Meet Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class Of 2028

ATLANTA: A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Goizueta’s Atlanta digs is another differentiator, say first-years. Picture 18 Fortune 500 companies, including Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, UPS, Georgia-Pacific, and Aflac. Think of a commercial hub that has spun out 11 unicorns and boasts 35 corporate innovation centers. Imagine a quarter-million college students across nearly 60 higher education institutions. And let’s not forget Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport with over 106-million visitors annually and flights to nearly 250 destinations.

Beyond the opportunities, says Andy Asante, Atlanta “feels like a small town.” Known as a ‘city in a forest’, Atlanta itself is home to over 340 parks covering over 3,000 acres. There is the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile walkway that encircles downtown Atlanta and stretches from Piedmont Hospital to the Atlanta Zoo. More than that, adds Stuart Anderson, Goizueta MBAs can enjoy “a great cost of living and amazing weather” – not to mention Southern hospitality and culture.

“Atlanta offers endless opportunities to explore,” Asante continues. “Whether visiting the amazing museums, enjoying its urban parks, or taking a short drive to scenic lakes and mountains, there is always something new to experience. It is a city that encourages both personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional place to live, learn, and prepare for the next chapter of my career.”

As much a destination, Atlanta is also a spirit, adds Shivani Sharma. “What excites me most is that Atlanta is still growing and evolving. There is a sense of momentum and ambition that makes it an inspiring place to live and learn. For someone looking to build a global career at the intersection of technology and strategy, I cannot think of a better place to earn an MBA.”

And the food is pretty tasty too, adds ’26 alum Michael Coyne. “Atlanta also has an emerging food scene with dozens of great restaurants led by talented chefs. Some of my favorites are Chai Pani, Kimball House, and Delbar. There are also tons of neighborhood farmers markets which run almost the entire year and are great opportunities to find tasty and fresh local produce (remember, it’s a long growing season in Georgia).”

Goizueta alumni also praise Goizueta’s accelerated one-year MBA option, which offers flexibility and lower costs alongside intensive training and support. Equally popular is KEGS – or Keeping Everyone at Goizueta Social – a weekly afternoon gathering over students, staff, and even alumni over food, drinks, and music.

“Coming from a deeply academic background where schedules are packed and networking often feels like a task, I appreciated that KEGS creates protected time to simply connect with classmates,” writes Jasmine King, a 2026 P&Q Best & Brightest MBA. “Centered on conversation and community rather than competition, this weekly tradition reflects the collegial spirit of Goizueta, a school that values relationships just as much as results. Moreover, KEGS serves as a critical reminder of the importance of investing in genuine, lasting connections that shape both careers and character.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN MITCHELL

It has been a busy year at the Goizueta MBA, as the school continues to unpacks its curriculum ‘revision’. In June, the school recruited Saby Mitra, most recently the dean of the University of Florida’s Warrington College, to serve as the dean at Goizueta. That’s not the only news at the school. This fall, P&Q reached out to Brian Mitchell, Associate Dean of Full-Time MBA Programs and Goizueta Global Strategy and Initiatives. In a wide-ranging Q&A, Mitchell shares some of the latest developments in the program, along with sharing details about orientation, overseas treks, and the best places to eat near campus.

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

Mitchell: “One of the most significant developments has been the implementation of our comprehensive curriculum redesign. We have now launched a curriculum that remains grounded in analytical rigor while placing greater emphasis on AI fluency, professional communication skills, and interdisciplinary thinking. Rather than treating AI as a standalone topic, we’ve launched our Tech Trends & Transformations course where AI is integrated across disciplines, so students learn how to use these tools responsibly in finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and beyond.

The second development has been reimagining how students begin their MBA experience. We’ve introduced an AI & Quant Foundations Week before classes begin, ensuring every student starts with a common toolkit regardless of their undergraduate major or professional background. That levels the playing field while giving faculty the ability to go deeper once the semester begins.

Together, these changes prepare graduates for careers that will evolve alongside technology. We want our students to leave Goizueta confident that they can adapt, lead, and continue learning throughout their careers.”

P&Q: Describe what happens at first-year orientation. How does it reflect your culture and set the stage for the core curriculum?

Mitchell: “We think of it as onboarding rather than orientation. Typically, orientation is something that happens over a few days. Onboarding is the beginning of a transformational experience that builds a connection to the Goizueta community.

Our goal is simple: by the time classes begin, every student should feel academically prepared, professionally supported, and personally connected.

Students meet faculty, alumni, career coaches, and second-year mentors. They begin leadership development, work through case discussions, build relationships in their learning teams, and complete our AI & Quant Foundations experience.

What makes Goizueta distinctive is that we intentionally integrate academic excellence and community. We believe students learn best when they trust one another, so we invest heavily in building relationships before asking them to solve difficult business problems together. By the first day of class, they’re no longer sitting next to strangers. They’re sitting next to teammates.”

P&Q: What have employers told you about how they are using AI and what they expect from MBAs when they start their job? How have you implemented their insights into your curriculum? (Why is the MBA still relevant in the age of AI?)

Mitchell: “Employers consistently tell us they don’t simply want graduates who know how to use ChatGPT or the latest AI platform. They want leaders who know when to trust AI, when to challenge it, and how to combine human judgment with technological capability.

The technical tools will continue changing, which is why our Tech Trends & Transformations course is not titled “Intro to Artificial Intelligence”. The underlying leadership competencies of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, collaboration, and strategic judgment are becoming even more valuable as technological transformations continue.

AI has made the MBA more relevant, not less. As routine analysis becomes increasingly automated, organizations will need leaders who can ask better questions, interpret ambiguous information, persuade diverse stakeholders, and make sound decisions when there isn’t a perfect answer. Those are exactly the capabilities that define a great MBA education.”

P&Q: What have students and alumni told you is their favorite domestic or overseas trek? What do they do during this excursion? What have been the biggest lessons they’ve gained on these treks (and how have they applied them when they’ve returned)?

Mitchell: “Many of the world’s leading business schools are increasingly exploring the role that happiness, well-being, and purpose play in leadership and career success. At Goizueta, our students go beyond reading the research. They experience this firsthand and in a global context.

One of our most distinctive Global Experiential Modules (GEMs) takes students to Denmark, which is consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world while also being one of the most productive. That combination is no coincidence, and it’s exactly what makes the experience so compelling.

During the Denmark GEM, students meet with business leaders, organizations, and policymakers to examine how trust, employee well-being, workplace design, and social systems contribute to innovation, productivity, and long-term organizational performance.

When students return to Atlanta, they often tell us that they have developed a broader perspective on leadership. They become more thoughtful about building high-performing teams, creating cultures of trust, and recognizing that employee well-being and business performance are not competing priorities. In today’s global economy, that ability to learn from different cultures and apply those insights in new contexts is an invaluable leadership skill, and one that makes this experience uniquely Goizueta.”

P&Q: What does your program deliberately do to turn a roomful of strangers into a tight-knit community? What is an event or tradition that reflects this approach and why does it matter so much to the experience?

Mitchell: “Community is our foundational core value, and we believe it has to be designed, practiced, and reinforced throughout the MBA experience.

One tradition that reflects our culture is Keystone, a two-day experience that marks the beginning of our students’ second year. After spending the summer apart on internships around the world, the class reunites to reconnect, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for the year ahead.

The centerpiece of Keystone is a day of service. Students choose from 10-to-15 nonprofit organizations across the Atlanta community and spend the day volunteering in small teams alongside their classmates. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about serving others and making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work.

That experience sets the tone for their final year together and reminds them that the strongest leaders build organizations and communities where people can thrive. Goizueta alumni often remember Keystone as one of the defining experiences of their MBA.”

P&Q: What types of outreach does your school conduct with employers? How do these efforts give your students an edge and position them to land interviews and internships?

Mitchell: “As a critical piece of our Career Management Center, our Employer Relations team works closely with organizations to understand emerging talent needs. Employers are essential partners in our curricular and co-curricular activities, including experiential learning projects, industry treks, leadership panels, networking events, mock interviews, and executive coaching.

Because Atlanta is home to numerous Fortune 1000 companies, consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and rapidly growing technology companies, Goizueta students and faculty benefit from exceptional access to executives and recruiters.

The result is that employers get to know our students before formal interviews begin. That familiarity creates stronger relationships and ultimately stronger career outcomes.”

P&Q: MBAs are notorious foodies. What are two places – near campus or around your city – where your students gather for meals, snacks, or drinks? What are some items that they serve that you or your students would recommend? What makes those places such unforgettable experiences?

Mitchell: “One of the advantages of studying in Atlanta is that students have access to a city with world-class dining, global industries, and an incredibly welcoming entrepreneurial community. The classroom doesn’t end when class is over. Many of the best conversations happen when we are breaking bread together around this great city.

One favorite is The General Muir, which is right on campus. It has become a popular spot for everything from coffee meetings to weekend brunches. The pastrami sandwich, smoked salmon bagel, and house-made pastries are perennial favorites. More than the food, it’s the kind of place where classmates linger over conversations that often continue long after class has ended.

Another staple is Fox Bros BBQ. When students want to introduce visiting friends to Atlanta, this is often where they go. The brisket, ribs, and smoked wings consistently earn rave reviews. We love the great conversations that happen when people slow down, enjoy a meal together, and build authentic relationships.”

Click on the links below for in-depth student profiles from the MBA Class of 2028.

MBA Student	Hometown	Undergraduate Alma Mater	Last Employer
Stuart Anderson	Atlanta, GA	U.S. Military Academy	U.S. Army
Morgan Atkins	Olive Branch, MS	Olive Branch, MS	Bipartisan Policy Center
Andy Asante	Anomabo, Ghana	Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology	Access Bank (Ghana)
Kylinn Askew	Hudson Valley, NY	Cornell University	Groundwork Health
Song Bo Sim	Suwon, South Korea	Seoul National University	Samsung Electronics
Brianna Carter	Montego Bay, Jamaica	University of Technology	Jupiter.co
César E. De La Cruz León	San Juan, Puerto Rico	Babson College	Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR)
Shriya Kancharlapalli	Nottingham, United Kingdom	University of Nottingham	ExxonMobil
Jarred Morehead	Shelby, NC	University of South Carolina	Private Piano Teaching Studio
Shivani Sharma	New Delhi, India	VIT University	Microsoft
Clarence “Chance” Stephens	Beaufort, SC	Morehouse  College	Pfizer
Florian Vielhaber	Arnsberg, Germany	Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Mosbach	EGGER Group

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