Shaping Tomorrow’s Business World: Meet the Michigan Ross Master of Management Class of 2026
In June, the Ross School of Business welcomed a new cohort of talented students from around the world to its Master of Management Program, which ranked No. 2 in the United States this year in QS World University Rankings.
The Michigan Ross MM Class of 2026 comprises 113 students from 24 undergraduate institutions. Fifty-five percent of the class are women, and the students represent numerous undergraduate major backgrounds, ranging from science and communications to engineering, history, art, and more. The new class also comes to Ross with an impressive academic record, with an incoming GPA of 3.62.
The 10-month program welcomes recent graduates from non-business backgrounds and sets them on a path to build a solid business foundation. Through high-impact leadership development and extensive career preparation, students prepare to leave the program with the skills and business fundamentals to excel in any industry.
Below, meet three members of the MM Class of 2026.
Carter Van Erp, MM ’26
Hometown
Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate school and major
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Theatre Arts: performing arts management and theatre studies
What is your post-graduation career interest?
After graduation, I plan to enter the theatre industry, working on the development of new musicals for both commercial and non-profit pursuits.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MM Program?
I completed my bachelor's degree in three years, so I wanted to find an opportunity that would allow me to complete a fourth year at U-M. Additionally, my undergrad provided a solid foundation in all of the soft skills of business and leadership, but I found the MM to be a great chance to hone in on management as it relates to hard skills and financial planning.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
I bring a unique perspective to the cohort as one of the few individuals from an arts-based background. My experience in theatre, specifically in creative development, production management, and dramaturgy, has trained me to think collaboratively, lead with empathy, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
These skills allow me to approach business problems through a human-centered and narrative-driven lens, often uncovering opportunities others may overlook. I believe this perspective not only adds creative value to traditional business frameworks but also enriches team dynamics by introducing new ways to think strategically and tell impactful stories.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I am most excited for the action-based and simulation-style learning at Ross. These immersive experiences will help me strengthen collaboration skills, make quick decisions, and grow more confident in high-pressure environments.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
Beyond the lasting relationships I will build with other MM students, I am excited to gain a flexible business foundation that complements my diverse background. This experience will allow me to enter the performing arts industry with a deeper understanding of strategy and leadership. Lastly, exposure to an environment that mirrors corporate culture is invaluable, especially in a field where many encounter it for the first time on the job.
Sarah Wang, MM ’26
Hometown
Carlsbad, California
Undergraduate school and major
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in entrepreneurship
What is your post-graduation career interest?
I am interested in pursuing a career in human resources, human capital consulting, or strategy consulting. In the future, I would like to continue pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MM Program?
I decided to enroll in the MM Program because I want to build a strong business foundation that complements my background in psychology to pursue roles focused on organizational health and people strategy. My educational and work
experiences helped me realize my passion for understanding what drives people and teams, and how that impacts success. I was drawn to this program’s holistic curriculum, outstanding faculty, and the fact that it is designed specifically for people with non-business backgrounds, which can bring unique perspectives to the classroom.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
My degree in psychology has allowed me to really understand people, decision-making, and what motivates them. I am always curious about the “why” behind team dynamics, leadership styles, and how culture shapes results. I am hopeful I can provide an angle that adds depth to conversations and helps my cohort approach problems in creative, people-centric ways.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
The Management Consulting Studio is something I am incredibly excited to partake in. The chance to move beyond the classroom and tackle real business challenges in a collaborative setting is something I value highly. I am eager to connect with my classmates from all kinds of academic backgrounds because there is just so much that we can learn from each other. Building those relationships with peers and faculty is equally important to me.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
Ross truly designs its programs around students' needs, from diverse course options to action-based career development that prepares us for the real world. This experience will give me the support I need to achieve any personal or professional goals I set for myself. I know I will feel prepared and confident as I move forward in my career after this program.
Caleb Lipkin, MM ’26
Hometown
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate school and major
Miami University (Ohio), bachelor's degree in sport leadership and management, and a minor in general business
What is your post-graduation career interest?
Post-grad, I would love to make an impact in the consulting scene and pursue long-term opportunities in the sports industry, particularly as a sports commentator or athletic director.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MM Program?
I initially heard about the MM Program during a summer program at Miami University, and upon learning about what it entails, I knew I had to apply. From the business skills and professional experience I would acquire, to the great connections I would make, I knew the Ross MM program was a perfect fit for me. Since U-M was at the top of my list, admission into Ross was a dream come true.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
With my background and experience in the sports industry and the several projects I have worked on in my undergraduate career, I bring an energetic yet creative energy to the cohort. Being in an atmosphere where I am able to thrive by bringing a new perspective is absolutely amazing.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
While at Ross, I am most looking forward to the connections I will make, whether in the classroom, at career fairs, or at other special events. Hearing about how Michigan Ross is among the best of the best, and now having the opportunity to be a part of, learn about, and contribute to that culture, is something that I cannot wait to experience.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
My experience at Ross will not only equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the professional environment but also set me apart from candidates in the job market with similar backgrounds. Having an in-depth understanding of what business actually is and how it functions is at the forefront of the MM focus, and I am confident that it will set me up for greatness in the professional setting.
