In the rapidly evolving business landscape, professional development plays a pivotal role in honing leadership skills. To meet the demand of educated leaders, several years of collaboration between Kroger and the Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine
University through the Kroger's Emerging Leaders Program have produced outstanding results.
Two high-achieving leaders and graduates from both the Kroger's Emerging Leaders Program and the Executive MBA, Andrea Gunkler and Jason G. Samons, have demonstrated significant leadership growth.
The Kroger and Bellarmine partnership not only enriches Kroger's leadership pool but also enhances Bellarmine's reputation as a leading provider of high-quality, industry-relevant business education, attracting top-tier students to Bellarmine’s
flagship program, the Executive MBA.
“Prior to discovering Bellarmine's Executive MBA program, the notion of pursuing further education seemed like a distant horizon. Finding this program has been a catalyst, propelling me towards new opportunities for professional and personal
growth within the prestigious cohort.” — Andrea Gunkler
Corporate Partnerships Fueling Success
This success story highlights the powerful collaboration between the Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University and Kroger. Upon completion of the Kroger Emerging Leaders Program, both Andrea and Jason were identified from an elite group of program
participants having outstanding potential to join Bellarmine’s Executive MBA.
Jacqui Fritz, Division Assistant Human Resources Leader for The Kroger Co. Louisville Division, expressed her pride in Andrea and Jason’s achievements. “We are incredibly proud of Andrea and Jason for advancing their education and earning
their MBA degrees from Bellarmine, following their participation in the once-in-a-lifetime Kroger Emerging Leaders Program in partnership with Bellarmine,” Fritz shared. “These skills will continue to drive their success, and we eagerly
look forward to seeing how Andrea and Jason will further elevate their leadership within Kroger and the communities they serve. We appreciate the partnership with Bellarmine to help provide Andrea and Jason with lifelong learning opportunities.”
“My time at Bellarmine has been more valuable than I could have ever imagined. The staff I have been able to work with have made an impact on the way I go about business on a daily basis. The course material has strengthened the skills I need
to drive the metrics that matter to me the most, and the connections I have made will have an everlasting impact. I cannot wait to see what the future holds as I continue this journey!” – Jason G. Samons
Watch Jason G. Samons full interview, click here.
A Call to Future Leaders
Bellarmine University’s Executive MBA program is more than just an academic experience—it’s a journey of transformation, connection, and impact. For those working professionals seeking to elevate their careers and create meaningful change
within their organizations, the program provides a rigorous yet supportive environment for growth.
To learn more about the Executive MBA program and how it can support your leadership journey, visit Bellarmine University’s website or contact the Director of Graduate and Executive Education Programs, Dr. Jorge A. Pazmiño at jpazmino@bellarmine.edu.
Andrea and Jason’s achievements embody the values of collaboration, learning, and leadership—hallmarks of the Bellarmine EMBA experience. We invite others to join this journey and become part of a community dedicated to shaping the business
leaders of tomorrow.