Mallory Sublette arrived at The University of Alabama with a plan in place. She pursued a path in nutrition, something she felt passionate about, and earned a degree in human environmental sciences.
Like all plans, they change. When you’re from a small town, Sublette grew up in Palmyra, Missouri, there’s a tendency to dabble in everything. Sublette felt the need to try something new.
Through conversations with a family of entrepreneurs while working at the St. Louis Country Club and with advisors at UA, Sublette discovered greater opportunities lay ahead with earning an MBA. “They told me my people skills were something special and encouraged me to build on them,” she said. “When I talked with the MBA office, I was sold on how many doors the program could open.”
At 20 years old and one of the youngest students in Alabama’s Manderson MBA Program—she finished her undergrad degree in two years—Sublette has quickly discovered mentorship and opportunity continue to shape her experience. “Every single day I’m learning something new,” she said. “Our cohort is incredibly close. We lean on each other, and that’s what the real world is about, just learning from those around you.”
Through class projects and small-group work, Sublette has taken on leadership roles, often serving as a project manager. “It’s taught me how to manage time, communicate effectively, and step into leadership,” she said. “Those are transferable skills I’ll use in any career.”
Her curiosity has also opened unexpected doors. Though she once imagined a career in healthcare, Sublette is exploring consulting, venture capital, and growth marketing, fields she hadn’t considered before. “The MBA has helped me see how adaptable I can be,” she said. “I’m realizing there’s not just one path forward.”
Outside the classroom, Sublette stays deeply connected to people, community, and purpose. She’s involved in Case Team, Manderson Women in Business, and the MBA Association, and she’ll spend her winter break on a mission trip to Hungary with her church. She also continues working remotely as a financial planning intern for a St. Louis wealth management firm.
Sublette’s journey from small-town Missouri to the fast-paced world of business reflects the values at the heart of Manderson’s mission of developing driven and curious learners who build strong skills in business, collaboration, and innovation. Sublette is still discovering where her path will lead but she’s already found something that will guide her every step.
“Being at UA has given me mentors who truly care,” she said. “It’s made me confident that no matter what path I take, I’ll have the tools, the people, and the mindset to make it work.”