In this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, students from different MBA programs at ASU Carey share why they became part of the Class of 2026.
First, we’re going to recap the class profile for the full-time MBA Class of 2026 there. Fifty-six students joined the new full-time class. Forty-three percent are women and nearly half, 48 percent, hail from outside the United States. Forty-one percent of full-time MBA U.S. students identify as a minority while 24 percent identify as an underrepresented minority. During their undergraduate years, the Carey MBA class had earned an average GPA of 3.52. Thirty percent had majored in business and a quarter in liberal arts. A fifth had pursued engineering and seven percent reported degrees in the sciences. When it came time to take the GMAT, new Carey full-time MBAs landed an average score of 698. For those who opted to take the GRE, they reported an average total score of 313. Students matriculated with an average of 5.47 years of work experience at an average age of 30 in the full-time program.
Beyond the numbers, new Carey MBAs bring a wealth of experience and ambition to lead, innovate, and make meaningful impact to the classroom–whether it’s for the full-time, online or executive programs.
To start, Mark Smith, an Executive MBA candidate and a Senior Vice President at Discount Tire, brings over two decades of operational leadership to the table. His passion for empowering others and his commitment to community engagement make him a cornerstone of his class. Mark highlights ASU Carey’s reputation for excellence and its emphasis on fostering relationships as key factors in his decision to pursue his MBA.
Then, Ashna Gupta, a full-time MBA student with a background in engineering and analytics, embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that Carey fosters. With professional stints at ZS Associates and United Airlines, Ashna’s journey reflects her drive to shape strategic decisions while drawing from her multicultural upbringing. She emphasizes the program’s close-knit community and focus on entrepreneurship as defining features of her Carey experience.
We also hear from Gabriel Evans, a sustainability advocate and Evening MBA student, who leverages over a decade of experience in the water industry. His dedication to addressing systemic challenges and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion positions him as a vital contributor to discussions on sustainable business practices. Gabriel’s nontraditional path to business school underscores Carey’s inclusivity and commitment to student success.
Turning to the ASU Carey Online MBA, Logan Thompson, a U.S. Army veteran, exemplifies adaptability and ambition. With a dual focus on advancing his engineering career and supporting his wife’s business, Logan values Carey’s flexibility and robust support for online learners. His diverse experiences, from military service to surfing in Hawaii, enrich his perspective and the Carey cohort.
Finally, Zach Harris, a full-time MBA candidate with entrepreneurial roots, brings a global outlook shaped by years of working abroad. His leadership during challenging times, including managing a department in China during the pandemic, underscores his resilience and collaborative mindset. Zach lauds Carey’s emphasis on innovation, close-knit cohorts, and robust alumni network.
The Class of 2026 at ASU Carey is more than just a group of talented individuals; it’s a community built on shared goals and diverse perspectives. As they navigate their MBA journeys, these students embody the ethos of “business is personal,” making Carey not just a program, but a transformative experience for all involved. Read on for their stories.
