Incoming fellows choose UNC for real world learning, engaged real estate community

By Sam Bohmer

Each year incoming full-time MBA students with an expressed interest in commercial real estate are considered for the many fellowships funded by our generous alumni and partners. High achieving students with strong leadership and academic promise are considered for these financial opportunities that help to offset the considerable financial investment they are making into their education. This year ten incoming MBA students were awarded fellowships set aside for those intending to concentrate their studies in real estate. Learn more about the Class of 2025 fellowship recipients.

Alexandra Binnie – The Stephen M. Cumbie MBA Fellowship for Real Estate Students 

Alex Binnie said she first fell in love with real estate while working at JLL and thought that construction was a great introduction to the field. She has previously been employed as an associate project manager in real estate design & construction. She credits choosing UNC Kenan-Flagler for her MBA to the incredible reputation of both the Wood Center and real estate concentration here as well the amazing alumni. She said she is most looking forward to spending quality time with her classmates and getting to know them better throughout their academic journey. While Alex is originally from Connecticut, she spent time every summer in eastern North Carolina and says NC beaches are her happy place. 

Zachary Buettner – The David and Anna Flanagan Real Estate Fellowship 

Zach Buettner was previously employed as an asset management analyst at Capital One helping service their Freddie Mac Multifamily portfolio. He enjoyed the industry while working at Capital One, but now wants to expand his knowledge into the finance and development side of the industry. He said he chose UNC Kenan-Flagler for his MBA because the business school, in conjunction with the Wood Center, provides the real world learning opportunities he is looking for. He looks forward to getting to know his professors and peers and continuing to build his real estate knowledge. He has a B.A. in economics and government from the University of Virginia.

Natalie Flesher – The Dearborn Family MBA Fellowship in Real Estate 

Natalie Flesher has a degree in economics and international affairs from the University of Georgia, and previously worked as a senior financial analyst for a multifamily REIT. She is looking to pivot from corporate finance to development and is excited to take advantage of all the academic and practical learning opportunities the UNC real estate program has to offer. She chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of how highly her past colleagues spoke about it. She’s looking forward to learning from her peers, treks, and hopes to take part in a GIE. She loves antiques and thrift shopping.  

Elizabeth Gross – The Donna and Kirk Preiss Family Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship in Real Estate

Elizabeth Gross previously worked as a tax intern on the private equity team at Hall CPA and has her undergraduate degree in accounting and business management from Campbell University. She is interested in real estate because it combines the creative side with sound financial decision-making, benefitting both individuals and the wider communities. She chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of its unmatched community and network, as well as the desire to be challenged by a program that would help her develop into a more well-rounded business professional. She’s most looking forward to building relationships with her fellow classmates as well as becoming more involved in various aspects of the UNC community. She hopes to visit all the U.S. national parks and has been to seven in the past year and a half.

Matthew Hennessy – The Edward J. and Vicki J. Fritsch MBA Fellowship

Matt Hennessy holds a B.S. in finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He previously worked as an investment analyst at Washington Prime Group, a retail-focused REIT, and loved how fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging working in the real estate industry has been. He said he chose UNC Kenan-Flagler for his MBA after working with an alumna and hearing her speak so highly of the program, as well the Wood Center and the extensive alumni network. He is most looking forward to connecting with like-minded peers and alumni.

Hailey Innocent – The Horey Family MBA Fellowship

Hailey Innocent said it was during her six years with Perkins Eastman as a commercial interior designer that she found a passion for sustainable construction practices and making places. She currently holds her Bachelor of Design in interior design and a minor in urban and regional planning from the University of Florida, but she now wants to pivot into real estate development to manage projects from inception to occupancy. She said she chose UNC Kenan-Flagler for her MBA because of how drawn she was to its holistic approach to real estate programming, as well as the incredibly impressive alumni and current students she has interacted with. She is most excited for the Global Immersion Electives and opportunities to learn abroad and hopes to gain new understanding and perspectives from it.

Patrick Levandoski – Steven L. Bean MBA Fellowship 

Patrick Levandoski previously worked as a sr. investment sales analyst at CBRE, focusing specifically on commercial real estate. He holds a B.B.A. in real estate and risk management from the University of Georgia. He said his love for real estate comes from how it draws together an exceptional group of people who have a high degree of intelligence and value relationships, as well as the value it brings to the communities where it is located. Patrick chose UNC Kenan-Flagler for his MBA because of the collaborative community and the unique educational experience available in the KFBS Real Estate Fund. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to practice leadership, expand his professional network, and sharpen his business acumen – as well as attend basketball games! He’s currently traveled to 47 out of 50 states in the U.S. and is hoping to check off the remaining three: Hawaii, Oregon, and Vermont.

Mosiah Lloyd – The F. Trammell Crow MBA Fellowship for Leadership in Real Estate

Mosiah Lloyd has been working in commercial real estate since 2016. Most recently he worked as a Construction Manager with City Interests Development Partners in Washington, DC. He holds a B.S. in Building Construction and Real Estate from Virginia Tech, as well as his MPS degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University. Mosiah said he chose to study real estate because it is a field where you have a blank canvas and can create an amazing product. He chose UNC Kenan-Flagler for his MBA because he recognized it as the premier school for real estate development. He is looking forward to the rigorous courses and case competitions that he hopes will make him a more well-rounded practitioner. 

David Mock – The Randee and Dave Hartzell Excellence in Real Estate Fellowship

DJ Mock said he chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of the genuine care and shared passion that he felt from students, staff, faculty and alumni during the recruiting process. DJ previously worked as a senior proptech analyst at the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and has his undergraduate degree in financial economics from Columbia University. He is concentrating in real estate because he wants to strengthen his experience bringing real estate owners, innovative technology startups, and investors together to make real estate more sustainable, efficient, and innovative. He is most excited about participating and expanding proptech initiatives within the Wood Center. DJ said he loves to travel and often chooses to explore destinations by immersing himself in the ‘local’ experience.

Jacob Nelson – The Jane and Lucien Ellison MBA Fellowship Fund in Real Estate 

Jake Nelson previously worked as an acquisitions associate for Havenpark Communities, a REPE firm focused on manufactured housing, and has his B.S. in management strategy from Brigham Young University. Although he has six years of experience in real estate, he wanted the opportunity to further his understanding of the development process in a classroom setting. He chose Kenan-Flagler due to the strength of the real estate network, curriculum, dedicated resources available through the Wood Center, and the potential he sees for career growth in the Carolina real estate market. He’s excited to explore a new part of the country and make lifelong connections. He also recently got married in May and went on a 9-week honeymoon throughout Europe.