2026 Graduate Student Spotlights
James Crane ’26 M.S.
Hometown: Buffalo, New York | Degree: Master of Science in Professional Accounting | Future Plans: Tax Associate at EY
“At Whitman, I learned that excellence is never pursued alone–it is built by leaning into the uncomfortable and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential. The relationships I've built here have taught me to be more curious, more intentional and more aware of the world around me. I leave with immense gratitude, and I am proud to carry the values of this community forward as I represent the Orange family.”
Patrick Farley ’26 MBA
Hometown: Carthage, New York | Degree: Online MBA, Concentration in Finance | Future Plans: To continue my career in finance
“It's all about the people you meet, the friends you make and the experiences Whitman offers to you.”
Jaihyun Jeon ’26 Ph.D.
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea | Degree: Ph.D. in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing | Future Plans: Joining Bryant University in Rhode Island as a tenure-track assistant professor of marketing from Fall 2026, where I plan to continue researching how digital technologies reshape marketing strategies and to teach courses on AI applications in marketing.
“My Ph.D. journey at Whitman has been both transformative and fulfilling. From day one, I received unwavering support from my advisor and faculty, which enabled me to publish research, develop several working papers and present my work at prestigious conferences and doctoral consortiums. The encouragement and resources provided by the Whitman community truly helped me grow as a scholar and teacher, building a strong foundation for my academic career.”
Vaijayanthi Kadhiravan ’26 MBA/M.A. (WSM/MAX)
Hometown: Mumbai, India | Degree: MBA and Master of Arts in International Relations | Future Plans: To work in risk management for unique, niche organizations
“When I first arrived at Whitman, I knew nobody and nothing about business management. My professors, my cohort, the many case competitions, immersion trips and Whitman Women in Business activities transformed me. I'm grateful to Whitman for giving me skills and friends that will last a lifetime.”