The Michigan State University (MSU) Broad College of Business welcomed 73 students to it’s full-time MBA Class of 2026 this fall and we’re introducing six of them in this Real Humans: MBA Students.
Women comprise 37 percent of the MSU Broad MBA Class of 2026 and a third are international students. A third of the U.S. citizens and permanent residents identify as minorities. During their undergraduate years, the Broad students averaged a GPA of 3.4. Thirty-five percent had majored in STEM disciplines and 42 percent had majored in business. Another 20 percent earned degrees in humanities/social sciences.
When it came time to take the GMAT, the latest cohort landed an average GMAT score of 615 while the median score was 625. Those who took the GRE averaged a score of 315 overall. The class matriculated at an average age of 26 and with an average of 3.6 years of work experience.
Beyond these stats, we meet a diverse group of talented individuals, each with a unique background and experiences to add to the program.
Ace Bonkowski brings a wealth of creative expertise from his work as an art director and freelancer in Europe. Emerging from hardships it can be hard to fathom, Ace is earning an MBA to “do the right things and to do them greatly.”
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Chadale Smith brings five years of experience as a brand manager at Wendy’s, equipped with creativity, problem-solving, and a global marketing perspective. This former Miss Jamaica has an energy and passion for connecting with people and marketing management, which are mere kindling for her future plans of establishing her own advertising agency.
Returning to MSU after her successful undergraduate years there, Emily Provencher combines her background in healthcare operations with a desire to refine her strategic and leadership skills. She aims to transition into supply chain management as well as hike Yosemite National Park next.
Lia Moore also chose to continue her education at MSU, having just graduated with a degree in psychology there in 2023. Having founded her own company, TropicalPillow LLC, in early 2024, Lia is eager to continue building her business while exploring the entertainment industry. Her entrepreneurial and school spirit will certainly help the class “make memories” together.
Originally from Princeton, MN, Nickolas Falken adds a well-rounded business acumen spanning finance, marketing, and operations management. With aspirations of working in product management for Nike, he’s most excited about the diversity and community he’s seen at MSU and hopes to foster a supportive environment for his classmates. Say hi to his new Bassett Hound, too!
Rounding out the group, Parker Short from St. Louis, MO, brings accounting expertise and a drive to explore broader business opportunities as well as earn his CPA. His business background and eagerness to contribute to diverse industries, from healthcare to logistics–along with varied interests, such as rocketry–promise to further enrich the class.
Together, the MSU Broad MBA Class of 2026 is poised to leverage their varied experiences and collaborative spirit to drive innovation, leadership, and success in their future careers. Learn more about their backgrounds and what drew them to MSU Broad in the following pages.
