Alumni Spotlight

Mike Eads, an information systems alum from the BYU Marriott School of Business, trusted the skills he developed in the information systems program to take on roles within and outside the realm of his MISM.

Alum Kevin Smith carved out a gnarly career in his nearly 40 years at AT&T. He has also touched hundreds of lives through his optimism, genuine caring, and love for outdoor adventures. You’ve never met a surfer dude quite like him.

"A generous act changed the trajectory of my life in every single way,” says Gene Hayes, who completed his MBA in 1996. Later, as founding director for BYU–Idaho’s Pathway International, he "saw thousands of lives changed.”

For Rachel Bennion, advocating for immigrants isn’t just a professional goal—it’s a personal passion. Inspired by her immigrant great-grandfather's experience, she now helps modern immigrants overcome challenges her grandfather couldn’t have imagined.

ExDM alum Connor Ross's teenage goal to crush track records has since evolved into a career in collegiate sports management.

Claudia Barillas has always wanted to make a positive impact in her community, and the tools she's gaining in the executive MPA program at BYU Marriott have helped her achieve her vision.

For 12 years, accounting alum Michael Parker worked contentedly in public accounting. Then he got a taste of company finances and realized he wanted to be a part of a growing, new company.

During his time at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Nathan Shatzer got involved in the BYU chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management—and continues to connect with its members, this time as an alumnus.

Christina Muhlestein Bates had a track record for going for what she wanted, until a bad experience working in business left her unsure of her next step—until an MBA from BYU Marriott showed her that she could do and become anything she wanted.

While studying information systems at the BYU Marriott School of Business, Doug Maxfield's plan to pursue a career in technology development shifted drastically after a transformational conversation with a family friend unearthed an untapped passion: leadership development.

A painting is like a journal, says Kristin Yee. “It’s a log of how you felt on the different days you were creating it. You remember what you were thinking when you were working on certain parts.”

Gabrielle Sorensen, a 2019 BYU Marriott alumna and founder of Fleur Gabrielle, uses her experience design training to craft unforgettable floral experiences through a combination of creativity and meaningful client relationships.

The following are alumni who were highlighted on page 10 of BYU Marriott's 2024 Annual Report.

Steve Dutcher knows it sounds strange, but his five-month fight against cancer remains one of the best experiences of his life.

Rachel Jepson, a partner at a CPA firm, continues to seek out educational opportunities. She says, “You always need to be learning to keep up in the accounting profession."

After Kirk Holt graduated from high school, he volunteered on the Hill Cumorah Pageant’s work crew, an opportunity his seminary teacher nominated him for.

Nathan Tanner has biked hundreds of trails throughout Utah. Professionally, he’s also ridden the peaks of entrepreneurship and the valleys of rough economies.

There can be many economic and social problems in rural, resource-dependent communities, and finding solutions is challenging. However, Aaron Kelson, an instructor at Minnesota North College, is determined to help the residents of his central Minnesota community flourish.