Meet UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class Of 2025

Brad Staats: “

P&Q: Two years ago, P&Q asked you to share how you’ve integrated AI, STEM, analytics, and digital disruption into your programming. Since then, what types of enhancements have you made in these areas? 

Staats: “Today’s digital economy requires leaders and specialists who are expert in collecting large amounts of data and transforming it into actionable insights to drive positive business results. As a result of this rise in data-driven decision-making, we have altered our teaching. We have introduced new courses and altered our existing MBA courses’ approach to help graduates acquire and analyze data to improve performance and solve their organizations’ problems. 

“We have increased the focus on STEM topics in our required core curriculum, such that 77% of credit hours earned in the core cover topics within the definition of STEM. In our electives that make up the remainder of our program, over 80% cover STEM-related content.” 

Of the electives, Staats says they have courses like Building a Generative Artificial Intelligence Business Unit, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, ChatGPT, Marketing Strategy in Tech-Intensive Environments, and Current Topics in Finance: FinTech. They leverage faculty’s experiences to bring real world insight into this rapidly changing area. 

P&Q: How many courses outside the business school can MBAs take during your program? To what extent has your business school embraced coursework from other schools and departments at your university? Are students from other schools and departments at the university allowed to take MBA electives? 

Staats: “Students are encouraged and permitted to enroll in six credits (the equivalent of four MBA elective courses) of elective graduate coursework from other UNC departments. We have established nine formal dual-degree programs, representing the broad educational interests of MBA students who purposely elect to pursue their intellectual passions and curiosity in multiple academic disciplines.

“Beyond dual-degrees students, we actively encourage graduate students from across the UNC campus to enroll in our MBA offerings. We believe our MBA classroom and the overall learning environment are greatly enhanced by this heightened diversity of educational backgrounds and academic disciplines.”

P&Q: What is your biggest student-run event of the year and what does it reflect about your school?

Staats: “The Carolina Women in Business (CWIB) conference – held in the fall each year – is a dynamic and empowering event that brings together a diverse group of participants, including MBA and Undergraduate Business Program students, alumni, business leaders and MBA students from around the Triangle. 

“Participants learn from experienced professionals, hear about the latest trends in the business world, and gain practical skills they can in their careers. The event equips attendees with tools, inspiration, and connections to excel in their careers, promoting greater impact and success for all participants, particularly women and those who champion their cause. 

“The conference explicitly supports women and their allies. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, the event helps break down barriers and provides a space for individuals to share their experiences and challenges, ultimately contributing to the advancement of women in the business world.”

UNC KENAN-FLAGLER MBA CLASS OF 2025