Willoughby Hardesty

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What inspired you to pursue graduate study in commerce, and what are your goals for the program?

My interest in commerce grew out of a conviction that good business can shape better places. As an undergraduate at the Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, I studied how systems and leadership affect communities; the theory became personal when I inherited my family’s 20-acre estate during my third year of college. Instead of selling it, I began reimagining the land as a boutique event venue and small vineyard. That project pushed me into appreciating the practical side of real estate development—brand work, vendor coordination, site planning, and early-stage projections—and it showed me the gap between ideas and the skill set needed to actually deliver them. I came to McIntire to fill that gap. Long term, I want to lead projects that are equal parts business venture and community contribution, where the profitability is inseparable from the experience and the story a space tells. That’s the kind of work I want to continue after UVA.

What courses or topics in commerce are you most excited to explore during the program?

Within the Marketing & Management Track, I’m most excited about GCOM 7160: Brand Management & Strategy—because I want to learn systematic ways to audit, position, and steward brands over time—and GCOM 7250: Product & Project Management, which I see as essential training in planning, stakeholder coordination, and execution. Outside those cores, I’m looking to take targeted real-estate courses and/or relevant external offerings where possible so I can connect branding and hospitality strategy to actual development practice.

What drew you to the M.S. in Commerce Program at UVA McIntire?

What drew me to McIntire was a combination of the program’s rigor, the collaborative culture, and how genuinely supportive the admissions and faculty teams were throughout the process. Over the summer, I was exploring multiple graduate programs, and while many offered strong academics, none made me feel the same sense of welcome and belonging that McIntire did. From the very first email exchanges to follow-up calls with faculty and admissions staff, I felt like it wasn’t just that I wanted to attend McIntire; I felt like McIntire wanted me to attend. Coming from a UVA undergrad background, the familiarity of the environment, combined with the opportunity to take on a final year of growth, made the decision even clearer. I knew that the program’s cross-disciplinary focus and the caliber of the community would give me a place where I can grow academically, professionally, and personally.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin the M.S. in Commerce Program?

I’m most looking forward to being pushed outside of my comfort zone. I know the year will be intense, but that’s what excited me: the idea of sharpening my quantitative skills while still leaning into creativity and strategy. Specifically, I’m looking forward to the projects and team-based work across different disciplines that I’ve never before studied. I thrive when I’m working with others toward a shared outcome, especially when we each bring different strengths to the table. I’m also looking forward to the mentorship and community. UVA has already given me professors, peers, and alumni who’ve shaped my path in profound ways. I know McIntire will add another layer of that by giving me a network of people who will challenge me, open doors, and help me grow into the professional I’m aiming to become.

What extracurriculars, clubs, or activities are you hoping to get involved with during your time here?

I’m really excited to engage with initiatives that connect directly to my career goals. I’ll be working as a Research Assistant with the White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate, which is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the impactful work they do across the university. I also hope to be involved with one of the real estate clubs at UVA to learn from peers, industry speakers, and participate in events while building my professional network. Beyond real estate, I’m also eager to continue my involvement in student leadership by building on my experience in undergraduate student government. I served on Student Council and Class Council, which taught me how to lead initiatives, collaborate across teams, and advocate for my peers. I’m looking forward to contributing in similar ways at McIntire, whether through the GCOM Council or other leadership opportunities.

What’s one place in Charlottesville (or on Grounds) you’re most excited to visit or explore?

For me, it’s the vineyards and wineries around Charlottesville. I love how they feel like a seamless part of the landscape among the mountains and hills, becoming a natural part of the scenery rather than standing apart from it. There’s a sense of intentionality in how they’re designed and cared for, and being there gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else. Living here really inspired me for my own project in Alabama. On Grounds, I’m also excited to experience McIntire firsthand, especially with the new Commerce Complex. Stepping inside as a graduate student will be a moment where everything I’ve learned at UVA, and the ambitions I carry for the future, start to feel tangible.