Favour O.

^{July 11, 2025}

Let’s give a shoutout to Favour O. (PhD, Business Administration – Economics ‘26). Favour is a 4th-year doctoral student and President of the African Student Association (ASA), an active student organization on campus known for hosting events like African Week and A Night in Africa: Faux Wedding during the ‘24-25 school year.

Favour has received several awards including the FCBE Outstanding Economics Graduate Student Award, Barbara Tuckman Memorial Fellowship Scholarship, UofM Division of International Affairs leadership award and was featured in the GSA Spotlights. Other honors include the 2023 Campus Community Excellence Award, Program Track Outstanding Student Award and GSA 20 under 35 Award.

Favour was also named a 2025 ASHEcon Diversity Scholar and was selected to present at national conferences like the NBER Mentoring Program on Aging and Health Economics Research and the NBER Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Conference. Favour received full funding to present research at the 2025 AEA meetings, the 99th WEAI Conference, the SEA graduate student sessions as Memphis rep and the 86th ASBS Conference.

Outside academics, Favour enjoys music, going out with friends, meeting new people, trying spicy food and watching movies.

Tiara Dean

^{July 3, 2025}

Say hello to Tiara Dean, a dynamic junior at the University of Memphis who’s turning passion into purpose as she pursues a degree in Marketing Management. With her sights set on graduating in May 2026, Tiara is already making a name for herself through leadership roles, academic excellence and her entrepreneurial endeavors.

An honors student and proud ambassador for the Fogelman Student Delegate Board, she’s a recurring Dean’s List recipient and an active participant in the CPCD Professional Development Program.

Beyond the classroom, Tiara is the founder and CEO of Dawn of Day Cookies and Desserts, a growing baking business that specializes in cookies and offers a variety of treats—from cakes and pies to gluten-free and vegan options.

Her talents don’t stop there—Tiara also sings, plays piano, writes, takes photos and loves to workout. As a self-proclaimed foodie, she enjoys discovering new restaurants around Memphis with friends.

We’re thrilled to spotlight Tiara’s inspiring journey and the many ways she’s lighting up Fogelman!

Preet Shaw

^{June 24, 2025}

Meet Preet Shah, a standout graduate student in Management Information Systems whose journey through Fogelman has been defined by leadership, global perspective and a passion for both professional and personal growth. Set to graduate in December 2025, Preet exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded and driven business student.

She currently serves as Vice President of Communication for the Student Delegate Board and President of the International Students Association. She is also a a MILE Program Scholar and participated in the Lowe’s Leadership Experience this past spring.

Preet has gained valuable real-world experience through internships at Hilton (Shared Services Strategy and Global PMO) and AutoZone (Finance) and she is gearing up for her next opportunity with the Revenue Science Team at FedEx.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys photography, pickleball, mentoring international students, traveling and discovering local coffee shops around Memphis. After completing her undergraduate degree in Business Information and Technology in Summer 2024, Preet is now embracing new challenges in grad school. She shares: “I’m very grateful for all the five years Fogelman has given me.”

We’re proud to highlight Preet’s incredible journey.

Adriana Martinez

^{June 20, 2025}

Let’s give a round of applause to Adriana Martinez, a Business Economics major and Spanish minor on track to graduate in Spring 2026. Adriana is a proud member of the Honors College and has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her academic journey.

Her dedication and excellence have earned her both the Outstanding Economics Undergraduate Student Award and the Dean’s Award for Most Outstanding Student – two incredible honors that speak to her hard work and passion for learning.

In her free time, Adriana enjoys reading across a wide range of genres and scrapbooking to capture cherished moments with family and friends.

Way to go, Adriana!

Sai Dheeraj Vodela

^{June 13, 2025}

Let’s celebrate Sai Dheeraj Vodela, who graduated this past spring. Sai, a MIS major, maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his academic journey and is passionate about both technology and creative expression.

He has worked as a Technical Assistant at the ITS Service Desk and participated in the 2024 AMIS Cybersecurity Competition, showcasing his dedication to hands-on learning and innovation.

Sai interned under Professor Pavankumar Mulgund on a research project titled “Enhancing Compliance Training with LLM-Powered Conversational Agents,” where he developed an AI-powered FERPA training platform using React JS and prompt engineering. His work has led to the submission of a conference paper for the upcoming 2025 International Conference on Information Systems.

In his free time, Sai enjoys mobile photography, capturing creative moments in everyday life and streaming films from around the world to explore diverse stories and cultures.

Keep aiming high, Sai your future in tech looks bright! 

Madison Huntley

^{June 3, 2025}

Let’s shine a light on Madison Huntley a marketing major, Dean’s List member, Presidential Scholarship holder and recipient of the FCBE Academic Excellence in Marketing Award. She is on track to graduate in May 2026.

She was a sports marketing intern for the University of Memphis Athletic Department during her freshman year. Professionally, she has worked as a manager at the busiest movie theater in Memphis. She is a data analyst and an intern at the Keith S. Collins Company.

In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog and watching movies.

Jada Robertson

^{May 30, 2025}

Let’s give a shoutout to Jada Robertson (BBA, MGMT ‘26), a FCBE senior majoring in Business Management with a minor in Public Health. Jada is actively involved in several professional development programs, including TRIO, Setting the Standard (STS), Accelerate New Memphis and the Memphis Institute of Leadership Education (MILE).

She has served as a Resident Advisor and was a member of the STS Student Leadership Council. Jada also participated in the Alternative Break Experience (ABE) with Housing and Residence Life and the Lowes Leadership Experience.

In her free time, Jada enjoys dancing, working out and volunteering.

Matthew Bersoza

^{May 22, 2025}

Check out Matthew Bersoza (BBA, ACCT ’25)!

He recently completed a Tax Internship with Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck (RBG) PLC and holds a 3.99 GPA. Matthew is a recipient of the Fogelman Academic Excellence Award, the Dean’s Scholarship and the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. 

He volunteers with Germantown Performing Arts, Wolf River Conservancy and Project Outreach. In his free time, Matthew enjoys cooking, golfing and following sports.

Gabriela Zych

^{May 15, 2025}

Say hi to, Gariela Zych (MGMT ’26, with a concentration in HR and minor in Professional Selling)!

Gabriela is on the UofM Rifle team, where she has been awarded five All-American awards along with the 2024 Elite-90 Award for Rifle. She also serves on the SAAC executive board as the NIL/PR Chair.

In the classroom, Gabriela keeps busy as an Honors College student with a 4.0 GPA and was recently recognized with the FCBE Academic Excellence in Management Award. She was also nominated for the 2024 FCBE Homecoming Court’s Most Likely to Be a CEO.

When she’s not at practice or studying, she enjoys listening to music, volunteering with her team and calling her family back in Anchorage, Alaska.

Vijay Kumar

^{May 7, 2025}

Meet Vijay Kumar (MSIS, ’25)!

As a dedicated graduate student, Vijay is committed to building his leadership skills through professional development. He earned an Executive-Level Professional Development Certificate from the Center for Professional Career Development and was one of only 10 students selected for the prestigious Lowe’s Leadership Program.

Outside of class, Vijay enjoys staying active—he practices yoga, goes to the gym and has completed a full marathon. He also volunteers every Saturday at the Indian Cultural Center and Temple, which helps him stay connected to his roots. His next big goal is to finish a triathlon!

 

Suzie Perry

^{April 29, 2025}

Get to know Suzie Perry (double majoring in Business Management & Chemistry with double minors in Entrepreneurship & Biochemistry, ’27)!
 
Suzie is a powerhouse on campus! She is an Emerging Leader, member of the Honors College, TRiO and Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society! She currently serves as an Emerging Leaders Mentor, Tiger Elite Outreach & Marketing Coordinator and Success Coach for Peer Power—where she was named “Most Spirited.”
 
She’s no stranger to the spotlight either—Suzie was featured on Amazon Prime’s The College Tour, appeared on WREG’s Live at 9 with Kontji Anthony and was interviewed on The President’s Perspective. She’s also been an Orientation Guide, a Tiger Leadership Institute Facilitator, Weeks of Welcome Leader and Student Admissions Worker.

Abigail T.

^{April 24, 2025}

Say hello to Abigail T. (BBA, ACCT ’25 & MS, ACCT ’26)!

She is a lifetime member of Beta Alpha Psi and a former member of SASS. Currently, she is a protégé in the MILE program, where she is honing her leadership and networking skills. Her professional experience includes multiple internships with FedEx, Watkins Uiberall and Overton Park Conservancy. Outside of academics, Abigail enjoys reading, cooking and learning Spanish.

Tharun Thota

^{April 17, 2025}

Introducing Tharun Thota (MSIS, ’25)! 

Tharun has a passion for research in the Systems Testing Excellence Program (STEP), where he focuses on LLM prompts and the application of AI in software testing. Last summer, he completed an internship in this role under Dr. Mark Gillenson.
 
His commitment to excellence extends to the classroom, where he has maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA throughout his academic journey.
 
Beyond academics, he enjoys staying active at the gym, playing basketball and spending quality time with friends. You can also find him in the library, diving into research work. 

Asafe Lima

^{April 10, 2025}

Step into the spotlight, Asafe Lima (BBA, ACCT ’27)!

Asafe was recently appointed as the Social Media Chair for the Fogelman Student Delegate Board. He is also an active member of the Fogelman Finance Club, participating on the TVA Investment Challenge, Bloomberg 2024 Trading Challenge and CFA Global Investment teams.
 
Last summer, Asafe completed the Leadership Summer Internship Program at Bellevue Baptist Church in their Missions Department, where he gained valuable experience in team management and leadership.
 
Outside of academics, Asafe combines his love for running and content creation. He is currently training for his first half marathon and documenting his journey on social media. His goal is to inspire others to push forward and always give their best. He encourages everyone with the reminder: “Nothing is impossible—you can always go one more.”

Jayasri Botcha

^{April 3, 2025}

Meet Jayasri Botcha (MSIS ‘25)! 

Jayasri is a passionate leader and an active member of the University of Memphis community. She is involved in several organizations, including AMIS, the Indian Student Association and serves as the President of the Hindu Students Organization. Additionally, she works as a graduate assistant in the Division of Research and Innovation.
 
She has earned the Executive Professional Development Program Certificate and was one of just 10 students selected for the prestigious Lowe’s Leadership Experience Program. She was also recognized as a nominee for the Fall 2024 Ms. FCBE Homecoming Court.
 
Beyond academics, Jayasri enjoys exploring Memphis, volunteering with the Mid-South Food Bank & India Cultural Centre and Temple and actively participating in cultural and community events. 

Luke Modin

^{March 27, 2025}

Say hello to Luke Modin (BBA, ACCT ’25)!

Luke is an Eagle Scout, a recognition he worked hard to achieve and one that continues to shape his leadership skills today.

He is currently interning at RBG, a public accounting firm in the Memphis area, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. On campus, Luke serves as the President of Beta Alpha Psi, an honors society for accounting, finance and MIS students. Prior to this role, he served as Treasurer for two consecutive semesters.

Luke has also been actively involved with the Center for Professional Career Development, where he earned the Manager Level in the Professional Development Certificate Program. Outside of academics, Luke enjoys backpacking, camping and running. When he’s not outdoors, you can find him cheering on the Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies! 

ACCT Professor Jeff Nevels praised Luke Modin’s academic performance and leadership, stating "Luke Modin is well on his way to be a Level 5 Leader as described in Jim Collin’s book Good to Great. He possesses a high level of personal drive yet is humble and unassuming. As president of the student organization Beta Alpha Psi, he has taken it to a new level of professionalism greatly benefiting his classmates seeking a career in accounting. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Luke again any time, any where.”

After graduating this spring, Luke plans to return to the University of Memphis to pursue an MS in Accounting.

Mallika Golla

^{March 21, 2025}

Meet  Mallika Golla (MIS, ’25)!

Over the past three semesters, she has served as a Graduate Assistant in the MIS Department, balancing teaching and research responsibilities. As the Vice President of AMIS, she’s played a key role in organizing events, fostering student engagement and building industry connections.
 
She has a strong passion for research, and for the last two semesters has been working with Dr. Pavan Kumar Mulgund on two research papers. Last summer, she gained hands-on experience with an internship at the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, working on business development strategies and startup initiatives.
 
Outside of the classroom, you’ll likely find her at the library – her happy place – reading poetry or studying. When she’s not in the library, she spends the rest of her free time exploring the city with friends!

Maddie Roberts

^{March 14, 2025}

Introducing Maddie Roberts (BBA, MKTG ’26)! 

A dedicated student-athlete on the Women’s Track & Field Team, Maddie is the mental health chair for SAAC and a team leader for FCA. She’s passionate about giving back, volunteering with Youth Villages, My Town Miracles and Race 4 Reconciliation.

A self-proclaimed coffee addict, she works part-time at 7Brew Coffee and enjoys photography, shopping and music. Maddie plans to pursue her MBA after graduation!

Recently, she and fellow athletes attended an NIL Summit, where they competed in a brand content challenge—and her team won, securing an NIL deal and winning a large cash prize! 

Shaun Gustafson

^{December 12, 2024}

Step into the spotlight, Shaun Gustafson (BBA, MGMT ‘24)! 

This USAF Veteran currently holds a 4.0 GPA (with 13 A+ grades) and recently received the FCBE Academic Excellence in Management Award. In addition to his exemplary academic standing, he is active in the UofM Air Force ROTC Cadet program, where he achieved a top 25% nationwide ranking at AFROTC field training. Shaun also works multiple part-time jobs and volunteers for various local nonprofit organizations. In fact, he just recently hosted a non-profit volunteer fair at FCBE to spread awareness of current missions and to recruit volunteers.

Shaun will be joining our MBA program in Spring ‘25 while returning to active duty as a military officer and pilot. Keep rocking it, Shaun! 

Ryan Owens

^{December 5, 2024}

Get to know Ryan Owens (BBA, SCM ’26)!

Ryan is a reoccurring UofM Dean’s List recipient. Not only has he maintained a 4.0 GPA, but he is a student in the Honors College on campus. He is also actively involved on campus through the Vue, a Bible-centered authentic community that seeks to engage the world. Most recently, Ryan was awarded the Supply Chain Management scholarship through International Paper and has accepted an internship there beginning in spring 2025. Keep up the hard work, Ryan!

 

Sophia Cruz

^{November 27, 2024}

Say hello to Sophia Cruz (BBA, MKTG ’26)!

Sophia is a proud member of the University of Memphis Rifle team and has the earned 2023 AAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and 2024 Scholastic All-American. Beyond her athletic and academic achievements, she is committed to volunteering with impactful organizations like Holiday Heroes, Nobody Trashes Tennessee, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Blue and Gray Cleanup, My Town Miracles and 901 Women.

In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends, staying active in the gym, playing soccer and diving into a good book. When asked why she chose the University of Memphis, the California native shared, “I chose the University of Memphis not only for the athletic opportunities but the diversity at the school and within the city itself. I love the community here in Memphis and all the support I get from our athletics and academics to help me pursue all my goals.”

Dale Kehr, MSCM assoc. professor, said, “Sophia is an exemplary student, known for her punctuality, preparedness, dedication to studying and consistent submission of assignments on time.”

Recently, she was a guest on the X’s & O’s Debate Show, hosted by our very own Donovan McLemore. Make sure to check it out!

London Taylor Ward

^{November 21, 2024}

Introducing London Taylor Ward (BBA, MIS ’25)!

While maintaining her status as a Dean’s List scholar, London actively participates in various organizations across campus. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Student Ambassador Board, NAACP, Phi Kappa Pi Honors Society and serves as a chairman of the Black Scholars Unlimited Community Service. In addition to her involvement on campus, she is deeply committed to serving her community.

“London is the model student who lights up the classroom by bringing a spark of curiosity and a relentless drive to get to the heart of whatever we’re studying,” explains Robert Rose, MIS asst. professor of teaching. “What sets London apart is her tenacity; she digs into problems with a determination and energy that inspires me as her professor. She refuses to accept anything less than her full potential. On behalf of the MIS Department and FCBE, we are fortunate to have her as a student and future alumnus.” Keep up the great work, London!

Vegard “V.K.” Knudsen

^{November 14, 2024}

Meet Vegard “V.K.” Knudsen (BBA, MKTG ’24)!

V.K. has made an impact as president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) through his enthusiasm & leadership. In addition, he has proudly been a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) since August ‘21. He is currently a marketing intern with Avron B. Fogelman Center for Professional Career Development.

Dr. Tracy Cosenza, MSCM assoc. professor and AMA faculty advisor, says, "I know VK as a student and as president of the American Marketing Association – UofM chapter. He is highly motivated, mature and self-disciplined – a pleasure for any professor to have in the classroom or to work alongside. He is certain to excel in any path he chooses, and I look forward to celebrating his accomplishments. As a UofM graduate and professor, I am proud that he carries our brand!" Way to go, V.K.!

Terah Mom

^{November 7, 2024}

Meet Terah Mom (BBA, ACCT & MKTG ’25)! Terah has proved herself to be a self-starter. Not only is she double-majoring at FCBE, but she has simultaneously held internships with two Memphis-based Fortune 500 companies: FedEx and Sherwin Williams. She has also gained recognition in MILE, the CPCD Certificate Programming and UMRF Ventures. In May, she visited Florence, Italy for her study abroad experience in Entrepreneurial Marketing.

She is currently the Social Media Marketing Intern for the Center of International Education Services and will start an internship next semester with HHM. Way to go, Terah!