Get to know some UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students behind the class profile in this edition of our Real Humans: MBA Students series as we stop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2026 is a diverse and driven group, united by a shared ambition to enhance their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in the business world. The UNC MBA class profiles shows that, of the 249 new students, 43 percent are international and 31 percent are women. Twelve percent have a military background. The new Kenan-Flagler class reported a mean GMAT score of 707. During their undergraduate years, they had a mean GPA of 3.42.
The new class averaged 5 years of pre-MBA work experience across various industries. Together, these students bring a wealth of experiences to the program, whether it’s Brette Baumhover’s decade-long career in international business, Kyle Gasaway’s non-profit communications expertise, or Rachel Oatis’s background working with some of the country’s most notable leaders. Their motivations for pursuing an MBA range from career pivots, like Ribah Khan’s transition from marketing to consulting, to personal growth, as seen in Kyle Kenser’s journey from the military to the corporate world. Each student contributes unique perspectives—from Clayton Cordsen’s consumer health insights to Oatis’s passion for social impact—fostering a collaborative and enriching environment. With excitement for new challenges and opportunities, this class is ready to build on UNC’s reputation for academic rigor and community support, shaping the future of business together. Read more about their stories in the following pages.
