As MBA Program Director, Alex leads operations and defines strategy for nine MBA program offerings at the University of Florida. Under his guidance, Florida has developed a unique market position for its MBA brand, which has led to 73% growth in professional MBA enrollment since 2003, and a premier full-time MBA program ranked consistently in the top 2-3% of all MBA programs internationally. After learning he lacked both the height and skill set for a career as a power forward in the NBA, Alex earned both his Bachelor's and MBA degrees from the University of Miami, where he focused on Marketing and Management. He was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma in 1997 and now serves as the Secretary of the Warrington College of Business chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma. Alex also serves on the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) Advisory Board, as well as the University of Florida's Career Resource Center Advisory Committee. Since 1995, Alex has been involved with leading all aspects of MBA program operations, including: program strategy, student services, recruiting & admissions, marketing, alumni relations and career services. Prior to joining the Florida MBA Programs in 1998, Alex served as Associate Director of Graduate Business Programs at The University of Miami. At Miami, he managed the operations of two full-time MBA Programs and six executive MBA Programs. Over the past seven years, many graduating MBA classes have recognized Alex's contributions with various Leadership & Excellence awards. Alex's real reward is derived from the satisfaction gained from working with such passionate, talented MBA students at Florida.

Alex's foundation is his family – his wife and best friend Yesi and their two children, Lauren (8), who plans to be a veterinarian who moonlights as an artist, and David (6) who is working toward a career as either a superhero or a Jedi knight.

As the Associate Director of Student Services, Kara is responsible for managing the student experience. Student Services works with students from the time they are admitted through graduation and everything in between. Whether it be pre-Orientation materials, Orientation, Academic Advising, Special Events, or Graduation; Student Services seeks to maximize your experience as a member of the Florida MBA family. Kara Cupoli has been with the Florida MBA Program office since January of 2004 as the Associate Director of Student Services for Traditional MBA programs. Kara has an opendoor policy welcoming students to come in whenever they need assistance with any part of the MBA experience or just to chat! Kara's career has been dedicated to working with students in a college environment and has worked in that capacity since 1997. She received her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University (1997) and her B.A. in Speech Communication from Penn State University (1994). Outside of work, Kara enjoys spending time with her family & friends, reading, TV and cycling (although this activity has fallen by the wayside recently!). Kara looks forward to being in touch with you before you arrive in Gainesville.

As the Associate Director of Admissions, Michelle is responsible for managing the marketing, recruiting and admissions for our three Traditional MBA programs. Michelle joined the Florida MBA team in February 2006, after spending 6 years with the University of Florida Foundation and UF Alumni Association. Her most recent role was Associate Director of Membership and Marketing where she developed marketing plans, generated memberships and established relationships with both alumni and students of the university. Before returning to Gainesville, Michelle served as the Director of Recreation at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. Michelle graduated from the University of Florida in 1997 with a B.S. in Marketing. Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Food Network, traveling (after finally conquering her fear of flying), attending Florida Gators sporting events and enjoying everything Gainesville has to offer. Michelle is eager to meet you and congratulate you on becoming a Gator!

Melissa rejoined the Florida MBA team in December of 2004 as the Associate Director of Alumni Relations, a brand new position dedicated solely to reaching out to our community of nearly 5,000 MBA alums, keeping them informed, involved, and connected. This was a homecoming for Melissa who served as the Associate Director of Admissions in 2001 and 2002, recruiting students to our Traditional programs. In addition to launching the Florida MBA Alumni Mentor Program, other highlights in the program’s first year of operation included hosting networking events in our key regional cities and here in Gainesville, one of the most popular of which was the first Trad&Grad Golf Tournament. Melissa's worn many hats during her career, both in higher education as well as the private sector. She enjoyed a 6-year tenure with State Farm as a claim handler and corporate trainer, was a high school English teacher, and worked in Human Resources in a higher education setting. Melissa earned her Master of Science in English Education in 1996 and her Bachelor of Science in Communication in 1991, both from Florida State University. In addition to her passion for her job, Melissa is an avid runner who enjoys traveling and spending every spare moment with friends and family.

As the Student Services Coordinator, Tameray is involved in all aspects of the MBA experience. She works with students from the time they are admitted all the way through to graduation. Whether it is pre-orientation materials, registering students for classes, special events, or graduation, the whole Student Services team strives to make your experience a spectacular one. Tameray joined the Florida MBA team in April of 2004, after spending 5 1/2 years working with freshman orientation. Outside of work, Tameray enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, exercising, anything that has to do with the 80s and her Boston Terriers, Cowboy & Chloe.

Kelly serves as the Assistant Director of the Florida MBA Programs. In this role she manages the marketing plan and campaign for both the Traditional MBA program and the Working Professional MBA program. Kelly is responsible for compiling all survey and ranking data and creates the class schedule for all graduate business students. Kelly’s position was newly created in March of 2006 which is when she joined the MBA team. Having worked for the University of Florida as a fundraiser from 2001 – 2003 both in Gainesville and Ft. Lauderdale this is Kelly’s second time working for UF. Outside of the office she is a huge Gator fan and has a goal of traveling to all SEC schools for a football game. Having graduated from UF in 2001 with a degree in Education Kelly can share with you how truly great it is to be a Florida Gator.

Carrie joined the MBA team in May of 2007 and as Coordinator of Admissions, she is responsible for all incoming applications and supplemental documentation from individuals that apply to the full-time MBA program. Along with handling incoming applications, Carrie also assists with weekend duties and where you will see her in the MBA office every other weekend helping working professional students with books and other requests. Carrie and her family moved Gainesville from Miami a little over a year ago and are very happy with their decision to move.

As Admissions Assistant, Ruth serves as the UF MBA Programs first point of contact for current and prospective students, and is often referred to as ‘The Voice of the MBA Program’. Ruth has been a part of the UF MBA Family since November 2001 and handles all incoming phone calls and inquiries regarding admissions. Ruth travels to grad fairs and events around the state representing the UF MBA Traditional and Professional programs and coordinates all information sessions across Florida. Currently, Ruth is excited about planning and preparing for her upcoming summer wedding. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, going to the beach, and playing with her yellow lab, Jackson.