Meet TCU Neeley’s MBA Class Of 2025

FAVORITE COURSES & OUTSIDE INTERESTS

The Class of 2025 had a wide variety of favorite courses. One that was mentioned by the class a few times was the Financial Management Course with Dr. Virginia Traweek.

“I appreciate Dr. Traweek sharing real-world tidbits from finance history to add an engaging and interesting dimension to the difficult course that is Financial Management. I’m taking her passion and enthusiasm for finance with me as I tackle the challenges of Financial Management II as I know that the skills learned in these courses will help me tremendously within my future endeavors,” says MBA Teresa Magaña Leach.

Leach is a first-generation college student who values connection and hopes to start a business that will improve the quality of life for those in her community. “I have greatly enjoyed the Graduate Women in Business organization because it has connected me to a supportive and empowering community of future female business leaders and alumni,” she says. “There, I was able to reconnect with Shanna Saldana, a current Executive MBA student and inspiring community leader. Shanna recounted her positive and empowering experience at TCU and reinforced the value of pursuing an MBA here,” Leach says.

Among the ever-favorite tailgating and case competitions, TCU MBAs also loved the Corporate Finance/Capital Markets Club.

MBA Parul Bhalgat says, “My experience with The Capital Market Club at TCU has been a journey of growth and enlightenment.” She recently attended their Wall Street Prep seminar, where he sharpened her skills related to finance. “The club’s commitment to providing practical, real-world insights and its focus on networking make it a remarkable and enriching experience.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE

Being accepted into the MBA is the biggest accomplishment so far for many, including Bhalgat, who lost her mom suddenly in 2020. She says she didn’t have enough time to grieve because she had new responsibilities at home. “I channeled my grief into making goals for my future and how I was going to accomplish them. While I have had some accomplishments in my professional life, I would consider being in the 2025 TCU Full-time MBA cohort my biggest accomplishment yet.” This was a drastic life change, she says, because she was leaving the stability of her ten-year job in order to get her MBA and pivot into corporate finance.

For two others, their biggest accomplishments have been expanding their professional networks. One is MBA Andrew Jent from Alabama, who is hoping to add his expertise within healthcare organizations after graduation. “I have made valuable connections in both the healthcare industry and in the DFW area. I’ve already learned skills that will help me transform into a better manager and peer after school,” says MBA Andrew Jent.

MBA and capital market enthusiast Deeshan Alwis says, “In just three months, I’ve been able to foster an extensive network, from faculty to alumni. As an international student, building these connections has been extremely valuable and I consider this as my biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far.”

THE UNEXPECTED

A fan of both Capital Markets and Formula One, Alwis says, “What surprised me most about the TCU Neeley School of Business is the personal touch. Both the faculty and staff genuinely care about the students, and offer tailored support for internships, career planning and academics. This is one of the biggest advantages of having a smaller cohort.”

Originally wanting to pursue law, MBA Mollee Frankel has shifted her career path and is aiming to have a role in business leadership after her time at TCU. “Initially, I anticipated a predominantly business-oriented student body, but to my surprise, I discovered a diverse mix of professionals hailing from fields such as health care, engineering and more.” A whole 50% of this year’s class comes from non-business backgrounds. Frankel says that having students from varying backgrounds enriches their dialogues and learning experiences.

“This diversity encourages critical thinking and provides a more holistic understanding of the business world, making our educational experience at the Neeley School both comprehensive and thought-provoking,” she says.

POST-GRAD AMBITIONS

Local Fort Worth resident Anthony Hill Jr. aspires to stay in the area post-grad, and he’s happy to continue making connections in the area. “My goal is to work for an investment bank or consulting firm in the Fort Worth area,” he says. “Being a lifelong resident, I have noticed the recent growth in business in the city. I chose to pursue an MBA at TCU to strengthen my connections in Fort Worth and utilize its strong Horned Frog network of alumni and corporate partners to achieve my goals.”

MBA Colby Blatnik experienced a year marked by major events, tying the knot off the Amalfi coast before kicking off his MBA. He chose TCU for its small class sizes and reputation for hands-on experiential learning, and his team won the Dell Case Competition this year.

“My two goals are to become a top medical device sales representative in the DFW metroplex and be in a position of management within five years,” Blatnik says.

TCU NEELEY’S 2025 CLASS PROFILE

This year, the Class of 2025 is made up of students who have an average of 6 years of work experience. Women account for a little over a third, 35% of the class, and almost a quarter, 24% of students come to the program from abroad. Only half of the class are business majors – the rest come from non-business backgrounds. On average, they are 27 years old, and their average GMAT scores were 612.

See the next page for interviews with the leadership team at TCU Neeley School of Business and links to profiles of 12 Neeley Class of 2025 MBAs.