Ashley Sperry

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Mother, leader, Army Officer, lifelong learner, resilient, adventure seeker, animal lover and loyal friend.”

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Fun fact about yourself: I love animals! When my kids begged for a pet cat, I went on Facebook Marketplace—somehow, I ended up bringing home two goats instead. Three years later, I have a mini farm with seven goats and five chickens… and at one point, I had 20 goats!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Ohio University, Bachelor of Science, Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences

Missouri State University, Master of Science, Defense and Strategic Studies

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? U.S. Army, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Captains Career Course Small Group Leader

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I interned with the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, 900th Contracting Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Where will you be working after graduation? I will be joining the U.S. Army Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) as an assistant project manager, supporting Special Operations Forces with their bio sequence detection equipment.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: ​At UNC Kenan-Flagler, I sought to make a meaningful impact from the start. During orientation, I secured the role of Curriculum Advisory Board (CAB) Representative, serving as the voice of my classmates. I collaborated closely with professors and program office faculty, providing weekly updates on how students were balancing academics and life. I also addressed conflicts in assignments and recruiting events, contributing to recommendations for academic calendar improvements to enhance effectiveness. This role was incredibly meaningful to me, as I saw firsthand the impact of my efforts. As a result, I was honored to be nominated for the first-year Impact Core Value Award at the end of the year.​

During my first year, I was elected by my peers as MBA Student Association (MBSA) vice president, where I led initiatives for career club presidents and Career Treks and collaborated closely with the Career and Leadership Team.

As a member of the MBASA executive council, I played a key role in shaping the MBA experience for both the Class of 2025 and 2026, which was an incredibly rewarding experience.​

I was awarded a fellowship to participate in the Healthcare Global Immersion Elective (GIE) in Japan and Thailand during spring break. This immersive course provided firsthand insights into the healthcare systems and business practices of these countries, enriching my global perspective and understanding of international healthcare dynamics. The GIEs at UNC Kenan-Flagler are intensive, experiential courses that require a high level of participation and engagement, offering deep insights into regions’ culture, social and political characteristics, and economic development challenges and successes. Through these experiences, I expanded my global business perspective and deepened my appreciation for sustainable practices and community engagement in diverse cultural contexts.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements during business school has been immersing my two daughters, ages 6 and 9, into my MBA journey. As a single mother, I wanted to show them firsthand that they can pursue their dreams, embrace challenges and achieve success through hard work, resilience, and a strong support system. By bringing them along on this experience—whether it was introducing them to my classmates, involving them in school events or simply letting them see me tackle demanding coursework—I hope to have instilled in them a sense of confidence and possibility for their own futures.

I’m also incredibly proud of the mentorship and support I provided to UNC Army ROTC cadets as they began their Army careers. Guiding them through this pivotal transition, I shared my experiences, offered advice, and connected them with my network of military professionals to help them navigate their paths. Seeing them grow as leaders and step into their roles with confidence was deeply fulfilling, and I am grateful to have played a role in shaping their journey.

These two experiences—mentoring the next generation of Army officers and setting an example for my daughters—are among my most meaningful accomplishments in business school. They reflect my passion for leadership, service, and paying it forward to those following in my footsteps.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I am most proud of in my professional career is serving as a Small Group Leader (SGL) at the CBRN Captains Career Course (CBRN CCC), where I mentored and developed the next generation of Army leaders. In this role, I not only instructed and guided junior officers but also led efforts to modernize and update lesson plans, ensuring the curriculum remained relevant and impactful for future Brigade Chemical Officers and Company Commanders.

This experience was incredibly meaningful because it allowed me to shape the careers of dozens of officers, preparing them for leadership in an ever-evolving operational environment. I took pride in fostering an environment of critical thinking, collaboration and professional growth while challenging myself to deepen my own expertise. Seeing my students go on to excel in their roles—many of whom reached out later to share how my mentorship influenced their success—was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of leadership and education.

Beyond curriculum development, this role reinforced my passion for teaching, mentoring and empowering others, skills that have continued to serve me in every professional endeavor since. It was a defining chapter in my career, where I truly felt the ripple effect of investing in people and shaping the future of my profession.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of its strong Veterans community, leadership development focus, and shared values, all of which were essential as I pursued my MBA while still serving on active duty. The school’s robust network of military-affiliated students and dedicated support systems provided a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that made balancing military service and business school not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Professor Heidi Schultz for Storytelling. Telling your story is paramount—whether in leadership, business or for personal growth—and Professor Heidi Schultz masterfully teaches the art of crafting compelling narratives. Her course sharpened my ability to communicate effectively and reinforced the power of clarity, emotion, and authenticity in storytelling. She helped me understand that great storytelling isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, persuasion and leaving a lasting impact.

Professor Schultz’s approach made storytelling both an art and a strategic tool, showing how narratives can influence decision-making, inspire teams and strengthen relationships. Her classroom was an engaging and supportive space that pushed me outside my comfort zone, refining my ability to structure and deliver stories with confidence. Her passion for the subject and dedication to her students made her one of the most influential and memorable professors of my MBA experience. The lessons I learned in her class will stay with me, shaping how I lead, communicate, and connect with others throughout my career.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Leading Groups and Teams taught by Jessica Christian. Professor Christian’s ability to tie cutting-edge research into practical, real-world scenarios made this course incredibly impactful. Her energy and enthusiasm drove dynamic discussions, challenging us to think critically about team dynamics, leadership challenges, and group decision-making. She didn’t just present theories—she demonstrated how they unfold in real organizations, equipping us with tools to navigate the complexities of leadership. Her teaching style made the course both engaging and highly relevant, ensuring that we left each class with actionable insights.

The real-world applicability of this course was invaluable. It provided a deep understanding of the psychological and behavioral aspects of teamwork, preparing us for the challenges we will face as we lead diverse teams. From managing conflict to fostering psychological safety and improving collaboration, every lesson had immediate, tangible applications. This course fundamentally shaped my perspective on leadership and team effectiveness, making it one of the most practical and transformative experiences of my MBA journey.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of my favorite MBA traditions at UNC Kenan-Flagler was the Lunar New Year Casual, hosted by the Asian Business Club and MBA Student Association (MBASA). This event beautifully reflected the school’s inclusive and globally-minded culture, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a meaningful cultural tradition. More than just a social gathering, it was an opportunity to build connections, foster cross-cultural understanding, and appreciate the traditions that shape our classmates’ lives. The celebration featured two vibrant lion dance performances, captivating the audience with their energy and symbolism, along with traditional Asian performances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year. The Asian food spread, including boba tea, was another highlight, offering a taste of authentic dishes that are an integral part of the holiday. Whether someone had grown up celebrating Lunar New Year or was experiencing it for the first time, the event created a welcoming space to learn, share, and participate. It was a powerful reminder of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s commitment to diversity, community and meaningful experiences, reinforcing that business school is not just about academics and career advancement but also about forming lasting relationships and broadening perspectives in an increasingly interconnected world.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about UNC Kenan-Flagler is that its collaborative and supportive culture means it isn’t as competitive or rigorous as other top business schools. Before arriving, I had heard that the environment was more laid-back, but what I experienced was a perfect balance between collaboration and high performance. The program is incredibly demanding and intellectually challenging, but what sets it apart is the way students support rather than compete against one another. UNC Kenan-Flagler fosters teamwork, shared success and leadership development, but that doesn’t mean expectations are lower—it means that instead of stepping on each other to get ahead, students push each other to be their best while lifting one another up. The program demands excellence, adaptability, and resilience, but it does so in a way that encourages personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a leadership mindset that extends beyond the classroom

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Chapel Hill has an incredible energy that blends Southern charm, a vibrant college-town atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. One of the things I loved most was the social scene that brought MBA students together outside of the classroom, especially the watch parties at Pantana Bob’s. These gatherings were more than just game-day events—they were a chance to unwind, connect with classmates, and fully embrace the Tar Heel spirit. Whether it was cheering for UNC, celebrating a big win or just enjoying time with friends, those nights at Pantana Bob’s made Chapel Hill feel like home.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? One movie that best captures the realities of business, finance and market dynamics is The Big Short. It provides a compelling look at the 2008 financial crisis, exposing the greed, negligence and systemic failures that led to the collapse of the housing market. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, questioning conventional wisdom and recognizing hidden risks, as a small group of investors saw what the entire financial system ignored—the impending disaster caused by reckless mortgage lending and flawed financial instruments.

The movie reinforces that business and finance are often driven by groupthink, overconfidence and misaligned incentives, conducting due diligence, skepticism and understanding the fundamentals crucial. It also emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of financial professionals, showing how a lack of accountability can have devastating real-world consequences. Ultimately, The Big Short is a powerful reminder that true leadership in business requires not just intelligence, but the courage to challenge the status quo and act with integrity—even when it’s unpopular.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? UNC Kenan-Flagler has integrated AI into its curriculum through dedicated courses, experiential learning projects and real-world applications, ensuring students gain a strong understanding of AI’s role in business. The school offers AI-focused classes such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Business as part of the Technology Innovation and Product Management concentration, providing hands-on experience in AI-driven decision-making. While AI is a valuable tool, UNC Kenan-Flagler emphasizes its use as a supplement to creativity and critical thinking rather than a replacement for human insight.

Personally, I used AI in my Storytelling class to enhance the imagery and depth of my narratives, helping bring my stories to life in a more vivid and compelling way. AI served as a creative aid, offering suggestions and refining descriptions, but the core message and authenticity of the story remained my own. This experience reinforced that AI can be a powerful tool for ideation and enhancement, but true storytelling—and business leadership—requires personal perspective, originality and human connection.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Kasha Ely for her quiet professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the executive vice president of learning & development (L&D) for MBASA, she worked tirelessly to ensure that each career club’s lab content was not only well-structured but also directly applicable to real-world business challenges. Her dedication to creating meaningful programming helped elevate the career development experience for students, ensuring that their time in the program translated into tangible skills and career readiness.

Beyond her leadership in L&D, Kasha demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and execution skills when we tackled a major challenge together—reviving the UNC Kenan-Flagler Student Store after it faced vendor issues and inventory discrepancies. Working side-by-side, we quickly devised a strategic plan, secured the correct inventory numbers, identified potential new vendors, and developed a sales strategy to bring the store back to full operations. Her ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically, and execute with precision was nothing short of inspiring. Kasha is not only a brilliant professional, but also an amazing human. I have no doubt she will continue to drive impact and lead with excellence after business school.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? One of the top items on my professional bucket list is to become a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) in the Army. Advancing to this rank represents not only career progression but also the opportunity to lead at a higher strategic level, mentor future leaders, and drive impactful decisions. Reaching LTC would allow me to take on greater responsibilities, influence key military initiatives, and contribute to mission success in a meaningful way. It reflects my dedication to both professional growth and my commitment to serving the Army and the soldiers I lead. More than just a rank, it signifies the culmination of years of experience, leadership development and the ability to shape the next generation of officers.

Another key goal on my professional bucket list is to acquire and implement high-speed, cutting-edge equipment that enhances warfighting capabilities and protects soldiers on the battlefield. I want to play a pivotal role in modernizing military technology, ensuring that our forces have access to the best innovations available. Whether through acquisitions, project management, or working in defense technology, my goal is to bridge the gap between military needs and industry advancements. The right equipment can be the difference between success and failure in combat, and I want to be at the forefront of securing the most advanced resources to support our warfighters.

What made Ashley such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“What makes Ashley so invaluable to me and to her classmates can be summed up in one word: supportive. Even at the point of arrival to UNC, Ashley was supportive of the MBA journey, eager to be a participant and always considerate with her feedback on how to make the student experience better. Whether it was through her involvement with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Veterans Association or bringing her baby goats to campus during final exams for a little “goat therapy,” Ashley was supported our core values and worked hard to make a positive impact in the student community.

I have worked with Ashley over her two years in our program, and very closely since last spring when she was elected as our MBA Student Association executive vice president. In every situation and through multiple roles, Ashley has done everything in her power to coach and mentor her classmates to be the best they can be.

She entered into program-wide conversations on how to best support our growing population of international students, helped with student surveys, and dealt with criticism. This year, when our student store had a personnel change, quietly stepped in to support efforts to get it back on track, fulfill customer orders and work with a vendor. This situation in particular showcases the hard conversations she has had to have with fellow leaders about missteps and the effect their actions had on the community.

She has done all this and engaged classmates with a desire to understand their lived experience, to really listen to their voices and, when possible, lift them up for support or change in the larger program, all while on active duty with the U.S. Army.

Equally importantly, she is a positive brand ambassador for UNC Kenan-Flagler. She talks with prospective students, attends events where we are trying to yield new admits, and honestly shares her experience, which included a very large personal challenge while enrolled. And she literally does it all with a smile on her face.

While Ashley’s north star involves making the program better for future students, it is not only accomplished through her actions and good works. She is willing to have those same difficult conversations with program staff that she has had to have with students that make her the supportive, encouraging student that she is. She is not afraid to hear concerns from students and deliver tricky or provocative feedback to staff. She accepts her successes and failures (or detours as I like to say) with maturity and an eye to continued improvement.

We often agree with her sentiments, sometimes even have the same concerns as she does, but appreciate so much the kind, empathetic way she delivers her criticism, seeing the staff in the program as accountability partners and not adversaries, that makes working with her so productive and enjoyable. When she has to go back to students and tell them an answer is no or that a project can’t continue, she does it straight forward with all of the knowledge she has and stands in front of them to accept the fall out.

Perhaps it is her military experience, perhaps it is the fact that she has kid and a farm (with the aforementioned goats), but for Ashley, involvement in the community and supporting other students wasn’t a badge to be earned or a project to complete – helping others was a real passion. She has worked closely with me and my team to push the recommendations forward for how we how to better support international students and the employment recruitment process, how we engage prospective students and so much more – all in an effort to improve the student experience. We have made significant progress across a number of ideas this year, and due to her engagement and feedback have a long to do list in the queue for next year, and the years beyond.

Ashley is a committed and talented student. The Class of 2025 would have been lacking without her presence. She has been a pleasure to partner with given her phenomenal talent, high energy and supportive nature. She has improved UNC Kenan-Flagler in fundamental ways with her academic and extracurricular work. She leaves a profound impact on UNC Kenan-Flagler and her impact will be seen for years to come.

In all of my interactions with Ashley, I have been struck by the fact that if I were hiring in business, she would be exactly the kind of candidate I would be looking for in a new MBA hire. The Army is lucky she is returning. Not only does she have all the of qualities previously articulated, but she has approached business school with an open mind of what success means for her and the ways she needs to go about achieving it both here and in her future career.”

Anne Bryan
Director of the Full-Time MBA Program
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

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