Alex Bowman

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Adventurous lifelong learner and devoted dog dad to “Moose,” embracing challenges and living with intention.”

Hometown: New Bern, North Carolina

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a certified rescue diver and Ironman triathlete

Undergraduate School and Major: UNC-Chapel Hill, BS in biology

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Navy – F/A-18 Fighter Pilot

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I chose to attend UNC specifically because of the innovative dual degree DDS/MBA collaborative programming offered  by UNC Adams School of Dentistry and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. As a DDS candidate looking to expand my skills beyond clinical care and learn the finer points of operating a business, this unique opportunity to attend two top-tier institutions was an easy decision. I’ve always been driven by the pursuit of excellence and UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA program offers me the ability to efficiently round out my professional education at the highest level while still pursuing dentistry.

What has been your first impression of the Kenan-Flagler MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kenan-Flagler story so far. From day one, I was struck by the overwhelming support and collaborative spirit among everyone at UNC. Familiar faces from “Experience Weekend” made me feel at home, and meeting new, kind-hearted classmates with unique backgrounds further enriched the experience. However, what I cherish the most is the camaraderie I’ve developed with my peers, whether sharing moments while unloading U-Hauls in the 100 degree heat or bonding during brief breaks between classes. These exceptional individuals are the heart and soul of Carolina, making it an extraordinary place to be.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler? I’m super excited about joining the Real Estate Club and diving into something totally new for me. Real estate has always intrigued me, but my knowledge is mostly limited to casual reading. I can’t wait to learn more and maybe even enjoy a few real estate lessons on the golf course.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Throughout my career, I’ve achieved significant milestones that may impress on a resume. However, my proudest accomplishment remains leading sailors and delivering close air support to allies in challenging environments. Close air support refers to protecting friendly forces on the ground. It ranged from demonstrating an airborne presence by flying low and fast (to make the enemy aware of our presence) while escorting convoys through hostile areas to escalating force as required. From mentoring future leaders to escorting convoys of friendly forces through hostile territory abroad, the opportunity to positively influence the lives of those I’ve worked with is truly the biggest accomplishment of my career.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? My goal is to establish a successful multi-group dental practice that offers comprehensive care to the community. I hope to enhance accessibility to dental services and extend these services to rural areas in North Carolina, ensuring that high quality dental care becomes readily available to all.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Kenan-Flagler’s MBA program? I would say be genuine and tell your unique story. This is the key to connecting with others and making a lasting impact, which happens to be one of our core values at UNC Kenan-Flagler!

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2025: INSPIRING, INVENTIVE, IMPACTFUL