Stellar Student Spotlights
2024-2025
Shaun Gustafson
December 12, 2024
Step into the spotlight, Shaun Gustafson (BBA, MGMT ‘24)!
This USAF Veteran currently holds a 4.0 GPA (with 13 A+ grades) and recently received the FCBE Academic Excellence in Management Award. In addition to his exemplary academic standing, he is active in the UofM Air Force ROTC Cadet program, where he achieved a top 25% nationwide ranking at AFROTC field training. Shaun also works multiple part-time jobs and volunteers for various local nonprofit organizations. In fact, he just recently hosted a non-profit volunteer fair at FCBE to spread awareness of current missions and to recruit volunteers.
Shaun will be joining our MBA program in Spring ‘25 while returning to active duty as a military officer and pilot. Keep rocking it, Shaun!
Ryan Owens
December 5, 2024
Get to know Ryan Owens (BBA, SCM ’26)!
Ryan is a reoccurring UofM Dean’s List recipient. Not only has he maintained a 4.0
GPA, but he is a student in the Honors College on campus. He is also actively involved
on campus through the Vue, a Bible-centered authentic community that seeks to engage
the world. Most recently, Ryan was awarded the Supply Chain Management scholarship
through International Paper and has accepted an internship there beginning in spring
2025. Keep up the hard work, Ryan!
Sophia Cruz
November 27, 2024
Say hello to Sophia Cruz (BBA, MKTG ’26)!
Sophia is a proud member of the University of Memphis Rifle team and has the earned
2023 AAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and 2024 Scholastic All-American. Beyond her
athletic and academic achievements, she is committed to volunteering with impactful
organizations like Holiday Heroes, Nobody Trashes Tennessee, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,
Blue and Gray Cleanup, My Town Miracles and 901 Women.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends, staying active in the gym, playing soccer and diving into a good book. When asked why she chose the University of Memphis, the California native shared, “I chose the University of Memphis not only for the athletic opportunities but the diversity at the school and within the city itself. I love the community here in Memphis and all the support I get from our athletics and academics to help me pursue all my goals.”
Dale Kehr, MSCM assoc. professor, said, “Sophia is an exemplary student, known for her punctuality, preparedness, dedication to studying and consistent submission of assignments on time.”
Recently, she was a guest on the X’s & O’s Debate Show, hosted by our very own Donovan McLemore. Make sure to check it out!
London Taylor Ward
November 21, 2024
Introducing London Taylor Ward (BBA, MIS ’25)!
While maintaining her status as a Dean’s List scholar, London actively participates
in various organizations across campus. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
the Student Ambassador Board, NAACP, Phi Kappa Pi Honors Society and serves as a chairman of the Black Scholars Unlimited Community Service. In addition
to her involvement on campus, she is deeply committed to serving her community.
“London is the model student who lights up the classroom by bringing a spark of curiosity and a relentless drive to get to the heart of whatever we’re studying,” explains Robert Rose, MIS asst. professor of teaching. “What sets London apart is her tenacity; she digs into problems with a determination and energy that inspires me as her professor. She refuses to accept anything less than her full potential. On behalf of the MIS Department and FCBE, we are fortunate to have her as a student and future alumnus.” Keep up the great work, London!
Vegard “V.K.” Knudsen
November 14, 2024
Meet Vegard “V.K.” Knudsen (BBA, MKTG ’24)!
V.K. has made an impact as president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) through his enthusiasm & leadership. In addition, he has proudly been a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) since August ‘21. He is currently a marketing intern with Avron B. Fogelman Center for Professional Career Development.
Dr. Tracy Cosenza, MSCM assoc. professor and AMA faculty advisor, says, "I know VK as a student and as president of the American Marketing Association – UofM chapter. He is highly motivated, mature and self-disciplined – a pleasure for any professor to have in the classroom or to work alongside. He is certain to excel in any path he chooses, and I look forward to celebrating his accomplishments. As a UofM graduate and professor, I am proud that he carries our brand!" Way to go, V.K.!
Terah Mom
November 7, 2024
Meet Terah Mom (BBA, ACCT & MKTG ’25)! Terah has proved herself to be a self-starter. Not only is she double-majoring at FCBE, but she has simultaneously held internships with two Memphis-based Fortune 500 companies: FedEx and Sherwin Williams. She has also gained recognition in MILE, the CPCD Certificate Programming and UMRF Ventures. In May, she visited Florence, Italy for her study abroad experience in Entrepreneurial Marketing.
She is currently the Social Media Marketing Intern for the Center of International Education Services and will start an internship next semester with HHM. Way to go, Terah!