TAMPA — Six students from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business earned the prestigious King O’Neal Scholar Award for fall 2025, an honor recognizing graduates who completed their baccalaureate degrees with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
This fall’s honorees include accounting majors Victoria Batstone, Morgan Miller, Thi Tran, and Tracy Truong, and business analytics and information systems majors Anastasiya Bulhakova and Rashi Ratan.
Thi Tran: “Every challenge reinforced my resilience.”
When Thi Tran immigrated to the United States at 21, she arrived knowing almost no English and carrying the weight of her family’s hopes.
Growing up in Vietnam in a family that did not have the chance to pursue higher education, Tran viewed her move to the U.S. as an opportunity to rewrite that narrative. The transition was difficult — new language, new culture, and new responsibilities — but she embraced the challenge.
“I became more independent, disciplined, and focused on building a strong future for myself,” she said.
Tran chose USF for its diverse community and the Muma College of Business for its strong academic reputation and real-world learning opportunities. While balancing school, work, and life responsibilities, she relied on strict routines and daily studying habits.
Her method was simple: stay consistent. She summarizes notes, reworks assignments, practices problems, and teaches lessons back to herself as a way of reinforcing concepts.
I became more independent, disciplined, and focused on building a strong future for myself.
Thi Tran
Some semesters felt overwhelming, especially as she navigated multiple jobs and a full course load. But remembering why she came to the U.S. kept her moving.
Receiving the King O’Neal Scholar Award, she said, represents not just academic achievement but the sacrifices and persistence behind it.
“It strengthened my confidence moving forward,” Tran said. She begins graduate school next spring and plans to pursue professional certifications and future leadership roles.
Her advice for other students: stay committed, stay organized, ask questions, and take care of your well-being. “You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve,” she said.
Rashi Ratan: Fueled by curiosity and confidence
For Rashi Ratan, academic excellence didn’t come from chasing perfection; it came from staying curious.
Growing up, she joined clubs, stayed involved, and built strong time-management habits early. When she moved to the U.S. from India as an international student, she leaned on her independence to navigate life far from home.
“Those experiences made me appreciate learning and personal growth even more,” she said. “I always try to see challenges as chances to learn something new.”
Ratan chose USF for its campus life and the Muma College of Business for its career-focused resources. She praises the faculty, research opportunities, and professional development support that helped her build the skills she needed inside and outside the classroom.
Her 4.0 GPA is the result of planning ahead, staying organized, reviewing topics until they make sense, and seeking help when needed.
She also spent three years away from her family — one of her toughest challenges. There were moments of loneliness and days when urgent deadlines piled up. Still, she kept going by focusing on effort over outcome and trusting that hard work would pay off.
I always try to see challenges as chances to learn something new.
Rashi Ratan
The King O’Neal Scholar Award, she said, is deeply meaningful.
“It reassures me that all the sacrifices I made aren’t just something only I know about. They’re recognized and respected by others,” she said.
Her advice to fellow students: pick a path that makes sense for you, approach difficult concepts with curiosity, and give yourself grace.
“Allow yourself to try, to stumble, to struggle, and even to cry,” she said. “It’s all part of the process.”
Morgan Miller: A passion for numbers and a path to leadership
Morgan Miller always knew she wanted a career rooted in her love for mathematics. That passion led her to major in accounting and get involved with student organizations from her very first semester.
She joined the Accounting Society to learn more about the field, later taking on leadership roles as an officer. She also joined the Bulls Business Community after visiting USF and discovering the opportunities available to business students.
Her approach to academics centers on structure and planning. Miller keeps a detailed to-do list and reviews notes after every class. She also makes a point to study for exams well in advance instead of waiting until deadlines approach.
Receiving the King O’Neal Scholar Award holds special significance for her.
“It reflects hard work and discipline,” she said. “It motivates me to continue seeking opportunities for growth as I begin my master’s degree and move toward a career in accounting.”
Her advice for other students is straightforward: stay organized, plan ahead, and create consistent study routines.
Anastasiya Bulhakova: Strength under pressure
Before she was a top business analytics and information systems student at USF, Anastasiya Bulhakova was completing her final year of high school under air raid sirens.
When war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, she moved between Poland and Ukraine, taking tests during power outages and living in constant uncertainty. But the turmoil only strengthened her resolve.
She volunteered as a translator for English-speaking medics and American volunteers helping refugees — service she continued at USF, where she translated hundreds of military training slides from English to Ukrainian.
Bulhakova is one of the teaching assistants for the Finance Talent Pathway and has held roles in student organizations, including serving as vice president of investment banking for the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club and as an investment associate in the Investment Club.
She also excels professionally. She interned with Consolidated Edison and will spend the summer in New York as an investment banking intern with D.A. Davidson.
A former rhythmic gymnast with more than 200 medals, Bulhakova applies the same discipline and resilience to her academic and professional pursuits.
This semester, she will serve as the undergraduate commencement speaker for Muma’s ceremony on Dec. 13 — a fitting honor for a student whose journey exemplifies perseverance.