Grossman School of Business

What happens when you bring together students, alumni, and leaders across industries who believe business can be a force for good? At the SI-MBA Learning and Connection Summit at the Grossman School of Business, the answer was clear: meaningful conversations, honest reflections, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Across the weekend, participants explored climate tech, sustainable finance, AI, career design, and more—learning directly from people doing this work every day. Leaders like Kyle Clark of BETA Technologies and Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder of Seventh Generation, challenged us to think bigger—about long-term innovation, shared value, and what it really takes to create lasting impact.

We’re grateful to the many individuals and organizations who made this experience possible—from our speakers and student voices to our community partners and sponsors, including BETA Technologies, Seventh Generation, Cabot Creamery Co-operative, EastRise Credit Union, Rhino Foods, Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont First by Sodexo, Bivo, Darn Tough Vermont, King Arthur Baking Company, and Vermont Green FC.

And to our SI-MBA students and alumni—you make this community what it is. 🔗 Read more from the Summit: https://go.uvm.edu/gl91a

💬 Were you part of this conversation? Tag someone from the Summit who shared an idea, insight, or perspective that stayed with you 👇

We are proud to see Dean Sanjay Sharma recognized with the 2026 GRONEN (Group for Research on Organizations and the Natural Environment) Founders Award, honoring his role in building a global scholarly community that now spans 100+ universities. What began in 2004 has become one of the leading forums advancing research at the intersection of business and the natural environment, bringing together scholars from institutions around the world including Kogod School of Business (American University), American University, and beyond.

As GRONEN President Nicole Darnall and collaborator J. Alberto Aragón‑Correa shared, this recognition reflects both the intellectual foundation Dean Sharma helped establish and the global network he helped grow.

His work has shaped how organizations approach sustainability while opening doors for doctoral students and early-career faculty across the field. Read more: https://go.uvm.edu/9yzdg

University of Vermont Grossman School of Business students and alumni: explore a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of Vermont’s most influential industries.

The VCIA Annual Conference, held August 11–13 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington, is widely considered a must-attend event for anyone interested in the captive insurance space. The conference combines highly relevant education with meaningful access to industry professionals.

Through the VCIEL Student Sponsorship Program, students can participate in three days of immersive learning and networking, including:

> 30+ educational sessions, from introductory topics to in-depth captive case studies
> A 75+ exhibitor hall representing the full captive ecosystem
> Opportunities to connect with one of the largest concentrations of captive professionals in the country

We encourage Master of Accountancy (MAcc) students and recent University of Vermont graduates to apply. Interns still completing their undergraduate degree will also be considered.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington | South Burlington, VT
📅 August 11–13
📌 Application deadline: June 15

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e-DSmf6H

A recent USA Today opinion piece challenged the narrative that recent graduates are facing a bleak job market. Instead, it points to a more nuanced reality: hiring remains strong in areas like health, education, and social services, even as tech fields adjust to the impact of AI.

It’s an important reminder that the story isn’t simply about fewer opportunities. It’s about how the pathways into careers are evolving.

At the Grossman School of Business, we see this shift up close and are proud to be part of the solution. Through internships and our co-op program, students graduate with real-world experience, professional networks, and the confidence to navigate a changing market.

As Stephanie Meunier, Director of the Grossman Co-op Program, shares:

“Don’t fret. You have the degree, the network, and the experience. Job markets shift all the time, and this is the 2026 shift.

At the Grossman School of Business at UVM, we prepare students to navigate that change by pairing academic learning with real-world experience. Through internships and co-ops, along with case competitions, leadership opportunities, entrepreneurial projects, and faculty-led research, students build both confidence and capability.

This integrated approach ensures our graduates leave with more than a degree. They graduate with applied skills, meaningful connections, and the experience employers are looking for.”
We are proud to see our students stepping into the workforce prepared, adaptable, and ready to contribute from day one.

College graduates face a better job market than you think | Opinion The degree makes you more resilient when industries shift, more likely to get promoted and more able to move across sectors when you need to.

University of Vermont was recently ranked No. 3 among medium-sized schools on the Peace Corps’ Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges list.

What does Peace Corps service look like when it carries forward into business education? At the Grossman School of Business, it looks like leaders who listen to first, center community, and see business as a tool for impact.

John Kim— Graduate Programs Career Advisor and Part-time Lecturer at the Grossman School of Business, and a former Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco—and Brooks Sherman, SI‑MBA ’25, reflect on how their service continues to shape how they lead, learn, and approach systems change.

Their experiences highlight why the The Sustainable Innovation MBA at the University of Vermont and the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program are a natural fit for mission‑driven students—and how Peace Corps values show up in the classroom at the University of Vermont every day.

🔗 Read the full story: https://www.uvm.edu/business/news/service-impact-and-purpose-how-grossman-school-business-prepares-peace-corps-inspired

We’re proud to recognize 174 outstanding students from the Grossman School of Business who earned a place on the Spring 2026 Dean’s List, a prestigious academic honor awarded to full-time University of Vermont undergraduates with a semester GPA of 3.7 or higher.

This accomplishment reflects exceptional dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. It’s more than a line on a transcript, it’s a distinction that speaks to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge.

To our Dean’s List honorees: your achievements inspire our entire community. Congratulations on this milestone, and here’s to the incredible opportunities ahead!

Please join us in celebrating our colleague, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven Gagner, MBA, whose journey from Armor Officer to educator reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, service and mentorship.

After more than 20 years with the Vermont Army National Guard—including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and command of the U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School—Steve now brings that experience into the classroom at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business. Each day, he’s helping students build the leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

From co-founding 14th Star Brewing Co. to mentoring first-year students at University of Vermont, Steve continues to lead with purpose, adaptability and a deep investment in others’ growth.

We’re proud to have Steve as part of our community and grateful for the impact he’s making on the next generation of leaders.

🔗 Read the full story:

From Armor Officer to Educator: Retired Lt. Col. Steven Gagner reflects on service From Armor Officer to Educator: Retired Lt. Col. Steven Gagner reflects on service, leadership and life after the Vermont National Guard

A standout student from the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business is gaining national recognition.

Emma Kanjorski ’26 was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal in a story exploring how the first generation of “AI-native” graduates is entering the workforce. The article highlights how Emma thoughtfully integrated AI into her learning—ultimately becoming a resource for peers and even faculty on using these tools to strengthen critical thinking and analysis.

Emma’s achievements reflect the depth of talent at Grossman School of Business. She graduated from University of Vermont summa cm laude and was awarded both the Stephen Penwell Award for Excellence in Finance and the Award for Excellence in Global Business, two of the school’s top honors recognizing academic excellence and engagement. She also served as a leader in the Grossman community, including as Senior Lead Coordinator of the Dean's Cup at Grossman School of Business.

As she begins her career in Burlington, Emma represents what’s possible when curiosity, discipline, and emerging technology come together—something reflected in the teaching and mentorship of faculty like Rocki-Lee DeWitt.

📖 Read the full Wall Street Journal article here: https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/ai-natives-graduates-job-cuts-6bab8ac9?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Note: The article is available with a free Wall Street Journal membership.

The First Class of AI Natives Is Graduating. Offices Are Getting Ready. They face cuts to entry-level jobs. They’re also highly sought after for their AI skills.