30 Appalachian State University students have been named to the Walker College of Business “2025 App State Best” list.
14 have been named outstanding undergraduate or graduate students—one for each business major and each graduate degree program the university offers—and 16 were named exemplary leaders.
The awards were presented during the college's Honors Convocation, held April 4 in the Plemmons Student Union's Parkway Ballroom.
Outstanding Undergraduates by Major
Faculty in the college's academic programs selected the outstanding students by major or degree program based on academic excellence, participation in co-curricular activities, and personal character.
One top overall student is selected annually from the outstanding undergraduate students.
Kennedi Ratcliffe, Top Student Overall
Kennedi Ratcliffe is the 2025 top overall student in the Walker College of Business and the top student in the Economics program. Ambitious, caring, and driven, Ratcliffe participated in App State’s United Nations Climate Negotiation program, traveling to Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 2024 Conference of the Parties (COP29). She completed an internship at the U.S. Department of State, participated in a faculty-led study abroad to Austria, and was a University Honors College member. Ratcliffe earned a BA degree in Economics and Political Science with a minor in German.
Dane Coltrane, Accounting
Dane Coltrane is the top student in the Accounting program. Proactive, dedicated, and adaptable, Coltrane has served as vice president of community service for Beta Alpha Psi, and has been named to the Chancellor's List each semester at App State. Coltrane earned a BSBA degree in accounting with a minor in finance.
Brooke Fornges, Computer Information Systems
Brooke Fornges is the top student in the Computer Information Systems program. Ambitious, reliable, and committed, Fornges was a Holland Fellow and a Women of Walker program member. Fornges earned a BSBA degree in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity.
Ellie Hubbard, Cybersecurity
India “Ellie” Hubbard is the top student in the Cybersecurity program. Reserved, detail-oriented, and motivated, Hubbard participated in the National Cyber League and was an Appalachian Information Technology Professionals member. Hubbard earns a BSBA degree in Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
Jack Parquette, Finance and Banking
Jack Parquette is the top student in the Finance and Banking program. Dependable, Motivated, Hardworking, Parquette has helped manage a portfolio of more than $360,000 as a member of the Bowden Investment Group, conducting in-depth equity analysis and presenting to various audiences. As a member of the Broyhill Fellows, Parquette advanced through five rigorous rounds of the CFA Institute Challenge competition, taking App State to the top six in the largest equity research competition in the world. Parquette earned a BSBA degree in Finance and Banking.
Christina Hall, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Christina Hall is the top student in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Genuine, self-reliant, and open-minded, Hall is the social chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association and a Pi Sigma Epsilon member. Hall completed a semester-long project planning a three-day convention for a company, which solidified her decision to enter the event management industry after graduation. Hall earned a BSBA degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Katie Ann Di Benedetto, International Business
Katie Ann Di Benedetto is the top student in the International Business program. Outgoing, hard-working, and considerate, Di Benedetto has been a member of Intapp, the Association of Student Entrepreneurs, and the App State ski team. Through Enactus, she traveled to compete nationally in New York and also studied abroad in Spain. Di Benedetto earns a BSBA degree in International Business with a minor in Spanish and Behavioral Economics.
Emily Bills, Management
Emily Bills is the top student in the Management program. Passionate, proactive, and motivated, Bills co-founded the Real Estate Club at App State and honed my leadership and entrepreneurial skills. She also serves as club treasurer, is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, and has been involved with APPEEL. Bills earned a BSBA degree in General Business Management with a minor in Behavioral Economics.
Julia Sands, Marketing
Julia Sands is the top student in the Marketing program. Determined, kind, and creative, Sands has been marketing director for the Association of Student Entrepreneurs and Beta Gamma Sigma vice president. Sands earned a BSBA degree in Digital Marketing with a minor in Spanish.
Amani Stanley, Risk Management and Insurance
Amani Stanley is the top student in the Risk Management and Insurance program. Hardworking, kind, and organized, Stanley completed an internship with the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, was a Women in Financial Services Program member, and traveled to Bermuda for a short-term study abroad program in reinsurance. Stanley earned a BSBA degree in risk management and insurance.
Joseph Huneycutt, Supply Chain Management
Joseph Huneycutt is the top student in the Supply Chain Management program. Motivated, Energetic, and faithful, Huneycutt credits engaged professors and career-focused opportunities with his success. Huneycutt earned a BSBA degree in supply chain management.
Outstanding Graduates by Degree Program
Three graduate students were named outstanding.
Jaime Ziegenfuss Whitehead, Master of Science in Accounting
Jaime Ziegenfuss Whitehead is the top student in the Master of Science in Accounting program. Conscientious, analytical, and involved, Whitehead served as a leader in the Student Chapter of the IMA, as a volunteer for two tax seasons for the Watauga County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and was a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar. In that role, she worked closely with the PCAOB Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner to learn about audit regulation, policy making, and serving the public interest. Whitehead earned an MS in Accounting degree with a concentration in analytics.
Ngoc Tran, Master of Business Administration
Ngoc Tran is the top student in the Master of Business Administration program. Hard-working, determined, and with a growth mindset, Tran was a graduate research assistant and presented at App State's 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition. Tran earns an MBA with a concentration in supply chain management.
Jacob Propst, MS Applied Data Analytics
Jacob Propst is the top student in the MS Applied Data Analytics program. Passionate, analytical, and collaborative, Propst has served as a graduate assistant for the Department of Computer Information Systems and as a student leader for the Executive Impact Club. Propst earns a dual degree: a Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics and a Master of Business Administration.
Exemplary Leaders
16 graduating students have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the university’s business clubs and associations. The honorees were chosen by faculty advisors to the student organizations.
Jonah Smith, American Marketing Association
Jonah Smith earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for American Marketing Association. “[He] is a passionate and driven leader who has represented Appalachian State University at the American Marketing Association (AMA) Collegiate events,” said Faculty Advisor Dr. Lubna Nafees.
Jose-Daniel Mejia, Appalachian Information Technology Professionals
Daniel Mejia earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Appalachian Information Technology Professionals. “[He] has shown exceptional leadership in AppITP, serving as Webmaster in Fall 2024 and President in Spring 2025,” said Faculty Advisor Scott Hunsinger. “Daniel also boosted visibility through flyers and social media, recruited members at events, and connected the club with cybersecurity professionals, driving growth and inclusivity.”
Caleb Divelbiss, Appalachian Supply Chain Club
Caleb Divelbiss earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Appalachian Supply Chain Club. “As President of ASCC, Caleb was dedicated to increasing exposure for the club and university,” said Faculty Advisor Laura Brewer. “He helped regain access to lost social media accounts and revamped the club Constitution with fellow officers. His leadership continues to benefit our members.”
Mea Jenkins, Beans2Brew
Mea Jenkins earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Beans2Brew. “Mea is a hardworking, knowledgeable leader who uplifts and inspires her team, ensuring business success and personal growth,” said Entrepreneurship Associate Director Sara Figlow. “With strong operational insight, she leads with wisdom, grace, and authenticity. She fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and excellence, making a lasting impact.”
Hunter Brown, Beta Alpha Psi
Hunter Brown earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Beta Alpha Psi. “Hunter is the Director of the Accounting team for Beans2Brew,” said Dr. Brian Hasson. “He is responsible for leading seven other students in completing the accounting and finance function for the business and serves on the Board of the company.”
Kenley Cannon, Collegiate Sales Society
Kenley Cannon earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Collegiate Sales Society. “She shows initiative and collaborative prowess as president,” said Faculty Advisor Barrett Garner. “Kenley is an exceptional listener, extremely organized, and proactive in her leadership style.”
Jacob Propst, Executive Impact Club
Jacob Propst earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Executive Impact Club. “He has arranged productive meetings, recruited members, and balanced a 4.0 GPA as a dual-degree student,” said MBA Program Director Dr. Neel Das. “Jacob’s dedication, organizational skills, and exceptional leadership as president of the Executive Impact Club set a high standard.”
Zack Middleton, Gamma Iota Sigma
Zack Middleton earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Gamma Iota Sigma. “Zack ensures everyone is included in GIS,” said Brantley Risk & Insurance Director Dr. David Marlett. “As he graduates, he is showing students how to be successful leaders to ensure GIS-Rho Chapter continues to earn national awards and is sustainable.”
Sophia Salamanca (Sally) Pelaez, Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association
Sophia Salamanca Pelaez (Sally) earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association. “She has exemplified true leadership as HTMSA president–inspiring, organizing, and elevating the club,” said Faculty Advisor Danni Capps. “Sally fosters collaboration, creates impactful events, and provides valuable networking opportunities. She will leave a lasting legacy in hospitality.”
Holden Freeman, Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter
Holden Freeman earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter. “Holden has done an outstanding job as vice president of communications, but has also come up with many great ideas outside his area,” said Dr. Kimberly Zahller. “Holden has stepped far out of his comfort zone, and it has been a joy to watch his confidence and leadership skills grow!”
Ayla Solomon, International Business Student Association
Ayla Solomon earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the International Business Student Association. “She is an outstanding vice-president, taking leadership and supporting the club in whatever way is needed,” said Faculty Advisor Meredith Pipes.
Jacob Tahmoush, Pi Sigma Epsilon
Jacob Tahmoush earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for Pi Sigma Epsilon. “Jacob exemplifies the core values that unite our organization and reflects the spirit of the Walker College of Business student body,” said Faculty Advisor Bond Jones. “He sets the standard of leadership for Pi Sigma Epsilon and serves as a role model for our underclassmen and chapter leaders alike.”
Hrisha Bhatty, Pruett Award for Risk Management & Insurance
Hrisha Bhatty earned the Pruett Award for Risk Management and Insurance. “Hrisha is reliable, energetic, and highly capable,” said faculty advisors. “Her enthusiasm and dedication inspire other students, staff, and faculty. She cares for and puts others first.”
Lukas Robertson, Society for Human Resource Management
Lukas Robertson earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Society for Human Resource Management. According to his faculty advisors, “As SHRM President, he has taken the lead for new programming and projects for the club. He encourages his executive team to explore new ways to provide members meaningful career-related and social experiences. And, he has provided great structure for the club.”
Diego Dunn, Student Sustainable Business Association
Diego Dunn earned the inaugural award for Exemplary Leadership for the Student Sustainable Business Association. “Diego is an excellent, energetic club leader,” said Dr. Nicholas Poggioli. “Since his first involvement in the club, he has been instrumental in generating ideas for activities, planning and running club meetings, and engaging with faculty and community leaders to connect the club to the broader business community.”
Francisca Campos-Galeas, Walker Fellows
Francisca Campos-Galeas earned the award for Exemplary Leadership for the Walker Fellows. “As the Walker Fellows' Director, Francisca has been instrumental in leading, training, and building an entirely new team,” said advisor Amanda Merritt. “Her passion for others was highlighted after Hurricane Helene when she led the effort to connect with each Walker Fellow and Business Career Services member while communications were down.”
Beta Gamma Sigma Induction
During the Honors Convocation, 19 graduating students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the highest recognition a business student can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.
Related: Students inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative, and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community locally and globally. [ More ] The college emphasizes international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs, and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling 4,219 undergraduates in 11 majors and 271 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College's full-time undergraduate enrollment is the highest in the UNC System. Appalachian is consistently named one of "The Best Business Schools" by The Princeton Review and is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier global accrediting body for schools of business.
Kennedi Ratcliffe, right, is the 2025 top overall student in the Walker College of Business and the top student in the Economics program.
Photo by Kyla Willoughby