The Exchange: Dean’s Message September 2024

Dear Colleagues and Friends of the UofL College of Business,

One of the greatest rewards of a career in higher education is witnessing the remarkable journeys our students undertake and the success they achieve after leaving our campus. Recently, I was reminded of this when I had the privilege of catching up with one of our outstanding alumni, Ethan McNary.

I first met Ethan at our College of Business Scholarship Reception in 2022, where he received the Charles Moyer Scholarship. At that initial meeting, his potential was evident, but it wasn’t until our trip to Irvine that I truly understood the depth of his dedication and strategic mindset. Ethan was competing for a Yum! Scholarship as part of our MBA program’s Franchise Certificate track, and his sharp thinking and determination were unmistakable. He won the competition, securing a $10,000 scholarship from Yum! Brands and the chance to manage a Taco Bell restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, upon graduation.

However, this wasn’t just any Taco Bell—Ethan was tasked with leading the lowest-performing location out of 360 restaurants owned by Tacala, a major franchisee. What impressed me most was his eagerness to take on this challenge. Although he had several other enticing offers, including a six-figure corporate role, he chose the path that would allow him to create a real, lasting impact.

Fast forward 13 months, and I am thrilled to share that Ethan’s restaurant is now the top-performing location out of all 360 Tacala restaurants. This dramatic turnaround speaks volumes about his leadership, strategic vision, and the solid foundation of skills he gained here at the College of Business.

When we spoke recently, I was captivated by Ethan’s account of his transformation strategy. His focus on operational efficiency, team management, and motivation was inspiring. He humbly credited his success to the education he received in our MBA program, particularly the invaluable mentorship of professors like Kathy Gosser and Zac Goldman.

Ethan’s journey is a shining example of the profound impact our programs can have. Stories like his reaffirm our commitment to delivering a world-class education—one that not only prepares our students to navigate the complexities of the business world but also equips them to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference.

As Ethan prepares to take on the oversight of multiple restaurants in the near future, I have no doubt that his success will continue to grow. His journey is only just beginning, and I couldn’t be prouder of all he has accomplished so far.

Thank you for being a part of our College of Business community and for supporting students like Ethan, who are making a positive impact in the world.

Best regards,
Jeff Guan, PhD, Interim Dean
College of Business, University of Louisville

---

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives, and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity, and the power of people.

Connect with the CoB by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or by visiting our website.