For Kalle Legassey ’26, M’27, studying business at the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business was a natural choice. “I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was young,” she says. “Marketing fuels my passion for driving business growth through strategy and sales, and supply chain taps into my interest in operations, planning, and product flow.”
Through Barney’s 3+1 program, Kalle is earning both her undergraduate degree and MBA in just four years. She’s found that the small class sizes and supportive professors have made a significant difference. “UHart makes it easy to connect with professors and classmates,” she explains. “There are so many organizations and events that help you build meaningful relationships across campus and through the alumni network.”
That sense of community has shaped Kalle’s time at UHart, both in and out of the classroom. “Since day one, Barney has emphasized networking with alumni and business professionals,” she says. “It’s taught me the importance of showing up, participating, and asking questions. Being in rooms with successful people has been eye-opening and motivating.”
Kalle credits David Stec, supply chain & logistics management program director and clinical instructor, for sparking her interest in supply chain management. “He brings real-world experience into his teaching,” she says. “He introduced me to the world of supply chain, which opened my eyes to a whole new side of business.” She also acknowledges Alex Coury, associate vice president for industry partnerships and career experiences, as a mentor who “shows up with passion and a genuine drive to see students succeed.”
Beyond her coursework, Kalle is deeply involved in campus life. She serves as captain of the UHart volleyball team, sits on the Barney Leadership Council and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is a member of the American Marketing Association, and represents the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development as a student ambassador.
This past summer, Kalle interned with Lux Bond & Green, a family-owned fine jewelry company with locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts. There, she supported e-commerce growth initiatives, helped evaluate new product lines, and assisted in the buying office with inventory and product allocation. “It gave me hands-on experience in both marketing and retail operations,” she says, “and showed me how marketing and supply chain work together in the real world.”
Outside of UHart, Kalle channels her business mindset into running her own small business, where she applies classroom concepts to real-world challenges. She also enjoys hiking, cooking, and gardening in her free time.
Looking ahead, Kalle plans to enter the workforce while pursuing her MBA at Barney, with the goal of combining her marketing and supply chain skills to help businesses grow and operate efficiently.
Kalle Legassey ’26, M’27, Barney School of BusinessBe 100% present in everything you do. Go beyond just attending class—ask questions, get involved, and take advantage of every opportunity. The more you put yourself out there, the more doors you’ll open for your future.