Alexis Underwood turns the unfamiliar into momentum

By Carter Ward

Alexis Underwood did not follow a traditional timeline. While completing her bachelor’s degree in political science in two years, she entered a professional MBA program at UAH, developed her own business and stepped into research and teaching roles that often come later in a career.

“Essentially, I’ve had a set plan since I was a little kid,” said Underwood. “High school, college, and then law school.”

College reshaped that expectation. As her plans evolved, an academic advisor encouraged her to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, advice that stayed with her as decisions arrived sooner than anticipated. At 20 years old, she faced a choice between beginning law school immediately or pursuing a professional MBA.

While working independently to support legal practitioners, Underwood gradually developed Underwood Research and Admin, a business that provides legal research, billing assistance and document support.

“I always felt a little bit of imposter syndrome,” she said. “Everybody knows what they’re doing and then there’s just me.”

Over time, repeated exposure to unfamiliar situations reshaped that mindset.

“The more that I do things I’m uncomfortable with and see that I did better than I thought, my confidence grows.”

As her responsibilities expanded, Underwood began balancing graduate coursework alongside her business and professional commitments while serving as a graduate teaching assistant in the UAH College of Business.

“I struggle with giving things up or leaving early,” she said. “But I’ve learned that tradeoffs are necessary.”

Those adjustments also changed how Underwood defines success.

“I still see myself on the path to success. It just doesn’t look like what I imagined two or four years ago.”

As others began turning to her for guidance, Underwood found herself navigating another unfamiliar role.

“The people ahead of me helped me. I want to be that link for people coming behind me.”

Entering the MBA program marked another shift. Coming from political science and communication, she found the College of Business emphasized practical application in ways that differed from her earlier academic experience.

Looking back, Underwood said the most lasting parts of her journey are the relationships formed along the way.

“The peers who struggled with you and the mentors who took time to help you – those are the things that stay with you.”

When expectations are high and direction remains uncertain, Underwood keeps her focus on where she ultimately wants to end up, even if the path continues to change.

“The end goal has always been the same. It’s just the path that’s changed.”

At the center of that path is empathy, a value that shapes how she approaches learning, leadership and connection.

“If someone didn’t have empathy for you, you wouldn’t be where you are today,” said Underwood. “That’s something I want to carry forward.”