Where are they now? Featuring: Sara Baldwin

where are they NOW?

SARA BALDWIN

Business Administration, M.B.A. Department of Management and Marketing ETSU, 2014

Why did you choose ETSU for your education?

What is your current position and/ or research?

As a native of East Tennessee, I initially chose ETSU because it was close to home. However, it was the quality of education and faculty commitment to student success that I experienced as an undergraduate student in the College of Business that made ETSU the obvious choice when I decided to pursue my MBA.

I am Finance Senior Manager at K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. (Food City) in Abingdon, Virginia. I supervise the Corporate Finance and Treasury teams for the company.

What does your current position/ research entail?

My primary areas of responsibility include: (1) Performing financial modeling and analysis, including new store and remodel proformas, (2) Evaluating and advising on the financial implications of alternative business decisions, and (3) Assisting in the coordination and development of the company’s strategic plan, annual budget, and long-term business plans. How did your time at ETSU prepare you for your career?

As a student at ETSU, I worked with faculty who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself daily. Through this experience, I developed the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for success in my current role.

What professors/advisors were instrumental in helping you get to this point?

There are many professors that I could list here. However, I genuinely believe that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of Dr. Larry White and Dr. Douglas Dotterweich.

During my final year as an MBA student at ETSU, I served as Dr. White’s graduate assistant in the Center for Banking. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to network, teach, and apply what I learned in the classroom to realworld situations – skills that I use on a daily basis in my current role. was an adjunct instructor of business and economics at Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) and, then, in the College of Business at ETSU. My first teaching position came about by the recommendation of Dr. Dotterweich, who forwarded me a job posting for an instructor of economics at VHCC. Through this experience, I discovered a passion for teaching and training, and my background in education has played an enormous role in my career.

What advice would you offer current or future graduate students?

Get to know your professors. They are invested in your success and can provide invaluable guidance to help you achieve your goals. Go Bucs!