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Students and Alumni

Introducing the Class of 2020-21 at NC State Poole

Meet new undergraduate and graduate students who are joining #PoolePack this fall.

One of the copper wolves at Wolf Plaza wears a protective face mask during the COVID19 (COVID 19) pandemic. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

NC State campus and Nelson Hall may be looking a little different this year as Poole College of Management welcomes returning and incoming students back to campus for the fall semester. While many changes have been made due to COVID-19, the “Think and Do” mentality remains in our classrooms and via Zoom.

Take a look at our class for the 2020-21 academic year:

By the Numbers

Over 1,000 students will be introduced to Poole College for the first time this semester with first-year students representing 22 states and 54 counties across North Carolina. 

The college also had a 36 percent increase in external transfer students coming from 79 universities and 336 NC State students internally transferring to Poole with an average GPA of 3.51. 

48% Come from NC Community Colleges

Among undergraduate external transfer students. Wake Tech is #1.

MBA is 64% Female

First-year female MBA students represent the majority of the incoming class.

22 States and 54 Counties

Freshmen come to Poole College from 22 states and 54 counties across North Carolina.

First Online MAC Cohort

33 students enrolled in the first Jenkins Master of Accounting online program.

MAC is 58% Female and 36% Underrepresented Minorities

Among the on-campus Jenkins Master of Accounting cohort.

75% Come from Other Countries to Study Economics

For the graduate economics programs.

GLAM: 5 Countries, 22 Universities, 13 Majors

Students in the Master of Management, Global Luxury program come from the U.S., France, China, India, Russia and other countries.

Meet our Students

Victoria Hidalgo, Undergraduate

Victoria Hidalgo will be a first-year management student from Charlotte, North Carolina, who is planning on majoring in human resource management. Hidalgo and her roommate, Chloe Hamilton, are looking forward to beginning their academic career at NC State and Poole College. 

“As a first year management student, I’m super excited to come to State this fall to meet faculty and new friends,” said Hidalgo.

In high school, Hidalgo served as vice president of her school’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter, which is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges. 

Cydni Baldwin, Master of Management, Global Luxury

Cydni Baldwin is an incoming student for the Global Luxury and Management (GLAM) Dual Master’s Degree Program which allows her to earn her Master of Management and her Master of Science in global luxury from the SKEMA Business School. 

“The opportunity to earn two master’s degrees in a year grasped my attention,” said Baldwin. “In addition, the innovative, global exposure and research-driven environment made it that much easier to call NC State my next home.”

Baldwin hopes to be a “sponge” this coming academic year as a full-time student by soaking up all of the knowledge the program offers and by growing her professional network. 

Jon Malote, Jenkins Master of Accounting

Jon Malote, like many other students, balances the Jenkins MAC program and a full-time career with Clifton Larson Allen, the eighth largest accountancy firm in the United States. Originally from Baguio City, Philippines, Malote decided to pursue his master’s degree with Poole College based on the plethora of classes offered and the esteemed faculty in the program. He also found an abundant of job opportunities around the Research Triangle area. 

“During my time at Pool College, I hope to make the most of the learning opportunities presented to me,” said Malote. “I have the chance to be a graduate assistant for ACCT 220, so I hope to become a more effective communicator and educator through that opportunity.”

After Malote completes his Master of Accounting in the spring 2021 semester, he will be moving to a an audit and tax associate role with Clifton Larson Allen. 

Brooke Vasi, Master of Management, Global Luxury

Ohio native Brooke Vasi comes to Poole College from Kent State University in pursuit of her Master of Management and Master of Science in global luxury from the Global Luxury and Management (GLAM) Program. Vasi brings seven months of experience working with luxury brand Christian Louboutin as a public relations intern in New York. 

“I am so excited about the opportunity to learn more and further immerse myself in the luxury industry,” said Vasi. “Additionally, I would love to push myself and network. I selected the GLAM program because of the many opportunities to meet others in the industry and I am ready to utilize my time to cultivate professional relationships.”

Currently, Vasi works as a sales associate for Coach and enjoys hearing feedback from customers of the accessible luxury brand. After graduation, she hopes to work on a communications team for a luxury fashion brand. 

Jalen Ware, Jenkins Master of Business Administration

Born and raised in the Triangle, Jalen Ware comes to Poole College after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from East Carolina University in 2018. Ware will be concentrating his studies on operations and supply chain management in the Jenkins MBA Program.

During his time at NC State, Ware hopes to join the Jenkins MBA Student Association and the Supply Chain Management Club. He will also be working part-time with Poole as a graduate assistant throughout the academic year. 

“I look forward to carrying out my duties as a graduate assistant throughout the year as well as connecting with my cohort through clubs and other activities,” said Ware. “I’ve also got my sights set on the supply chain and data analytics certifications.”

Find more student and faculty spotlights on Poole College of Management social media: