Tracy Triggs-Matthews

What’s your educational and professional background?

After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Environmental Studies, I embarked on a path of science education focused on the environment and later including social impact as I shifted to sustainability. From Jackson Hole, WY, to Virginia, then North Carolina, my work has always included experiential education for all ages and learning styles.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

My favorite moments are those where I witness those ‘ah ha’ moments for students when a challenge or an idea can be realized. Innovation is not easy to achieve but with hard work, students can discover new and better ways to run businesses and be good stewards of their communities and the environment.

What is the best career advice you’ve received or would give to students/alumni?

I frequently find that my ‘best advice’ is just listening. When students are deciding between offers, I listen and then ask questions and reflect back to them what they say and how they act when talking about the opportunities. Sometimes it’s as simple as pointing out how they ‘sparkle’ when talking about one job versus another. It’s their decision and I am there to serve as a sounding board.

Can you share a moment or student success story that’s stuck with you?

I admire the challenging path that Annie Evans (MBA ’10) took. She did an internship in Investment Banking to learn the finance side of real estate and turned down a full-time offer to pursue what she wanted post-graduation. It was a scary move during the post-real estate bubble, but her perseverance paid off as she found a role where she could really use her sustainability and investment skills in real estate. Her first job post MBA was as the Vice President of Development for Jamestown. Annie was one of the project leads for the development of Ponce City Market, in Atlanta, Georgia, the largest adaptive reuse project in Atlanta’s history, restoring 2.1 million square feet of the historic Sears, Roebuck & Company property. She is currently the Sr. VP for AMLI and is responsible for and oversees all aspects of development projects for AMLI in Georgia.

What advice would you give to incoming MBA students?

Be open to uncomfortable experiences including classes that seem hard or the piece of the project that seems out of reach for your skillset. This is the time to challenge yourself and grow your skills and capabilities. That only happens through accepting and taking on the challenge. With this also comes being vulnerable. Let your team know you want to do this but will need support. Working in teams is a critical piece of success – giving and receiving feedback, incorporating ideas and getting perspectives from all areas will get you farther than going it alone.

What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities outside of work?

I have very old EMT and backcountry rescue training from my time in Wyoming and recently completed the North Carolina Community Emergency Response Team Training so that I can better serve my UNC and home communities in the event of a disaster. I love the Women’s UNC basketball, volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee teams. These are sports I have played so I’m a big fan!

 

Originally published on November 20, 2025.

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