Past Stellar Student Spotlights
summer 2026
jeannette castor – august 7, 2026
Meet Jeannette Castor, a senior majoring in Business Management and graduating in Spring 2027. As a Dean's List Honoree and Honors Program student, Jeannette is committed to academic excellence while seeking opportunities that challenge her to grow.
Last spring, Jeannette completed the MILE Program, where she built meaningful connections and was paired with her mentor, Dr. Marja Marin-Caruth, whose support and encouragement made a lasting impact on her collegiate journey. She also participated in the International Management Study Abroad Program in Volterra, Italy. This transformative experience inspired her to learn more about different cultures and better understand people from around the world. She encourages fellow students to study abroad, saying it offers new perspectives and changes the way you see the world.
Outside of the classroom, Jeannette enjoys exploring new restaurants with friends and is passionate about leadership — always looking for opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbv_Z9HGuna/?img_index=1
vinnie heeney – july 31, 2026
Meet Vinnie Heeney, a rising sophomore majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Professional Selling, expected to graduate in 2029. Vinnie is making an impact on campus through his leadership, school spirit and commitment to serving others.
Vinnie is a first year Frosh Camp Counselor, an officer for the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, a member of the Weil Scholars Program and a student of the Helen Hardin Honors College. Through these organizations, he enjoys building connections with fellow students and contributing to the University of Memphis community.
When he's not in class or on campus, Vinnie is a passionate sports fan. You'll often find him cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, the Memphis Grizzlies and of course, our Memphis Tigers!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DbeNQl-jPgg/?img_index=1
iyanna dixon – july 16, 2026
Say hello to Iyanna, a rising sophomore majoring in Business Accounting with a minor in Aerospace Studies. She is passionate about leadership, service and making meaningful connections across campus.
Iyanna stays actively involved through Air Force ROTC, the Student Government Association, Orientation and Tiger Elite, where she enjoys welcoming and supporting new students while continuing to grow as a leader.
Outside of the classroom, Iyanna loves spending time with friends, meeting new people, baking, coloring and trying new experiences. Whether she's helping incoming students feel at home or building relationships on campus, she brings positivity and enthusiasm to everything she does.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3IKkrjIbM/?img_index=1
tyler turnage – july 8, 2026
Meet Tyler Turnage, a junior Business Management major with a Community Action and Social Change minor, expected to graduate in Fall of 2027.
Tyler is actively involved across campus through Frosh Camp, New Student Orientation, Student Government Association (SGA) and serves as Vice President of EMOC. Beyond the classroom, he is pursuing his Commercial Pilot License at Luke Weathers Flight Academy while also working as a Success Coach at Peer Power Institute, where he has had the opportunity to participate on the organization's debate team.
His passion for leadership and service extends into his faith, where he is actively involved in the Church of God in Christ and serves on the International Youth Advisory Council for the Southern Region. In his free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as reading and writing.
Through his commitment to leadership, service and personal growth, Tyler continues to make a lasting impact both on campus and in the community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaibH3pmpQn/?img_index=1
morgan landry – july 1, 2026
Meet Morgan Landry, an Accounting major with a minor in Psychology, who just graduated this past May!
Morgan is a recipient of the TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation Scholarship, a Dean’s List honoree, Honors Program participant and was selected for the President’s Leadership Awards and Honors Assembly.
Outside of the classroom, Morgan pursues creative passions like playing guitar, writing, drawing and even creating a visual novel as a personal project!
Creative. Accomplished. Passionate. We are proud to celebrate you, Morgan!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaQgQ_IDAy8/?img_index=1
rajat sharma – june 26, 2026
Meet Rajat Sharma (Marketing PhD Candidate, ‘27)
Rajat’s research explores sales management and the psychological drivers behind consumer decision-making. He has presented his work at the Society of Marketing Advances (SMA), Southeast Marketing Symposium (SMS) and the National Conference in Sales Management (NCSM). He was also recently published in the Marketing Management Journal (MMJ).
On campus, Rajat manages the Customer Neurolnsights Research Lab (C-NRL) in the Department of Marketing, and serves as a Research Coordinator for the Institute for Intelligent Systems Student Organization (IISSO).
Outside the classroom, he’s passionate about rock music, motorcycles, billiards and plans to take up snooker this summer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaEJHNgmgSL/?img_index=1
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