central to their long-term goals.��Rafi Dahdal is��an ������Ƶ graduate through the Accelerated 3+1 Dual Degree Program in business administration and business analytics. He has gone on to serve as a Youth Trustee for the university.

At ������Ƶ, Rony Dahdal has distinguished himself as a Lumen Scholar and Goldwater Scholar, conducting innovative research using LiDAR technology to explore noninvasive ways to detect vital signs — work aimed at improving health outcomes through emerging technologies.

“I felt so encouraged to continue research because I’ve seen my parents value higher education,” said Rony. “It was very hard to deal with as a little kid, but I look back on it now, and I’m grateful.”

Keynote Speaker

​​Bert Brokaw ’13, senior director of sales development at Rippling, kicked off Sales Week as part of the Chandler Center Speaker Series with his talk, “Breaking into Venture-Backed Tech Sales.” He shared insights from his career in sales leadership and his journey from ������Ƶ to the tech industry.

“It took me a really, really long time to figure things out,” said Brokaw. “For those of you who feel like you need to have everything figured out right now, you don’t.”

Brokaw opened Sales Week by reflecting on his own path after ������Ƶ.

“I graduated without a job. I was going up and down the East Coast interviewing, and it just wasn’t what I was looking for,” he said. “So I took a risk, moved to New York City, and got a job in media sales, where I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit.”

That experience, he explained, shaped how he now thinks about early career decisions.

“It really took me a long time to figure out what I actually wanted to do,” Brokaw said. “You’re at a point where you can take some early risk, but not all risk is created equal. Those first two years are pivotal. They can set you on a launch pad or limit your opportunities.”

When it comes to breaking into tech sales, Brokaw was direct about the realities of the job market.

“Applying online is more likely than not going to work against you,” he said. “You’re competing with hundreds of applicants.”

Instead, he encouraged students to approach the job search like a sales role itself.

“You need to sell yourself before you actually have a job,” Brokaw said. “You’re not just saying you can do the job, you’re showing it.”

That often means going beyond traditional methods and taking initiative.

“Pick up the phone. Cold call hiring managers. Try your pitch,” he said.

For Brokaw, that willingness to act is what ultimately sets candidates apart.

“Differentiation is a function of doing what others refuse to do.”

Young Alumni Panel

The week also featured a young alumni panel, moderated by Chris Nelson, associate professor of marketing and director of the Chandler Center.

The panelists included:

• Gabi Drumm-Schwartz ’23
• Cassidy Perkins ’23
• Kylee Herbert ’22
• Jack St. Pierre ’22
• Macklin Williams ’23

They shared advice on breaking into the industry and navigating early careers:

• Networking starts early. Build real relationships, not just job asks. One connection can move you from hundreds of applicants to a shortlist, and it pays off over time.
• Resilience matters early on. Entry-level sales come with rejection. Don’t take it personally. Stay consistent, learn quickly and focus on what you can control.
• Communication sets you apart. Be prepared, follow up, and make people feel heard. Strong communication and organization build trust and leave a lasting impression.

Coffee with a Sales Leader

Students also connected during Coffee with a Sales Leader on March 13, engaging with sales leaders through one-on-one and small group conversations focused on career advice and networking.

Participants included Bob Chandler and alumni Ryan Byrnes, Meg Hewitt, Dave Brown and Katie Chung, all members of the center’s advisory board.

Hands-On Sales Experience

Around 70 current students had the opportunity to put classroom knowledge and speaker feedback into practice with the Grainger Sales Challenge.�� Students practiced cold calling Grainger employees to sell products. The top 10 students were selected to go to Grainger headquarters in Chicago for a second round.

• Caden Cerminara ‘27
• Leah Misicko ‘26
• Colin O’Connor ‘27
• Jacob Balizer ‘27
• Ethan Perry ‘27
• Luke Prince ‘27
• Daniel Pawl ‘27
• Ridgely Bryer ‘28
• Ava Matikowski ‘27
• Coco Kouyoumjian ‘27

Additionally, students and Chandler Center partners gathered at Topgolf for a networking event, offering a more relaxed setting to connect with industry professionals.

Attending Chandler Center partners included:

• AlphaSights
• Brightly Software
• Grainger
• Group Management Services

“Sales Week represents everything I love about ������Ƶ’s culture,” said Nelson. “Students learning and growing outside the classroom while engaging with successful alumni who are passionate about investing in their success.”

������Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book and Haya Ajjan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, will present the medal on Wednesday, April 22, at 4:30 p.m. in the LaRose Digital Theatre inside the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center.

The celebration is open to the campus community.

About Linda Findley ‘95

Linda Findley joined Sleep Number in April 2025 and is recognized for her expertise in operations, organizational transformation, marketing strategy and global expansion.

She has held senior leadership roles across several high-growth companies. From 2009 to 2012, she was based in Hong Kong, leading global marketing, business development, and customer service for Alibaba.com Ltd. She later served in executive roles at Evernote Corp. from 2012 to 2015, including chief operating officer.

Findley was chief operating officer at Etsy from 2016 to 2018, overseeing product, design, marketing and customer engagement and acquisition. She then served as president, chief executive officer, and director of Blue Apron from 2019 to 2024, leading the company through significant transformation and growth.

In addition to her executive leadership, Findley has served on the board of directors of Ralph Lauren since August 2018 and has been board chair of HeliosX since February 2025.

Findley graduated from the School of Communications and holds a master’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. Her leadership is defined by a focus on innovation, adaptability and driving meaningful organizational impact.

About the ������Ƶ Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The ������Ƶ Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership is co-presented by the Love School of Business and the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Since 2009, the award has recognized an entrepreneur who is an industry leader and exemplifies ������Ƶ’s values, including integrity, innovation and creativity, a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to building a dynamic community.

About the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship was established through an endowment gift from Ed and Joan Doherty P’07, entrepreneurs from Saddle River, New Jersey, and parents of Kerry Doherty Gatlin ’07. The Dohertys have served on the university’s Parents Council, and Ed Doherty currently serves as an ������Ƶ Trustee. Their company, Doherty Enterprises, Inc., is one of the nation’s leading franchise operators of family restaurants, including Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread and Chevy’s Fresh Mex.