Meet Virginia Darden’s MBA Class Of 2027

Students welcome admitted students to North Grounds at Darden Days.

P&Q: What are two ways that your program is incorporating Artificial Intelligence into your programming? How do they better prepare students for the future world of work?

Kestner/Twitty: “We are incorporating artificial intelligence in two particularly impactful ways—by embedding it into the learning experience and by using it to enhance how students engage with the broader Darden enterprise.

First, AI is being integrated directly into the classroom as a learning tool. Rather than treating AI as something separate, faculty are looking for ways AI can enhance the learning experience and build even deeper engagement with course material. This approach reflects the reality they will face in their careers and helps them develop both fluency and judgment. Darden students understand not just how to use AI, but when and how to apply it responsibly.

Second, we are leveraging AI across the student experience through purpose-built tools and agents that support everything from onboarding to academic work. For example, this spring we are launching a tool to help incoming students prepare for their MBA journey, navigate resources, and engage more efficiently with information. Overall, these tools are improving accessibility, streamline workflows, and allow students to focus more on higher-value learning and leadership development.

Together, these efforts ensure our graduates are not only comfortable with AI but are prepared to lead in organizations where human judgment and intelligent technology must work hand-in-hand. You see this commitment in Darden’s new center of excellence, the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business, which builds upon Darden’s core strengths—business ethics, stakeholder theory, an enterprise-wide perspective and cutting-edge data analytics and decisions science—to equip leaders with the insights and skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

Students walk from The Forum Hotel up to Saunders on the first day of classes

P&Q: What types of educational and career support do you provide to alumni after graduation? How does it make them more valuable to employers during their careers?

Kestner/Twitty: “Our commitment to students extends well beyond graduation through robust lifelong learning and career support.

Alumni have continued access to career coaching, job postings, and networking opportunities, as well as executive education and ongoing skill development resources. We also foster a highly engaged global alumni network that provides mentorship, industry insights, and career mobility.

This continuous support ensures our alumni remain adaptable and competitive throughout their careers, making them increasingly valuable to employers as they grow into leadership roles.”

Click on the links below for in-depth profiles of the Class of 2027.

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