Ross Blackwell

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management and the McCormick School of Engineering (MMM Program)

“Creative problem-solver who wants to improve the lives of people and live a balanced lifestyle.”

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to draw and paint, especially portraiture. I’ve had my art displayed in a few different museums in both Nashville, TN and Florence, Italy!

Undergraduate School and Major: Northwestern University, Manufacturing and Design Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Qualtrics, Global Operations Manager

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One of the things that really made Kellogg stand out to me is the MMM Program, a dual-degree program where students receive an MBA from Kellogg and an M.S. in Design Innovation from the McCormick School of Engineering. This program really stood out to me as a unique opportunity to gain a blend of skills and experiences that will prepare me to solve all kinds of problems at the intersection of business, technology, and design. Additionally, the MMM program is a cohort of 70 students that starts in the summer, which creates a really unique opportunity to create a tight-knit community outside of the rest of the MBA class early on in my time at Kellogg.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Chicago is a really cool place to pursue an MBA for both Midwest natives and people from out-of-state and different countries. Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management provides the opportunity to experience a unique blend between the vibrant urban energy of Chicago and the serene academic setting of Evanston. Chicago is a global business hub, providing access to top companies, diverse industries, and influential leaders, making it an ideal place for networking and career opportunities and just a train-ride away. Evanston, home to Northwestern University and Kellogg, offers a supportive and close-knit community, perfect for focused study and collaboration. This blend of city life and college-town culture provides a balanced and enriching environment and is great place to spend a few years!

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? More than anything, I’m a positive and empathetic teammate. I try to bring positive energy and optimism to every team I work with, and I find that this energy is infectious and leads to a lot more success (and fun). I’m also a connector; I’m able to find something in common with anyone and work well with many different types of people from all kinds of different backgrounds. I believe both of these attributes are critical to success both in the MBA classroom and throughout one’s career working with people across interdisciplinary teams and from all around the globe.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I’m really excited to explore the different industry and interest clubs here at Kellogg. On the industry side, KTech and Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club seem like a great opportunity to connect with students with similar career interests and learn from their experience. Outside of the classroom, Kellogg Ski and Snowboard Club and Kellogg FC (the Kellogg Soccer Club) are a fun way to connect with other students in areas that I am passionate about.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. On the first day of orientation, I was really struck by how friendly, down-to-earth, and curious everyone at Kellogg was. Even though the student body and alumni have different backgrounds and are from all over the world, they share a passion for learning and a desire to be a part of a vibrant and welcoming community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Qualtrics, I was recognized as one of the top people leaders in the company with individuals on my team citing my investment in career development, commitment to DE&I, and dedication to employee engagement.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? A successful MBA experience for me would be landing an exciting PM role, making lifelong friends and connections, and having an enriching and fun 2 years.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? UPenn Wharton, Columbia CBS, UChicago Booth

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? Reach out to current students and alumni and try to really learn about the specifics of Kellogg’s program and culture. This knowledge will be really crucial not only to make sure Kellogg is the right fit for you, but also to show the admissions team that you have done your research and want to come here.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2026