Coulter Bumgarner is a sophomore from Demopolis, Alabama studying accounting while also earning his MBA through Collat's Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program. He recently sat down with Collat's Alumni & Development Office to share his experiences at UAB and the Collat School of Business.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Aviation, sustainability, and helping others know that they matter.
Q: At Collat, I'm involved with __________________.
A: Business Bound, Business Student Leaders, Collat Freshman Leadership Team, and working as a Student Assistant in the Dean’s Office.
Q: What made you choose to attend UAB Collat?
A: I chose UAB and Collat because it checked every box: a mid-sized, fast-growing school in a city. What really sealed the deal was the diversity. Coming from a small, rural town, I wanted to challenge myself, grow, and connect with people from all walks of life. Collat felt like the perfect place to grow personally and professionally.
Q: What is your favorite part about Collat?
A: My favorite part about Collat is the incredible connections I’ve made with faculty and staff. They don’t just know my name—they know me. Whether it’s unrelated class conversations, advice when I need it, or genuine support, I’ve found a community invested in my success. Some of myprofessors even text me!
Q: Who is your favorite professor or class and why?
A: This is such a hard question because I’ve had so many awesome professors and classes, but this semester, my favorite is Accounting Information Systems with Dr. Jamey Worrell. He always ties our topics to real-world examples, which makes the material so engaging—especially for someone like me who learns best through hands-on examples. Plus, we just call him “Jamey,” which says so much about how approachable and caring he is.
Q: The store I frequent the most is __________________.
A: Probably the gas station. I’m always going somewhere!
Q: Describe your day in six words.
A: Constantly busy, but never not laughing.
Q: What's the closest thing to you that is green?
A: The closest thing to me that’s green is my folder, where I keep all my daily planning and journaling. It helps me stay organized and reflect on my day!
Q: Who are the people who make your life better?
A: The people who make my life better are my Mom, my closest friends, and the mentors who have supported me along the way. My Mom is my rock—she’s always there for me, no matter what. My friends bring so much laughter and joy, and my mentors challenge me to grow and help me see my potential. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them!
Q: What is the best advice you ever received?
A: The best advice I ever received was to always be kind, because kindness has a way of coming back to you. I live by the idea that someone may not remember what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. That belief shapes every interaction I have and guides how I approach others and life.