Meet the Online MBA Class of 2022

The Warrington College of Business is proud to welcome its latest class to the UF MBA Online program. We invite you to meet some of the Class of 2022 by learning more about who they are, what they do, why they chose UF MBA, what they hope to get out of the program and more. Read on to meet a few members of the UF MBA Online Class of 2022!

Why did you choose to pursue your MBA at UF?

“The Warrington College of Business has a great reputation locally and nationally.  There was also a unique program offered with the OEM-MBA concurrent curriculum.” – Emily Mansell | Project Engineer | L3Harris Technologies | Undergraduate institution: Pennsylvania State University

“I wanted to utilize the available tools and resources at the University of Florida to improve my performance, broaden my knowledge, strengthen my skills and help me reach my career goals. This will enable me to achieve the appropriate set of skills and knowledge needed to become an HR Director within five years.” – Victoria Cooper | Senior Human Resources Manager | UniLever | Undergraduate institution: Florida International University

“The online MBA program at UF has everything going for it. It’s very highly rated, affordable, provides exceptional ROI, and offers a one-year program. After considering all of my options, UF was the clear winner.” – Danny Coonce | Senior Manager – Marketing Technology and Automation | First Command Financial | Undergraduate institution: Southern Methodist University

“I chose UF because of how well ranked the online MBA program was along with the format of the program being one year. I was sold on UF after I had my conversation with the admissions team, and I knew UF was the right school for me.” – John Sperhac | Credit Analyst | The Sherwin-Williams Company | Undergraduate institution: Bowling Green State University

“UF has an excellent reputation for all of their programs, but a huge reputation at Warrington. I wanted a graduate degree in the state of Florida that held competitive weight in the business industry. Also, I have family that received an MBA from Warrington and want to make that a tradition for the future.” – Cullen Griffin | SBIRS Program Manager | U.S. Space Force | Undergraduate institution: Florida State University

“The concentrated cohort size, committed faculty and well-connected Alumni at Warrington School of Business has set the foundation for the collaboration, leadership and management skills that I am looking for in my path forward. During the admissions process, I was very excited to hear that the online lectures were prerecorded as this will give me the flexibility to watch them at my own pace without disrupting my work schedule. The UF MBA Program stood out in my research for online MBA programs because of the flexibility it provided in earning a professional degree from a reputed Business school without disrupting my job schedule.” – Sreejith Narayan | Client Integration Manager | Landmark Health | Undergraduate institution: University of Calicut (India)

“I chose to pursue the one-year online MBA at the University of Florida because it offers me the opportunity to get my degree without putting my life on hold. I can still take classes and work at the same time.” – Cody Casper | Plant Accounting Supervisor | Kohler Company | Undergraduate institution: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

“I grew up a Gator and knew I’d become one at some point in my life. The rankings and community that surround UF made it an easy decision to pursue my MBA here!” – Karina Montenegro | Wellness Partnerships Manager | Peerfit | Undergraduate institution: University of South Florida

“I wanted to use my MBA to bridge my skills of what I have learned in the military as I transition to the civilian sector.” – Meghan Doyle | Air Operations Officer | U.S. Navy | Undergraduate institution: United States Naval Academy

“Long story short, I have been a lifelong Gator Fan. I’m aware of the academic reputation of the University of Florida and hold the Gator Nation in the highest regard both as an academic student and as a fan. Being within 2 hours driving distance of Gainesville, FL was also a variable that mattered and played a part in my decision.  Overall, I am excited about the opportunity to combine my enthusiasm for Gator Nation with the excellent academic opportunities offered through the MBA program.” – Joshua Muse | Product Innovation Manager | Flowers Foods | Undergraduate institution: Berry College

“I chose to pursue my MBA at UF because, as someone who was born and raised in Florida, I am very familiar with the prestigious reputation UF has. Additionally, the online 1-year program is exactly what I was looking for in an MBA: flexible, accelerated, and delivered by the same great faculty that teach the full-time, on-campus programs.” – Haley Stockton | Director of Marketing | WipesPlus | Undergraduate institution: University of Central Florida

What do you hope to get out of your UF MBA experience?

“Learning to combine my engineering background with technical business skills in order to better tie in future product developments and initiates with the company’s overall goals.” – John Phillips | Product Development Engineer | BioZone Scientific International | Undergraduate institution: University of Florida

“My goal is to expand my knowledge, the way I think and approach business, and to expand my personal/professional network.” – Tom Cianchetta | Business Development Executive | Gartner | Undergraduate institution: Champlain College

“Since being accepted into the UF MBA program, I was already able to receive an amazing job offer with UniLever a top CPG organization. I want to learn as much as I can about the HR/Business Management field. I will also take advantage of UF’s networking and marketing resources to reach my career goals of becoming a HR Director and build long-lasting relationships/partnerships.” – Victoria Cooper

“First and foremost, I want to learn. I am a young leader and don’t have as much experience as many of my fellow managers. To combat that I need to be well educated and well-rounded. I hope that the UF MBA program gives me the broad tools I need to more effectively contribute to my company and to advance my career.” – Danny Coonce

“I hope to get out of my UF MBA experience the core competencies that make it special. There are incredible amounts of resources available to students, a plethora of business connections, and I hope to serve the Gator Nation by representing our school in the best way I possibly can.” – Jeffery Holbrook | National Training Development Manager | ActionLink – Intel Corporation | Undergraduate institution: Strayer University and Full Sail University

“My short-term career goal of moving beyond functional team/project management by developing a deep knowledge of multiple business areas, which the rigorous MBA curriculum at UF will surely equip me with. In the long-term, I am hoping to be able to diversify across multiple corporate sectors.” – Priyabrata Sinha | Staff Engineer | Microchip Technology | Undergraduate institution: University of Pune (India) | Graduate institution: University of Florida

“I would like to learn skills applicable to my current and future roles. I’d like to learn about how other companies conduct business and where my company can improve.” – Christina Yannette | Ride Control Engineer | Walt Disney World | Undergraduate institution: University of Florida

“Skills and experiences that will make be more adept to meet the challenges of the administrative side of health care.” – Katie Moreno | Nurse Manager | Mayo Clinic | Undergraduate institution: University of Pennsylvania

“I hope to build lasting relationships with both UF personnel and my cohort. Even though my experience will be online, I hope to have the interactions feels like I am on campus and positively impacting the larger Gator community.” – Michael Sharelis | Director, U.S. Sales | Playvox | Undergraduate institution: Purdue University

“Confidence, a network of highly motivated and successful individuals, genuine relationships, an MBA degree from an outstanding university!” – Ragan Jones | Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist | Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital | Undergraduate institution: University of Florida

“Develop skills that will improve my earning potential. Develop a strong professional network. Develop career planning skills.” – Brad Wakai | Strategic Account Lead | AT&T | Undergraduate institution: California State University – Sacramento

“Well rounded knowledge of key business functions.” – Peyton Bykowski | Sales Representative | Abbott | Undergraduate institution: The Ohio State University

 What are you most looking forward to as a UF MBA student?

“I am looking forward to the challenging coursework as well as meeting fellow students in the program.” – Michael Bame | Engineering Supply Chain Analyst | Raytheon Technologies | Undergraduate institution: North Carolina State University

“I am looking forward to getting to know my classmates as they come from a wide array of fields and many diverse backgrounds. I am also looking forward to expanding my academic knowledge and becoming an even better businesswoman.” – Alexa Kudish | Senior Marketing Promotions and Execution Planner | Bloomingdale’s | Undergraduate institution: The George Washington University

“I am looking forward to the experiential learning!” – Kevin Kowalski | Regional Account Manager | Gilbarco Veeder-Root | Undergraduate institution: Pennsylvania State University

“The sense of achievement for completing something so challenging, and the relationships I will make along the way.” – Marie Lopez | Associate Manager | Darden Restaurants | Undergraduate institution: University of Florida

“Being a Gator again! Also, being taught by an outstanding faculty.” – Jenn Chillemi | Production Manager | SV Microwave | Undergraduate institution: University of Florida

“To graduate with a solid foundation that enables me to accelerate my career growth and bring fresh perspectives into my career.” – Sebastian Verne | Market Opportunity Analyst | Citrix | Undergraduate institution: Florida International University

“I am looking forward to networking with other MBA students in different industries. I am interested in learning the similarities and differences in business operations.” – James Wood III | Procurement Engineer | Siemens Energy | Undergraduate institution: University of Central Florida

“Being able to utilize my skills and apply them within my career. The overall experience of being a Gator.” – Amber Allen | Financial Accountant | City Facility Management, LLC | Undergraduate institution: University of Redlands

“Walking at Graduation alongside my cohort.” – Nick Moore | Financial Planning Analyst | L3Harris | Undergraduate institution: University of Central Florida

“I was excited to find out about all the bonus certifications that I can accomplish during my MBA, like an excel certification and six sigma green belt. I have been in a career that required almost no excel work, so it is a weak spot for me.” – Jon Frederick | Sales Director | Beaver Toyota | Undergraduate institution: Clemson University

Any advice on how to get accepted into the UF MBA program?

“Prepare a strong application by highlighting your analytics skills, leadership, and goals after you complete your MBA.” – Roberto Alfaro | Channel Supply Account Manager | Apple | Undergraduate institution: University of Houston

“Participate in extracurriculars post college, such as joining young professional networks to differentiate your post-college experience besides just work life.” – Nicole DeNicola | Senior BI Developer | SME Solutions Group | Undergraduate institution: University of South Florida

“Invest the time needed in the application process.” – William Kite | Analytics Supervisor | Essence Global | Undergraduate institution: Georgia Southern University

“Apply early and engage with the admissions team often.” – Andrew Bosley | Sourcing Manager | Acadia Healthcare | Undergraduate institution: University of South Carolina

“A piece of advice that I have to get accepted is to make the application about yourself. Make yourself the spotlight and point out all your excellent accomplishments thus far in your career.” – Jake Doobrow | SaaS Account Manager | Citrix | Undergraduate institution: Florida State University

“Reference letters matter.” – JaNiece Cranmer | VP of Sales | Scentsational Soaps and Candles | Undergraduate institution: University of Oklahoma

“I would say to be yourself. Answer the essay questions to the fullest and best of your ability. Don’t leave anything out if you believe it could make you competitive. Follow up with your application. I believe doing so shows how committed you are to get into/be a part of the program and not just apply to another business school. Being a gator is adopting a mindset. This mindset is to compete and become a better version of yourself. Winning matters.” – Cullen Griffin

“Have your documents in order. Give your references adequate time to write their letters of recommendation. Be honest in your essay. It helps to have a strong undergraduate GPA (obviously).” – Christopher Hazell | Admissions Coordinator | The Gooden Center | Undergraduate institution: Arizona State University

“I would surely like to emphasize the value of writing effective application essays: these should be from the heart and give a very good glimpse of your background, interests, values and what you are trying to get out of the program. Of course, having consistent grades and detailed recommendation letters help too.” – Pritabrata Sinha

“Put in 110% effort in the last 2 years of your undergrad and make sure to make a good name for yourself early in your professional career.” – Trevor Blau | Production Supervisor | Swisher International | Undergraduate institution: University of Central Florida

What professional accomplishments or anecdotes you’d like to share?

“In my industry all of the people I worked for kept telling me not to pursue an MBA. I think it was half out of them wanting me to stay within their company, and not look beyond the hedges. I kinda rolled the dice by starting my MBA, but I see it as a great long-term investment.” – Jon Frederick

“If you are eager to learn, work hard, embrace change, and constantly look for ways to solve problems, you will do well in school, career, and life.” – Brad Wakai

“I was recently promoted to production supervisor.” – Trevor Blau

“I was named 2020 rookie of the year” – Peyton Bykowski

“One memorable experience was when I represented my company Microchip Technology at the Microprocessor Summit 2006, which was a special event in the Embedded Systems Conference San Jose. This was a panel discussion where I had to pitch the advantages and applications of our Digital Signal Controller chips in front of a large audience.” – Priyabrata Sinha

“Former TV Producer for 11 years. Got into sales by accident. Looking to take over the CFO position upon graduation.” – JaNiece Cranmer

“I work on the team that designed, built, and tested the Control System for Rise of the Resistance at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. I am proud of the attraction winning the THEA award and being the most innovative and advanced ride control system in the world.” – Christina Yannette

“This past August I accepted a promotion to move down to South Carolina with Kohler Company. It was scary to think I would be moving 800 miles away from my hometown in Wisconsin, but it was definitely worth the risk!” – Cody Casper

“I am not really one for standing on a soapbox to talk about myself but if you’d like to check out my LinkedIn you can find me under Jeffery Holbrook based in Orlando Florida. I have been very blessed in my career to work with some amazing companies and incredible individuals. Any of the accomplishments and success as you will see in my résumé is reflective of the great teams that I’ve been a part of. Remember in the professional world you are only as good as your team.” – Jeffery Holbrook

“I have been promoted four times within my first year and eight months with my first company out of undergrad.” – Jake Doobrow

“I currently manage a global sales team with aspirations to be on the Executive Team of a SaaS (Software as a Service) company further down in my career.” – Michael Sharelis

“I have already put into effect some of my ideas from the professional business writing class at my company and our first term is not even over yet! I have started a monthly lunch & learn in the Marketing Department that I envisioned when writing my final project of the persuasive proposal.” – Alexa Kudish

“I am a first-generation college graduate. I have earned my SHRM-SCP certification with the Society of Human Resources Management organization. I have earned my Yellow Belt Six Sigma Certification. I have won numerous recognition awards for my work in HR with several different Fortune 500 companies, including HR Professional of the Year.” – Victoria Cooper

“I wrote a process improvement proposal for a Professional Writing assignment. I pitched this proposal to leadership at work, and it was approved. As a result, I am currently leading this project.” – Roberto Alfaro

“Recognized in the Top 25 Under 25 by the Muma College of Business.” – Nicole DeNicola

“Managed multiple novel product lines from conception to distribution. Currently developing newer, more efficient disinfection products for commercial and residential facilities.” – John Phillips

“2019 Harris Corporation 10 Under 10 Award Winner. 2021 Cohort Member of the L3Harris Strategic Missions Division STEP PM Pipeline.” – Emily Mansell

“Entering the Air Force after receiving an undergraduate degree, I was handed the pressure of being a program manager for a highly visible space program. I did a lot of learning on the job, and tons of collaboration with senior military as well as contracting agencies to fully understand my roles/responsibilities. I have made a handful accomplishments along the way, but this comes with many lessons learned and mistakes. Do not let the fear of messing up limit your growth and potential. You will not always hit a home run, but you will never score if you don’t swing! An important note to make, do not let your successes strip your humility. You will (most likely) succeed or fail with the team around you, so recognize them too!” – Cullen Griffin

What personal accomplishments or anecdotes you’d like to share?

“I am an avid long-distance runner and have completed 2 marathons (Paris, France and Chicago, Illinois).” – Cody Casper

“I am now a father of two girls!” – Jon Frederick

“Just raised my 4th successful service puppy” – Trevor Blau

“Graduated college magna cum laude.” – Peyton Bykowski

“I am completing the Outreach Engineering Management program this semester with a master’s in industrial engineering.” – Christina Yannette

“Probably my proudest accomplishment was when my book “Speech Processing in Embedded Systems” was published by Springer Publishers in 2010. This was an intensive effort undertaken over a few months: I was writing the book at night and working on my job during the day!” – Priyabrata Sinha

“Former college basketball player.” – JaNiece Cranmer

“I have been married for seven years to my awesome wife, Kirsis. We have a three-year-old boy named Jeffrey. They are the center of my world. But one accomplishment I had a few years back that I never thought I would’ve achieved was a 4.0 GPA in college. But honestly getting a 4.0 really doesn’t matter near as much as being able to learn all of the important information you need and effectively applying it in your life and work.” – Jeffery Holbrook

“I know that any dream, goal or idea that I want to happen it will come true with strong belief /faith in God. I have been working since I was 16 years old because I raised on strong work ethic values. I never steered from those early taught values as I grew of age either. In fact, with every new job I was able to get it was always elevation, progression and self-evaluations involved in my decisions. I was able to put myself working full-time through college and graduated cum laude honors with my bachelor’s degree. I consider this achievement as a great honor since no family member on my mother’s side finished high school. I believe if you don’t plan you plan to fail. Now is the time for me to set the groundwork for my future so that I won’t have to live through the same struggles my family had to. My dad was laid off since the beginning of 2019 which put a financial strain on me. I have experienced near life-threatening changes to my health that I still fight through to this day, but I am not letting anything stop me from reaching my life goals. Through it all I have had to step up and remain positive for my family, and I told myself that college is not an option it’s a choice that I made to not give up until I graduate.” – Victoria Cooper

“Once upon a time, I was a candidate for special operations in the United States Air Force. I was not selected at the time and later medically disqualified from entering the SOF community, but I have always held a high passion for what that community stands for. First and foremost, work harder. If you commit 110% to a goal and outwork the majority, then you will yield success. Second, have the utmost integrity and pure intentions. Honesty with others and yourself is the only way to truly succeed. Finally, Know yourself. You are the only person that knows what you truly want out of life. If you can’t do the third, then you will struggle with the rest.” – Cullen Griffin

“I met my wife working a job in Chattanooga, TN. For that reason, it’s my all-time favorite job.” – John Phillips

“Half-marathon finisher.” – Nicole DeNicola

“Junior League of South Brevard Active Member (2014 – present); Junior League of South Brevard Board of Director’s Secretary 2020 – 2022.” – Emily Mansell