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 Administration 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 UF 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 (10), who plans to be a veterinarian who moonlights as an artist, and David (8) who is working toward a career as professional football player or a Jedi knight.

As the 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 UF MBA family. Kara Cupoli has been with the UFMBA Program office since January of 2004. Kara has an open-door 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 meeting each student and helping you make the most of your UF MBA experience!

As Director of Admissions, Michelle is responsible for managing the marketing, recruiting and admissions for our three Traditional MBA programs. Michelle joined the UF MBA team in February 2006, after spending 6 years with the University of Florida Foundation and UF Alumni Association. In her previous role as Director of Membership and Marketing, Michelle developed marketing plans, generated memberships and established relationships with both alumni and students of the University of Florida. Michelle graduated from UF in 1997 with a B.S. in Marketing. When she isn’t consumed with details related to her upcoming wedding, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling (after finally conquering her fear of flying), attending Gators sporting events, and taking advantage of everything Gainesville has to offer. Michelle is eager to welcome you as the newest addition to the UF MBA family!

Melissa rejoined the UF MBA team in December 2004 to launch the Alumni Relations Program, a program dedicated solely to reaching out to our community of over 6,000 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. As a current student, you'll have access to all of the programs and events available to our alumni. Visit our website to view the alumni e-newsletter, check out photo albums from past events, learn about the mentor program, and get information about upcoming regional and local events. 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 a Master of Science in English Education in '96 and a Bachelor of Science in Communication in '91, both from Florida State University. Traveling and spending every spare moment with family and friends are Melissa's favorite pastimes. She's excited to welcome you not only to the program, but ultimately to the UF MBA Alumni community!

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 UF MBA team in April of 2004, after spending 5 1/2 years working with freshman orientation. Outside of work, Tameray enjoys Gator football and basketball games, exercising, anything that has to do with the 80s and her son's high school football games.

Kelly serves as the Associate Director of the UF 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 serves on the admissions committee. Kelly's position was 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 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 up to Gainesville from Miami two years ago and are very happy with their decision to move.

As Senior Secretary, 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. Ruth is a recent newlywed, and is enjoying her first year of married life. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, going to the beach, attending Gator Football games, and playing with her yellow lab, Jackson. Go Gators!