From Numbers to Innovation: UK Alumna Finds Her Fit at Bullard
When Eva Peterson first arrived at the University of Kentucky, she declared a major in finance. But over time, she realized her interests stretched beyond spreadsheets and forecasts. She added a second major in management — a decision that reflected her growing curiosity about people.
“I went into UK as a finance major and ended up double majoring in finance and management — two very different fields of study,” she said. “Numbers and emotions.”
That pairing would go on to define more than just her academic experience, it would shape the way she works.
Her time at UK gave her space to explore that balance. A memorable class with Hector Martinez, Ph.D., included individualized evaluations and deep dives into behavior and motivation. “I found that very interesting — why people act the way that they do and how to work with that,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, Eva embraced experiential learning. In her first year, she joined the Business Living Learning Program (LLP), where she lived and studied with peers in her major. “I loved it because I got to know a lot of people who work around Lexington,” she said. Later, she served as a K Week leader and completed internships with Northwestern Mutual and McNair Living, gaining operational experience and developing a sense of self-awareness. “It gave me the opportunity to make work fun,” she said.
That mindset led her to Bullard, a OneUK Partner and global personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer based in Kentucky. The company, founded in 1898 and best known for inventing the original hard hat in 1919, serves industries including life sciences, emergency response and industrial safety, with operations in the U.S., Singapore and Germany.
Eva discovered the company on LinkedIn and was immediately intrigued by the “product specialist” title. “It sounded really fun,” she said. “I looked into the company because I wanted to join a team that had values and was doing something meaningful.”
What she found was a mission that resonated — and a culture that matched. “They have a strong message, and it was easy to figure out they wanted to be a pillar of the community in both Lexington and Cynthiana,” she said. “I grew up in a big city, and I’ve always loved the idea of a being part of a small town. I am highly career motivated and also love the community that comes with a small town. There aren’t many companies out there that can balance those values. Bullard is one. They provide the sense of community that I love while also fulfilling my desire for a fast paced, multifaceted work life.”
Today, Eva works on the emergency response side of Bullard’s business, supporting product managers and playing a key role behind the scenes. “Every day is so different,” she said. “All of the tasks I do are to support the product managers — what they are trying to do and what they are trying to put out there.”
She likens them to champions of each product line. “They rally the troops, and it is my job to trail behind them, to fullfill tasks, support the mission and monitor performance indicators," she said. “I love my job because I touch every part of the business — supply chain, marketing, and engineering. I have wonderful teammates who are always willing to help, making it much more efficient.”
Just as she once added management to her finance degree to explore both the technical and human side of business, her role at Bullard has evolved in the same way. Initially focused on analytics, her job took a turn when she stepped in as a temporary product manager. “I did the best that I could, I made mistakes and learned a lot." she said.
Bullard noticed — and encouraged her growth. “They recognized how much I enjoyed the challenge of it and how quickly I was adapting,” she said. “After they brought in the official product manager, they left me with some of the responsibilities.”
Her analytical role gained dimension, and so did her path forward. “They do a really good job of making sure you’re enjoying what you’re doing. And they do this for everyone,” she said. “They have an exceptional skill of recognizing talent and making sure they are fostering that talent.”
Eva credits Kentucky for helping her find her footing. “I love Kentucky,” she said. “Growing up outside of Chicago, you have a free weekend, and you go into the city. It doesn’t feel homey.” With family nearby in Somerset and opportunities to explore a “hidden” culture, she found something deeper here. “Kentucky is smaller and homey-er and has given me the opportunity to find out who I want to be.”
When asked what kind of student might thrive at Bullard, she emphasized curiosity, drive and a willingness to grow. “There is a lot of support and pathways at Bullard, but they really do push you to develop yourself,” she said. “It isn’t like they are holding your hand, but they are asking you questions about you and trying to help you figure out what you want.”
While Bullard welcomes all majors, Eva said the company is particularly excited about students in engineering, marketing and business. “All jobs can be taught — and good people are worth teaching,” she said.
At Bullard, Eva has found a role that continues to grow with her — one that reflects both her analytical strengths and her interest in how people work and lead. It’s a path that’s unfolded naturally, shaped by experience, curiosity and the opportunities in front of her.