Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I went to the University of Dayton for my undergraduate degree in marketing, and I love coming back on campus for recruitment or basketball games. I was born in raised in Vandalia, Ohio, just north of the campus.

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

I love being a Dayton Flyer, so it was just the right fit from the beginning. Additionally, the opportunity to complete the program in one year and take five-week courses really appealed to me.

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? 

The program has really shown me the basic theories and principles of how to navigate the business world and have the right vernacular when discussing business issues. The program prepares me for being a leader in my industry because it teaches me all the different parts of a business so I can have cross-functional insight into problems that arise.

What has been your experience collaborating with classmates in an online environment?

It’s been interesting — and at the same time, easy. Group projects seem daunting when you’re working with teammates in other time zones, but the technology and the online platform made it easy to connect and work on projects. There’s an app for our phones where we can reach the platform to connect at any time of the day.

How has MBA@Dayton’s focus on servant leadership influenced the way you approach business? 

It has helped shape my leadership style. I now see that effective leaders expand their influence beyond their organization and customers. They make decisions based on the effects on the community, economy, and environment. 

Tell us about your experience at your first immersion.

The immersion was a three-day, hands-on experience learning about servant leadership. We got to network with our peers face-to-face rather than seeing them just online, and we really got to be surrounded for a weekend with like-minded people who want to advance in their careers.