Georgia Analytics

Meet Cara Sonnier, Director of Admissions for Terry's Full-Time MBA and M.S. in Business Analytics programs.

A two-time UGA graduate, Cara earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Georgia and has spent more than a decade helping students find the right path to graduate business education. She's passionate about making graduate education accessible and helping candidates see the long-term value of investing in themselves.

One of the reasons Cara loves recruiting for Terry is the Athens community. She believes the people, culture, and sense of connection are some of the program's greatest strengths.

Before settling in Athens, Cara lived in Texas, California, Louisiana, and even Lagos, Nigeria. Those experiences sparked an appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and the unique journeys that bring people together. Outside of work, you'll usually find her on a baseball field cheering on one of her two sons. She and her husband, who also works in education, are proud to call Athens home.

To prospective candidates: Ask questions, stay curious, and don't overthink reaching out. Finding the right program is a big decision, and we're here to help. I'd love to connect about your MBA or MSBA goals, living in Nigeria, youth baseball, or my favorite spots around Athens. 🐾

Great teaching leaves a lasting impact, not only in what students learn but in the confidence and curiosity they carry forward afterward.

Congratulations to Dr. Eilidh Geddes, recipient of the 2026 MSBA Excellence in Teaching Award.

Chosen by the graduating MSBA Class of 2026, this recognition honors faculty who demonstrate outstanding classroom instruction, meaningful student engagement, and overall contribution to the MSBA experience.

Dr. Geddes brings tremendous energy, care, and dedication to the classroom while helping students navigate complex material in thoughtful and approachable ways. Our students clearly recognized not only her teaching excellence but also the investment she makes in their growth and success throughout the program.

We are incredibly grateful for faculty like Dr. Geddes who help make the Terry MSBA experience so impactful. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Real-world impact starts with real-world partners.

26 companies. Two programs. One unforgettable year of applied learning. A huge thank you to our 2025-26 FTMBA & MSBA Applied Learning Project Sponsors for opening your doors, sharing your challenges, and trusting our students to deliver. From AI and data infrastructure to process improvement and consulting, these projects give our students the experience that matters most. We are grateful for every partnership. 🐾

Data driven and future ready. Our Master of Science in Business Analytics graduates have mastered the art of turning complex data into actionable insights. From rigorous technical training to real-world capstone projects, they are prepared to lead in a digital-first economy.

Congratulations to our MSBA Class of 2026! We look forward to seeing the innovation you bring to your industries.

Last month, the University of Georgia - Terry College of Business Full-Time MBA/MSBA Board convened for our Spring 2026 Board Weekend, bringing together a select group of senior executives, faculty leaders, and top Full-Time MBA/MSBA talent for a focused dialogue on AI and its real implications for business, and the future of talent.

What stood out was the level of rigor. This was not a theoretical conversation about AI; it was a working session on how leaders are adapting operating models, evaluating risk, and making near-term decisions in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Key elements of the weekend:

· Industry cohort briefings on AI’s near-term impact, developed alongside MBA/MSBA students

· Direct student participation at the board level, including an excellent presentation of Board cohort recommendations delivered by K. Allen Pace

· A clear and forward-looking vision for the Terry College and its graduate programs from Dr. Jason W. Matthews

· Candid, experience-driven perspectives on AI from Board Advisors Bob Trotter and Patrick Waite, with valuable contributions from Dr. Christopher Cornwell and Ireland

· A robust showcase of applied learning capstone projects sponsored by board members

· Opportunities to engage beyond the boardroom, strengthening relationships across the community

Big thank you to the executive leadership on our board, and their partnership.

Ad Victoriam Solutions
Oracle
Elastic
Assurant
Assurant Delegate
Corpay
EY
Capgemini
Cox Communications
Invesco
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Clario
Pinnacle Financial Partners
NCR Voyix
The Home Depot
The Coca-Cola Company
DataQubi

The MSBA journey starts here! 🐾

Our MSBA Welcome Dinner was filled with great conversations, new connections, and a lot of excitement for what’s ahead. From meeting classmates to getting a first taste of the Terry community, it’s safe to say this cohort is off to an incredible start!

And the best part? It’s not too late to be part of it! The deadline for our Fall 2026 MSBA has been extended to June 1st, 2026. Apply today!

Take the next step toward your MSBA!

We’ve extended our MSBA application deadline to June 1 for Fall 2026, giving you a little more time to put your best foot forward. If you’ve been thinking about joining a program that blends analytics, real-world experience, and a strong community, this is your moment.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post or tag a friend who should be part of the next MSBA class!🐾

We recently had the incredible privilege of hosting Chuck Alpuche at the University of Georgia - Terry College of Business. From Silicon Valley to Athens, Chuck spent time with our Full-Time MBA and MSBA students, faculty, and leadership, bringing a level of insight that made a lasting impact.

His career path defies the traditional playbook: starting as a third-shift janitorial supervisor, playing professional football, and rising to SVP of Operations at PepsiCo. Today, he leads growth in MedTech robotics at Imperative Care with a mission to save lives.

Beyond the resume, Chuck’s mindset and empathy sparked a deep conversation. Key takeaways included:

Time is brain: Understanding the urgency and limited access to stroke care.

Alignment: The best career decisions align head, hands, and heart.

The Pivot: Reinvention isn’t a risk; it is often the path forward.

Respect: High-performing teams are built by treating every voice like solid gold.

Our MSBA Capstone team, led by Caroline Marrero, even met with Chuck directly to discuss their project progress. As one student noted: "Respecting every contribution is how you turn a group of individuals into a team."

A special thank you to Sara Jane Shulman, ASQ CSSYB, for brokering this partnership. We are deeply appreciative of Chuck’s mentorship and project sponsorship.

Recognizing excellence within the Georgia MSBA program! Today, we had the opportunity to celebrate our students who have consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to their studies and professional development.

It is a privilege to honor the achievements and leadership found within the Terry community. We are proud of these scholars and the significant impact they are making in the field of analytics.

Congratulations!