Callie Groth '14 MBA, Selected as 2025 Alumni of the Year

Each year, The University of Arizona acknowledges a group of alumni for their achievements, public service, advocacy for education, volunteerism and service to students, the colleges and the University. The 2025 Eller College of Management Alumni of the Year Award winner is Callie Groth '14 MBA.

Groth is an entrepreneur and businesswoman with a decade of experience in business model design, technology innovation and personal branding. As the owner and chief executive officer of BlackBar Engineering, she leads the research, design and development of small tactical aerial systems and autonomous ground vehicles for aerospace and defense applications. BlackBar is distinguished as the only certified woman-owned small business in aircraft manufacturing in aerospace and defense and was recognized as an Innovator of the Year by the governor of Arizona in 2018. 

Driven by a passion for helping others realize their potential, Groth is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through sharing her insights and fostering creativity and growth. She serves as an entrepreneur in residence at the Eller College of Management McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, frequently guest lectures and presides as president of the University South Foundation—a nonprofit committed to expanding access to higher education for students in Southern Arizona.

Groth, along with the other 2025 Alumni of the Year Award recipients, will be honored at the Alumni of the Year Awards Ceremony on February 27 at the Student Union Memorial Center.