2025 Best & Brightest Business Major: Devin Sanders, Marian University (Byrum)

Devin Sanders

Marian University of Indianapolis, Byrum School of Business

“Community-focused, ambitious, and determined leader. Passionate about empowering others to succeed and making an impact.”

Fun fact about yourself: I love hiking and exploring nature. This summer, I am planning on traveling from Indiana to Oregon.

Hometown: Gary, Indiana

High School: Merrillville High School

Major: Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Marketing

Specialization: Sales

Favorite Business Course: Advanced Professional Selling

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • First Place National Team Selling Competition at Indiana University Kelley School of Business
  • First Place Enterprise Pitch Competition at Marian University
  • Second place in the Fastenal Selling Competition at Marian University
  • Athletes in Action: Faith-based group uniting athletes through service, events, and community building.
  • Straight Up: A mentoring program dedicated to guiding young teens through life challenges and personal development.
  • Dean’s list for seven semesters
  • Geraldine and Robert Decreane Scholarship Award recipient
  • Student Athlete Marian University Football Team (2021-2024)
  • Marian University Gala Student Host

Where have you interned during your college career?

  • Cleveland Cliffs – Manufacturing/Planning Analyst 2024
  • Franciscan Health – Logistics & Supply Chain 2023
  • Marian University – Human Resource Talent Acquisition 2022

Where will you be working after graduation?  I will be working as a Developmental District Sales Manager at Nucor Steel in Memphis, Tennessee

Who is your favorite business professor? Professor Robert Kubacki and Professor Lori Rumreich have been pivotal to my growth. As sales team coaches, they recognized my potential and helped cultivate my skills, shaping my personal and professional development.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Business is fundamentally about relationships. Building trust and actively giving back to the community are keys to creating long-term success for everyone involved.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Be intentional about building connections and giving back to the community. Business isn’t just about making a profit, it’s about people, their goals, and the relationships that drive meaningful success. Prioritize authenticity, collaboration, and making a positive impact in every interaction.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would have dedicated more time to mentorship programs, as they offer the chance to share knowledge, inspire growth, and build meaningful connections. Being a mentor is incredibly rewarding, but it has also impacted me deeply by allowing me to learn from other students’ perspectives and experiences. One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is helping others develop while evolving alongside them.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? In marketing courses, we integrate AI to explore how it is transforming the landscape of research and data analytics. AI enables us to uncover deeper insights, predict trends, and make data-driven decisions more efficiently, equipping us to meet the evolving demands of industry. My biggest insight was that while AI amplifies decision-making, it still relies on human curiosity and creativity to unlock its full potential.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? The achievement I am most proud of is serving as a peer coach at Marian University. Supporting others in their growth and success has been deeply fulfilling and reflects my dedication to fostering a supportive, empowering community. Seeing students overcome challenges and achieve their goals reminded me of the power of encouragement and collaboration. This experience not only strengthened my leadership skills, but also reinforced my belief in the importance of uplifting others to create a lasting impact.

Which classmate do you most admire? Armani Glass is a finance and business analytics major. Armani and I have been inspiring and challenging each other to succeed since middle school. We have grown not only in academics, but also in our personal and spiritual journeys. Watching each other evolve into better individuals has been incredibly rewarding. Together, we have become young men passionate about empowering and inspiring future generations.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I could thank many people who have impacted my life in this moment, but instead, I want to express my gratitude for what they instilled in me—my unwavering faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my faith that has guided me through challenges, grounded me in times of uncertainty, and inspired me to become the person I am today.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? Hosting a motivational global seminar on international business would be an incredible opportunity to inspire and empower future business leaders. By sharing insights, experiences, and lessons learned from diverse perspectives, I could encourage students to think beyond boundaries and embrace a global mindset. Creating a space for meaningful discussions and personal development would inspire participants to chase their dreams, make a societal impact, and build connections that bridge cultures with a shared sense of purpose.

Having a Marian University scholarship established in my name would be an incredible honor. It would symbolize my dedication to making a difference while supporting future business students in achieving their dreams and overcoming barriers. Knowing that I could inspire and empower the next generation of leaders at my alma mater would be one of the most meaningful legacies I could leave behind.

What made Devin such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Devin was a trailblazer in our new Logistics and Supply Chain Management program, being part of the inaugural class. As a double major and student-athlete, he consistently demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic, maximizing opportunities, and overcoming challenges. His exceptional internships brought valuable insights to the classroom. Devin’s engagement and leadership in both individual and group projects set a fitting example for his peers and will ensure his future success.”

Michael D. Martin
Marian University
Assistant Professor, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

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