Meet Members of the National Board of Advisors
Meg Carlson
’82 MBA
CEO and Cofounder, Uproar
Entrepreneurial Advisory Board
Why Do You Volunteer Your Time to Be a Member of the National Board of Advisors?
It is my privilege to volunteer on the National Board of Advisors. The MBA I earned from WSU was instrumental in launching my career and gave me the confidence to grow and lead with a Fortune 100 company. I also enjoy collaborating with other innovative and strategic leaders on best ways to support the Entrepreneurial Advisory Board and provide students with experiential learning opportunities, including the Business Plan Competition.
What Advice Would You Give to Students?
I have found that a great approach to developing a rewarding career after your university experience is to focus on how your values align with the culture of potential employers. Understanding your potential fit within an organization allows you to select the best place to grow personally and professionally. Each of us is able to perform at our highest and best level in an environment that recognizes, enables, and rewards our unique contributions.
What Is Your Favorite Memory of Washington State University?
In the MBA program, we could opt for a written thesis or an oral examination with a four-person professor panel. This panel could ask any question about your total range of study—my concentrations were in finance and marketing. As one of the first of my cohort to complete this process, I had asked a smaller group of peers to support me when I was finished. After the examination, I was asked to wait in the foyer while the panel deliberated. My peer group was waiting in anticipation of a positive outcome with a bottle of chilled champagne. The panel invited me back in and told me that I had passed, but they wanted my peers to “sweat the outcome,” so we chatted about many topics while they all waited in the foyer. Finally, we emerged together, and the decision was announced to drink champagne all around!
Dan Carpenter
’05 Finance
Northwest Sales Leader, Amazon Web Services
Management Information Systems Board, Chair
Why Do You Volunteer Your Time to Be a Member of the National Board of Advisors?
WSU had a huge impact on my life, especially the Carson College and the amazing faculty. I make it a priority to give back to WSU, and the NBoA affords me the opportunity to stay closely connected to the Carson College and help shape its evolution. I especially enjoy interacting with the students and faculty whenever I am on campus, along with collaborating with my fellow board members.
What Advice Would You Give to Students?
The number one asset you have upon graduating is time! Volunteer for any opportunity that will expand your scope, teach you something new, or give you broader exposure to the operations of your organization. Consider any opportunity to work or travel abroad and fully embrace the experience. Sharpening your public speaking and presence will pay dividends in any job. Don’t think myopically about your undergraduate education; be open to pursuing jobs that challenge you and are outside your area of expertise!
What Is Your Favorite Memory of Washington State University?
My favorite memory of WSU was the summer I spent studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Professors Patriya Tansuhaj and Dogan Gursoy. Besides it being an incredible personal experience, I learned a great deal about trade and international business during the trip. In addition, my wife was a fellow student on the tour, so it all worked out great!
Kate Kurkjian
’03 Hospitality Business Management
Event Manager, Zillow GROUP
Hospitality Business Management Board
Why Do You Volunteer Your Time to Be a Member of the National Board of Advisors?
Washington State University was one of the first places I considered “home.” Growing up all over the world, when I got to Pullman, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to major in. However, I knew I loved to cook, and I loved educating others. I signed up for the Introduction to Hospitality class and was sucked right into the program and catering. I have always wanted to keep my finger on the pulse of what was happening in the program after I left, especially once Nancy Swanger became the director. When I was offered the opportunity to join the board, I jumped at it. I love being able to watch and support the growth of the School of Hospitality Business Management.
What Advice Would You Give to Students?
Diversify your experience. If you think you want to work in restaurants, get an internship experience with a hotel. If you think you want to focus on rooms, get experience with restaurants. You would be surprised how much these little experiences will help open your eyes to all of the opportunities the hospitality industry offers. Also, lean on your advisory board. We are all here to support the students, professors, and the program—we are here as a resource to you!
What Is Your Favorite Memory of Washington State University?
The HRA Catering Team circa 1998–2002. I have so many memories from catering countless events across campus. The kitchen and dining room in Todd Hall were much different than they are now. There was a small group of us that would prep, cook, and serve for all of the events. Food ordering, event planning, staffing, sourcing linens, centerpieces, liquor, etc.—we did it all. There were many late nights and early mornings, but all of that work exposed us to recruiters and job offers and created a bond between us that will never fade. The friendships made during my time in the program are insurmountably some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had!
Matthew VanBeek
CPWA®, CPFA, C(K)P®
’07 Hospitality Business Management
Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Finance Board
Why Do You Volunteer Your Time to Be a Member of the National Board of Advisors?
To reciprocate the experience WSU and the Cougar nation provided me as a student. As the first in my household to attend college, I know how valuable the connection can be, and I want to do my part to continue that tradition for future students. This is also an exciting time for the curriculum delivered by the Carson College of Business, and lending a voice to its transformation is rewarding.
What Advice Would You Give to Students?
Enjoy your time and work tirelessly to take advantage of the resources and people around you.
What Is Your Favorite Memory of Washington State University?
Getting involved—the relationships I formed with students and faculty changed my life. I reflect on that constantly.