Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. I went to Miami University of Ohio for my associate degree and ended up getting my bachelor’s from Ohio University (OU). I have worked in the banking industry for 10 years and love financial education! I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we have a dog named Stewie. 

What made you decide to choose the University of Dayton’s MBA program?

I work in the Dayton area, and I love what the University of Dayton stands for. When I decided that I wanted to pursue my master’s, I wanted to find an online program that could accommodate my work schedule and that would offer a quality education. I decided to look into UD because I could easily get there if there was a reason I would need to be on campus. Luckily for me they had just launched the online MBA program, and I got to be a part of the inaugural cohort.

How has what you’ve learned in the program impacted the work you are currently doing? How will it prepare you to be a leader in your industry?

This may sound silly, but I feel this program has brought together the many educational experiences I have gathered along the way. Through undergrad, I felt there were many classes that were unnecessary or irrelevant to my professional life. But with MBA@Dayton, every course has been deliberate and purposeful. I feel that my experiences here will allow me to gain insight into different situations, see the big picture, and have the confidence to tackle any obstacle that arises. I find myself noticing things with my current employer that I would have never noticed before. I also find myself trying to solve problems or thinking of different ways to approach situations. It’s fun to see things come full circle! And the prestige that comes with being a UD graduate is a quantifiable tool as well.

How will this degree move you closer to your long-term career goals?

It will definitely be a personal achievement, but it will help differentiate myself in the workplace. I feel that the program is giving me the tools, knowledge, and community I need to be successful. Every class and experience thus far has been relevant and useful.

What advice do you have for others considering this degree?

Do it! This has been the most engaging experience I have had in my entire college career. I feel that the academic integrity that UD possesses, coupled with the online platform, make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to pursue their MBA and maintain their current professional and personal life. You will not regret your decision, and you will walk away with more than just your degree!

What was the most valuable thing you took away from your first immersion?

Aside from the amazing experiences around servant leadership, I learned that even with the distance that separates all of us, we have a closeness like nothing you can imagine! That goes for the professors and the students. Everyone was so pleasant and nice. You would have no idea that we were online students and coming together for the first time. I have built friendships that will last a lifetime, and I now have lifelong resources in my faculty members as well.