Maree Smith

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“Adventurous leader driven to connect globally, inspire change, and build bridges.”

Hometown: Monticello, MN

Fun Fact About Yourself: I lived and worked in Spain for three years after undergrad and speak Spanish fluently.

Undergraduate School and Major: Butler University, Marketing and Spanish

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Genomics Global Marketing Manager at Neogen Corporation

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? My favorite part of Nashville has been the incredible sense of community I’ve found here. Having lived in the city for a few years before starting my MBA, I’ve had the chance to explore its neighborhoods and build meaningful connections. Nashville makes it easy to meet people and create lasting friendships. Whether it’s my running group or Spanish Club, these communities have not only enriched my experience but also introduced me to new perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? A key factor in choosing Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA program was the collaborative yet competitive culture. During prospective student events, it was clear that the ‘competitive, not cutthroat’ mantra truly reflected the Owen community. Now that I’m here, I see it in action every day. Classmates support one another’s success in academics and recruiting, while still being driven individuals with ambitious goals. This balance of collaboration and healthy competition aligns with how I’ve approached life, and I knew I would thrive in an environment that fosters both personal growth and collective success.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? The activity I’ve enjoyed most so far at Vanderbilt Owen is being a Recruiting Experience Ambassador (REA). In this position, I guide prospective students through their MBA decision-making process by hosting lunches and engaging in various prospective student events. When I was a prospective student, the REAs left a lasting impact on me. Their openness was pivotal in my decision to attend Owen. Now, I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward by helping others navigate this important decision and find the right fit for their journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment so far has been moving to Spain to teach for three years. With no formal teaching experience and knowing no one in the country, I took a leap that shaped my personal and professional growth. This experience not only elevated my Spanish fluency, but also ignited a passion for leveraging cross-cultural competencies in my career. Upon returning to the U.S., I worked on Latin American and Global teams at two different companies, collaborating in Spanish and with individuals worldwide. That move to Spain laid the foundation for my globally-minded approach to work and life.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far is being selected as a Board Fellow for Special Olympics Tennessee. When I first heard about the Board Fellows program during a prospective student panel, I immediately knew it was an opportunity I wanted to pursue. It’s a meaningful way to engage with the Nashville community, advocate for causes I care deeply about, and gain experience serving on a board. Being paired with Special Olympics TN is especially significant to me, as college swimming and sports have played a huge role in my life. I’m passionate about empowering individuals of all abilities to participate in sports, and I’m excited to contribute meaningfully as a board member for this organization.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA student so far has been the time spent connecting with my classmates and learning from their diverse perspectives. We have a rich community, with international students, military veterans, and professionals from a wide variety of industries and experiences. Engaging with people whose backgrounds differ from mine has been eye-opening. Whether it’s through class discussions, social events, or casual conversations outside of school, I’ve gained so much from these connections. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve built and the memories we’re creating together.

DON’T MISS: MEET VANDERBILT OWEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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