The banner bearer title is given to a student who best represents the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business through achieving academic excellence, participating in extracurricular activities and demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

The May 2024 banner bearer for Rawls College is Jade Montano, a finance and accounting major.

What's your major, and why did you choose it?

I majored in finance and accounting with a certificate in data analytics. I started as a management major. When I took financial accounting and financial management, I realized I enjoyed learning about finance and accounting. I changed my major, but at the time couldn't decide which I liked more, so I decided to double major in finance and accounting. 

I chose to add the data analytics certificate because, in financial statement analysis, Dr. Bobby Merriman told us several times the importance of knowing how to code within the finance industry. I took his advice and added a data analytics certificate to learn basic coding. 

What was your favorite class, or who was your favorite instructor?

This is a hard question because I have enjoyed all my classes at Rawls. I would say there are four professors that have really stood out to me during my time at Rawls. 

Dr. Ezgi Ottolenghi and Dr. Roman Wang are two professors that genuinely care about their students. Every time I run into them in Rawls, they recognize me, and we will catch up. It has made me feel special that even though I took these classes years ago they still recognize me and care to know how I am doing and what my next plans are. They both went above and beyond while I was in their classes, and they continue to, even though I am not one of their current students. 

Dr. Laura Cardella is a professor that I did not get to personally take a class with but I have spent many hours working on creating a group for women in finance to connect. Through this time, I have really seen how much Dr. Cardella cares about finance and empowering women within a male-dominated field. Dr. Cardella has been an amazing mentor to me during this time and has been able to give me great advice. 

Dr. Jeffery Mercer helped me a lot this semester, not only through accepting me in the Student Managed Investment Fund class, but also in my future endeavors. He guided me on my personal goal of taking the CFA exam. He told me about a platform that he utilizes in the MSF program to study for the CFA exam.

What is one thing about Rawls College that stood out to you?

There are two things that stand out to me about the Rawls. The first is the pride that everyone has about being a part of the Rawls Community. I have talked to several students and they always brag about Rawls to other non-business students. I always hear people talking about how amazing the Rawls community is, and it's an honor to be a part of it. 

I would say the second thing that stood out to me is all the opportunities and resources Rawls offers their students. Rawls has so many different opportunities for students to get involved. Some of these organizations are major-specific and others are business-specific allowing a range of opportunities for students to get involved. Outside of involvement, Rawls has their own career management center which helps prepare students to get jobs and internships and offers the Rawls Career Fair once a semester for only Rawls students.

Where did you grow up, and what was your life before Rawls College like?

I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico. My upbringing was shaped by the dedication of my hardworking single mother who made sure I had every opportunity available to me. Before I came to Rawls I went to a private high school. Since our school was small, students were limited in the extracurricular activities offered so we often participated in activities outside of school. I joined competitive cheerleading when I was in second grade and continued until I was a junior in high school. I volunteered for a non-profit multiple times a year. My senior year I became one of the football team managers. 

How did it feel when you were selected to be the banner bearer for Rawls College?

When I I first learned that I had been selected to be the banner bearer for Rawls, I was shocked. After the initial shock went away, I felt very honored, grateful, and excited to represent our college during graduation. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I will be attending Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management pursuing a Master of Accounting in Valuation.

What will you miss most about Rawls College?

I will miss the Rawls community the most. Every day I am in the Rawls, it is a guarantee that I run into someone I know. It's the best feeling, and they stop and ask you how you day is. In my experience, this has not just been other students but faculty as well. Over the past four years, Rawls has truly become a home for me. I know that is because of the community that Rawls continues to build. 

Montano will lead her fellow Rawls College students into the United Supermarkets Arena on Saturday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m. for the commencement ceremony.