A native of New York City, Kevin Collaco is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with dual master’s degrees, an MBA in strategic leadership and an M.S. in international business.
Collaco was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman.
In this profile, Collaco shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Collaco: Since my first semester at UD, I’ve not only experienced validation of my life’s work, but also significant growth, not just in knowledge, but in mindset. The experience affirmed key assumptions, expanded my thinking, and reinforced that neuroplasticity doesn’t fade with age. I’ve become more strategic, more focused, and more confident in applying formal frameworks to real-world challenges. What began as a pursuit of credentials evolved into a deeper journey of purpose and perspective.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Collaco: One major challenge was reestablishing an academic rhythm during the summer session after being away from formal education for an extended period. The shift to learning through more than just textbooks, collaborative tools, and asynchronous content, required a recalibration going into the first fall semester. I overcame this by adopting new tools and technologies, maintaining personal discipline, and embracing the learning process.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Collaco: My favorite experience at UD was serving as an Officer-at-Large with the University of Delaware’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter. Representing UD alongside my veteran peers at the national SVA convention in Colorado Springs was both an honor and a reminder of the power of shared purpose. It gave me the chance to connect with student veterans from across the country, advocate for our community, and reaffirm the importance of leadership, service, and continuing to lead beyond the uniform.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Collaco: While I was fortunate to learn from many exceptional faculty members at Lerner, several had a lasting impact. Dr. Daniel Sullivan deepened my understanding of globalization and shaped my strategic perspective on international business. Dr. Jack Baroudi helped me connect emotional intelligence with practical leadership. Dr. Nathan Bragaw sharpened my ability to approach corporate strategy critically. Amy Estey and Dr. Kurt Norder also provided mentorship that extended well beyond the classroom. Each of them contributed meaningfully to my pursuit of both an MBA with a focus on strategic leadership and later, a decision to move forward with dual master’s degree, completing the MSIB.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Collaco: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means staying curious, embracing discomfort, and remaining committed to growth, regardless of age or career stage. Learning doesn’t end at graduation; it evolves. For me, it’s about continually sharpening skills, expanding perspective, and actively engaging with other students, challenging and influencing them to grow, “question everything” and create real impact.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Collaco: Start by understanding that a fulfilling future isn’t handed to you – it’s built, deliberately and personally. Don’t chase titles or grades in isolation; instead, focus on cultivating broad knowledge, sharpening core competencies, and building disciplined habits that will carry you far beyond the classroom. Engage with your education fully, ask the questions that aren’t on the syllabus, take ownership of your growth, and treat learning as a lifelong craft, not a temporary phase or an exercise of going through the motions. This isn’t just about success. It’s about significance. Be relentless in your curiosity, disciplined in your growth, and intentional with your time.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Collaco: Following graduation, I plan to build on the momentum I’ve created, applying strategic frameworks, a global perspective, and the leadership principles I’ve developed to drive impact at the intersection of innovation and execution. Whether through executive roles in the private sector or public service, I’m focused on solving complex problems, leading high-performing teams, and creating long-term value. I also intend to make time to instruct and lecture, sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of leaders and contributing to the kind of education that builds durable, future-ready foundations.