Poole College Welcomes New Cohorts of Graduate Program Students

Following their orientation sessions this August, Poole College welcomes the newest classes of the Jenkins MBA Program, Jenkins MAC Program, Economics Graduate Program and the Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) Program. Additionally, the inaugural class of the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) Program joins Poole College this fall. 

“We are so proud of our graduate students and the incoming class,” said Vikas Anand, associate dean for academic programs. “Selection to our programs is selective and we are fortunate that we get so many great applications. We appreciate the trust placed the the students in our programs and I know the faculty and staff will work hard to make this a fruitful journey for the students.”

Jenkins MBA Program

Student Spotlight: Matthew Bauder

With a background in electrical engineering and a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 2007, Matthew Bauder was itching to learn more about the business side of the world. Bauder will be pursuing an MBA through the part-time online program that complements his work and personal life.

“I want to bring my experiences to my company in whatever role I’m in and ensure I have a broad view of all discussions or situations I face,” said Bauder.

Bauder brings 15 years of work experience, currently serving as a principal controls engineer for the past 6 years with Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Previously, he worked at RoviSys, an automation company, and the Harris Group, an architecture and engineering firm.

Jenkins MAC Program

Student Spotlight: Erica Gales 

Erica Gales is a Poole College alumna as she earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a concentration in financial analysis in 2021. During her undergraduate career, Gales was a member of ​​Beta Alpha Psi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Accounting Society and Student Wolfpack Club.

“NC State has become my home away from home and also has an incredible Master of Accounting program so I can’t imagine going anywhere else to get my MAC,” said Gales.

Gales’ most recent role as an assurance winter intern for Ernst & Young gave her experience that brings her one step closer to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA).

Student Spotlight: Ebony Therrier

Ebony Therrier comes to Poole College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Georgia and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Medical College of Georgia, as well as 14 years of professional experience. The Jenkins MAC Online Program interested Therrier because of the flexibility of online courses and the reputation of Poole.

“I developed an interest in accounting after becoming a business owner and learning the bookkeeping, financial and tax components involved,” said Therrier.

Therrier is looking forward to challenging herself and understanding new information that she can apply to her career. Her ultimate goal is to use her MAC to help small businesses with setup and organization in hopes of increasing their success and profitability.

Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA)

Student Spotlight: Travis Galbraith

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from Texas Christian University in 2011, Travis Galbraith served in the U.S. Army as a captain before deciding to pursue a master’s degree. Galbraith will be balancing educational goals as well as personal and professional goals, as he currently works as a district sales manager for Ecolab.

“I am very interested in marketing and data analytics, having completed some informal education in those subjects,” said Galbraith. “I would like to transition to a career in marketing analytics and believe the MMA program will greatly help in that transition.”

Student Spotlight: Tim McKay

Tim McKay is a member of the Poole class of 2022 earning a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. McKay knew there was no other institution at which he wanted to pursue a master’s degree than NC State. 

“The Wolfpack alumni run deep in North Carolina and I wanted to be apart of that,” said McKay. “The network is insanely large and beneficial.”

After learning about analytics during his undergraduate career, McKay wants to develop his technical analytical skills through the MMA Program. His goal is to graduate with an analytics role and eventually start his own business in the field.

McKay is a member of the NC State Football Team as an offensive lineman where he recently was announced as the recipient of the 2022 University Scholar-Athlete Award by the the National Football Foundation’s Bill Dooley Chapter. He was a four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll honoree.

Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA)

Student Spotlight: Pete VanGraafeiland 

Pete VanGraafeiland brings 20 years of experience in the credit union industry and a background in consumer lending, digital banking and fraud prevention to the MRA Program. VanGraafeialnd chose to further is professional development as he believes there is a need for continued learning. 

VanGraafeiland graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Elon University in 2001 where was a varsity tennis player. In 2005, he earned an MBA in finance from Campbell University. 

“​​Risk and analytics are at the forefront of my industry and having a solid understanding of both is important for leadership within the industry,” said VanGraafeiland. “I hope to be able to apply the learnings to my overall skill set and experiences with the intention of becoming a thought leader and better executive for my organization and industry.”

Student Spotlight: Mandy Blackmon

Mandy Blackmon has been a member of the Wolfpack for over 23 years serving in budget, finance and human resource (HR) roles across campus. Following earning her Bachelor of Science in business administration and leadership and management from William Peace University in 2017, she served as director of HR for the College of Education until May 2022 when she was promoted to HR system and data reporting analyst for the University Budget Office.

“My professional experience in business has provided me with a solid foundation in the principles associated with risk management and data analytics,” said Blackmon. “I am interested in pursuing the risk and analytics concentration to sharpen further the mastery necessary to expand these core competencies so that I may successfully drive thoughtful organizational decisions supported by factual data.”

Blackmon has had experience working with faculty from the Business Analytics Initiative (BAI) and the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative which drew her to the analytics field. She is looking forward to the innovative coursework coupled with a real-world business application will improve her existing skills in risk and analytics.

“I have a 13-year-old daughter that watches my every move,” said Blackmon. “I want to reinforce through action not just words that women are capable of not only being wives and mothers but also of being strong, capable leaders that can drive and influence change.”

Economics Graduate Program

This post was originally published in Poole College of Management News.