Blake Costner: A Legacy of Learning, a Journey of Self-Discovery

As a legacy student, Blake Costner always felt connected to the university, because his father, Joe W. Costner Jr., graduated in 1989, and his aunt, Barbara Kolatis, followed in 1995. So when it came time to choose a path for higher education, the choice to become a Niner felt natural. His decision to attend UNC Charlotte wasn’t just academic—it was personal.

After earning a BS in Computer Science in 2023, Blake continued into the Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics program, where he found not just a challenging academic environment, but also a space to explore his identity and passions. And his interest in data science was sparked during an internship with Atlas Copco in 2022.

“After completing my projects, I had a conversation with my manager about next steps. He suggested I explore data science, noting that my strengths and interests aligned well with the field. Once I started researching it, I was hooked. He was right, it clicked immediately. That moment ultimately led me to apply to the DSBA program.”

Blake describes his UNC Charlotte journey in three words: challenging, formative, and collaborative. And throughout that journey, he found mentors who helped shape his path. 

As an undergraduate, it was Dr. John Taylor, whose Calculus I and II courses changed Blake’s relationship with math. 

“Before his class, I struggled with math and believed I was not good at it. Dr. Taylor took the time to encourage me and helped shift my mindset, even during the remote semester.”

In graduate school, Blake was deeply inspired by Professor Robert Fox, who taught both Model Risk Management and Cloud Computing. 

“His combination of industry experience, technical expertise, and passion for teaching made a lasting impact. He consistently connected course material to real-world applications and pushed us to think beyond the classroom.”

Outside of the classroom, Blake was active in M28 campus ministry, serving in various leadership roles. He served as events officer, helping to plan outreach activities and coordinate with the university. And he thinks It was a big part of his growth and community on campus. 

After graduating in Spring 2025, Blake plans to continue working full-time as a Business Operations Advisor at Advocate Health, alongside fellow 2025 DSBA graduate Nathan Schaaf.

“I am excited to build a meaningful career using the foundation UNC Charlotte has given me. I see myself as a lifelong learner, and UNC Charlotte has laid the cornerstone.”

From Shelby, NC to a future in data-driven decision-making, Blake Costner’s path shows what’s possible when legacy, learning, and purpose align.