Roll Tide Welcome for Incoming TEMBA Class of 2017

• November 30th, 2015
• in EMBA Uncategorized, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The Culverhouse College of Commerce welcomed the incoming Tuscaloosa Executive MBA Class of 2017 at orientation on The University of Alabama campus on November 19. The 30 students enjoyed a kickoff reception the night before at Hotel Capstone. Interim Dean Brian Gray welcomed them to campus where they will pursue an M.B.A. degree over the next 17 months.

The incoming TEMBA class has an average age of 35 and 13 years of work experience. Thirty-three percent of the class is female (the average for EMBA Programs worldwide is 27.6 percent, according to the EMBA Council). The class represents a diverse range of industries from finance, government and non-profit, healthcare, manufacturing, defense, consulting, energy, construction, media, services, engineering and technology. In addition, 20 percent are military, 73 percent managers, 10 percent professionals and 20 percent are vice president/c-level/owners.

During orientation the students are divided into the teams they will work in during the program. The EMBA forms teams based on several parameters including professional and academic background, skill sets, goals and personality testing. Students had sessions on values, building their team charters, University processes, career development and an introduction to statistics.

Teams also competed in a scavenger hunt later in the day where they sought out campus landmarks for photo ops. “It’s a fun way to get to know the campus and build relationships with their team and classmates,” said Linda Cox, Program Assistant for EMBA.

The orientation concluded with a dinner hosted by the Executive MBA Alumni Network. Network President Ben Paulk greeted the incoming class and congratulated them on their journey. “The EMBA Program is a life changing experience and if you embrace it, the opportunity is there to build a great professional network and to make lasting friendships,” said Paulk.

The students will return to campus December 1 for a week-long immersion to begin their first semester Statistics, Marketing, Accounting and Project Management courses.

Congratulations and Roll Tide TEMBA Class of 2017:

• Ruqayyah Abdullah, BBVA Compass
• Michael Adams, Randall-Reilly
• Katie Askew, The University of Alabama
• Brady Baird, Summerville United Methodist Church
• Brett BiaLowas, PPG Industries
• Jay Brooks II, Tag Grinding
• Stephen Buzzell, Grammer, Inc.
• Christie Davis, Northport Police Department
• Sierra Earle, USAmeriBank
• Monte Green, McLeod Software
• Matt Hartley, Chemetall
• Billy Helmandollar, DCH Health System
• Mary Scott Hunter, Intuitive Research
• Doug Lafont, TAMKO Building Products
• Walt Long, US Air Force, MAFB
• Anuraag Malaviya, Tata Consultancy Services
• Frazer McCurdy, ServisFirst Bank
• Hayley Ray McNeill, The University of Alabama
• Bridgette Montgomery, VA Medical Center
• Natasha Moore, Horne LLP
• Sean O’Brien, UPS
• Bryan Sanders, DaVita Kidney Care
• Jason Sellars, The University of Alabama
• Lilly Setiawan, The Dutch Group
• Dane Shaw, Arsenal Place Accelerator
• Ryan Stallings, First South Farm Credit
• Will Stroup, The  Brogdon Group
• Josh Vinson, Parallon Business Solutions
• Beth Webster, Small Business Development Center
• Rich Winstead, US Navy

For more information on the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205-348-4501 or visit our website at www.emba.ua.edu.

EMBA Alumni Network Elects New Board

• November 16th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

In October the EMBA Alumni Network elected the new EMBA Alumni Network Board of Directors for 2015-2016. The Board held its first meeting on Wednesday, November 11.

The new officers: Ben Paulk, Senior Product Manager with BBVA (TEMBA 2012) is the new President; Russell Shamburger, Manager of CGI (TEMBA 2004) will serve as Vice President; Beckie Crawford, Vice President Finance with Southern Medical Health Systems (TEMBA 2013) will continue serving as Secretary-Treasurer; and Michael Brost, Senior Business Analyst with Modern Technology Solutions (HEMBA 2015) will assume duties as Communications Chair. Michael Ross, Central Region President and Chief Commercial Officer for Renasant Corporation (EMBA 1989) will advise the new Board as past President. For more information on the EMBA board members click here.

During the meeting the Board received an update on the overall college and EMBA Program by Interim Dean Brian Gray and Director Donna Blackburn. According to President Ben Paulk, “It is important for us, as we formulate a strategy, to understand how the EMBA Alumni Network fits into the context of the larger picture for Culverhouse College of Commerce and The University of Alabama.”

The new board was also briefed on last year’s activities and successes. Ben continued, “We had a great slate of events for the 30^th EMBA Anniversary celebration and we hope to capitalize on the momentum that was created. I am looking forward to working with this esteemed Board to further the mission statement of our Alumni Network.”
For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.

UA and EMBA Receive Top Rankings for Veterans

• November 10th, 2015
• in EMBA Uncategorized, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

For the sixth year, the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama has been named a Military Friendly® school by Victory Media. Now in its 13th year for companies and seventh year for post-secondary schools, Victory Media’s Military Friendly® ratings recognize colleges and companies with leading programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces leaving military service and military spouses. The military currently represents 29% of the entering EMBA class for 2015, up from 25% the year before.

Factors considered in the Military Friendly® school selection process include support for student veterans on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse/dependent policies. Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran adds: “Those earning the 2016 Military Friendly® designation demonstrate a strong connection between classroom learning and career development. They’re moving the needle beyond ‘why recruit military’ to translating military competencies into training and positive employment after graduation.”

To read the full press release, click here. In addition to the University of Alabama being named as one of the 2016 best colleges for veterans by U.S. News and World Report, a new study commissioned by United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes rates Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the top metro area that offers higher education opportunities for veterans.

According to the rankings released November 5, UA received the top ranking due to factors such as having the highest graduation rate among the top 10 and the highest percentage of Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon recipients. For more information on this year’s criteria click on USAA.

Here’s the full top 10 list:

1. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
2. Lynchburg, Virginia
3. Ann Arbor, Michigan
4. College Station, Texas
5. St. Louis, Missouri
6. Killeen, Texas
7. Syracuse, New York
8. Greenville, North Carolina
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Columbia, South Carolina

For more information about the UA Executive MBA, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501 or request information at www.emba.ua.edu.

Time to Reflect

• October 28th, 2015
• in EMBA Alumni Network

When I made the decision to run for President of the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Alumni Network at The University of Alabama for 2014-15, I knew it would be an important responsibility, one that would require a serious commitment. The EMBA Program has and continues to have a serious impact on me as a business person and as a community leader. It was important in assuming this position that I would be able to devote the necessary time and energy the role of president demands. My number one priority was to take this opportunity to give back to the school that gave so much to me. The experiences gained through the EMBA curriculum gave me a “head start” on many of my peers in the commercial banking business early in my career.  My family has benefited greatly from those experiences, and I will always feel indebted to UA as a result.

I have been very honored to have worked with a wonderful group of professionals willing to share their talents and expertise.  The EMBA Alumni Network is a tremendous resource promoting the EMBA Program, professional networking, educational offerings and social events.
In October 2014, the board members participated in a strategic planning session to examine our by-laws, mission and strategic objectives. Our focus became the recognition and celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Executive MBA Program. We kicked off 2014 with a Rooftop Reception at the Renasant Bank in Tuscaloosa honoring the EMBA founders: Dr. H.H. “Bill” Mitchell, Dean of Culverhouse College of Commerce 1981-1986); Dr. Lonnie Strickland (MBA Director 1982-1986); and, Ms. Gina Johnson (MBA Coordinator 1982-1986).

Other 30th Anniversary events followed. On May 2, we recognized the 30th graduation class, the EMBA Class of 2015, at a Graduation Brunch in the North Zone.  Throughout May we held networking events in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Mobile. In June we held our very first Family Day at the Tuscaloosa River Market complete with games, prizes and a movie night. In August, we headed to the ballpark in Birmingham to watch the Barons play. And, finally we wrapped up with a Roll Tide Tailgate last Saturday, October 24, watching the Crimson Tide beat the Tennessee Volunteers.

The next board will also be tasked with reviewing the results from the EMBA Alumni Survey conducted August-September this year. The survey will inform the new board as it plans future Network activities and initiatives. Results from the survey will appear soon in an upcoming blog.

I want to thank the many alumni who have been supportive throughout the year. I also want to thank the board members with which I served:  Vice President Jennifer Thomas (TEMBA 2014), Secretary-Treasurer Beckie Crawford (TEMBA 2013), Communications Chair Ben Paulk (TEMBA 2012) and Past President Kent Darzi (HEMBA 2010). They continue to give and mentor and do whatever is needed, from welcoming the incoming classes to being there at graduation to help celebrate. I also want to thank the EMBA staff, who care deeply about the alumni and students and do an outstanding job.

We could not have done all of this without you.

In the coming year, I look forward as Past President to working with the incoming 2015-2016 EMBA Alumni Network Board. We’ve made tremendous progress as an organization and we will carry that momentum forward. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as President of the EMBA Alumni Network.

Michael Ross (TEMBA 1989) is Central Region President & Chief Commercial Officer of Renasant Corporation

For more information on The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501, caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Nathan Chilcutt

• September 23rd, 2015
• in EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

Program: Tuscaloosa EMBA (Class of 2013)

Education: Georgia Institute of Technology, BS, Building Construction; University of Alabama, M.B.A.

Previous Occupations/Experience: President, Housing Inc.; Vice President, New Home Building Stores

Current Occupation: Culverhouse College of Commerce, University of Alabama, Instructor, Operations Management

Why did you decide to teach?

I’ve always enjoyed teaching. I’ve always found myself in a position of being a trainer and leaning toward teaching, whether it was coaching or Sunday School or at work. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring others and just kept pursuing the decision to teach.

Did an EMBA professor help you decide to begin teaching or impact your teaching methods? 

As far as helping me decide to start teaching, I’d say Dr. King in his Leadership class helped tremendously, and Dr. Strickland in his Strategy class helped lay out the path. Others, like Drs. Dulek, Ellinger, Albright, and Gray, whose personalities, temperaments, and ways of handling difficult course content and making them easier, showed me I could do this and take industry experience and apply it to the classroom.

Why did you enroll in the Tuscaloosa EMBA program? 

They accepted me! Seriously, the cost and national reputation was part of it, and it’s close. We were here; my wife teaches at the University. I looked elsewhere, and I just wanted a campus experience instead of an online experience. I’m teaching an online Introduction to Operations Management class now and I don’t see how people do it!

What was your favorite experience in EMBA? 

Just the fellow students and being able to interact with peers. I was kind of the old guy, and it was nice to see that I had life and business experience that I could use to improve and to help others with some of their business and class problems. Age has its benefits and I can actually bring something to the table!

What has been the most interesting part of teaching?

The volume of work required! It’s been a good thing, but I’ve been an adjunct before, and it’s always been one or two classes and I’ve been surprised at the volume of work that’s necessary to do it well. There’s a great deal that goes on in the background that you don’t even think of until you’re teaching. It’s great to do and it’s a tremendous and worthwhile experience. Dealing with the students is a lot of fun, even the tough ones!

According to former students of Nathan Chilcutt’s:

• “Hands down one of the best teachers in the business school!”
• “Like all good teachers, he was less focused on what the book had to say and more focused on what we needed to know for real life applications.”
• “Professor Chilcutt is one of the most helpful professors I have had at this university.”

What advice would you give to current EMBA students? 

Get to know your professors on a personal level, don’t just deal with them in class. Personal interaction is key; it’s amazing what these people can present to you and provide and want to provide because they want to give something. Get to know and interact with your classmates, ask a lot of questions and just be be open to the experience, that’s the greatest thing-just be a part of it.
For more information on the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501.
More Spotlight Articles

• Heather Martin, HEMBA 2016
• Nancy Acquavella, HEMBA 2015
• Matt Bogue, TEMBA 2014

UA’s MBA Program Moves Up Seven Spots in Forbes 2015 Rankings

• September 18th, 2015
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Forbes ranked the MBA programs based solely on the return on investment for their graduates upon five years after graduation. The 2014 average salary for Manderson MBA graduates was $97,000.

University of Alabama Welcomes HEMBA 2017 Class

• August 21st, 2015
• in EMBA Program Information, EMBA Uncategorized, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Fall on the University of Alabama campus is exciting as new and returning students arrive. There is cooler weather and talk of classes, faculty and football, and not necessarily in that order.  From Denny Chimes to the Bryant-Denny Stadium, from the President’s Mansion to the Ferguson Center (Ferg), from Coleman Coliseum to the Park at Manderson Landing along the Black Warrior River, The University of Alabama is welcoming its students.

On August 12, the Culverhouse College of Commerce greeted the new Huntsville EMBA Class of 2017 with its first orientation at UA. The HEMBA Program began in 2008. In the past, students would take classes on the UAHuntsville campus and only come to Tuscaloosa for graduation. We wanted to do something different this year and have them begin their 21-month, five-semester experience with the Capstone. For many it was their first time on campus.

Over the two-and-a-half day orientation, the students met with their first semester faculty, participated in team building, and met with the Executive MBA Alumni Board. They also spent time seeing some of the sites and meeting other alumni and students on campus while involved in a team challenge scavenger hunt. They also nailed down the “Rammer Jammer” and “Roll Tide” cheers and are looking forward to a tailgate this fall in T-Town.

The students represent companies such as PPG Industries, ADTRAN, Infosys, Nissan North America, Sikorsky Aircraft, Southern Telecom, Amerex Corporation, the US Army, Northrop Grumman, and the Missile Defense Agency. The defense and manufacturing agencies are hugely represented in this cohort, with 28% and 24% of the students working in them, respectively. Other industries include finance, technology, healthcare/pharmaceutical, retail, telecom, construction, real estate and services.

The class reflects more diversity in terms of educational backgrounds. 43% of the students who just joined the program graduated with undergraduate degrees in engineering, followed by 29% with liberal arts degrees, 19% with business degrees, and 10% with science/math degrees. The average age is 37 with an average of 15 years of work experience. We also have 38% of our students coming from a military background.

Incoming students have goals to develop and further their career, develop business skills, further their mentoring and leadership skills, pursue financial security, own a business, have an impact on their company, become a better manager and motivator, and travel and work abroad.

Please join us in welcoming our HEMBA Class of 2017:

Ryan Burch, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Felicia Craig, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Jason Deane, Nucor Steel

Chuck Freind, Amerex Corporation

Sonya Harner, Nissan North America

Jimmy Hassan, Dayton Superior Corporation

Rodney Hoover, DRS Technology

Shane Jackson, AMRDEC

Ray Morris, VentureSouth

Barry Navarre, Southern Telecom

Gaurav Negi, ADTRAN, Inc.

Phillip Patterson, Stutts Properties, Inc.

Nicole Reynolds, Zero Point Frontiers

Joshua Rountree, Nissan North America

Will Stinson, TotalPrint, DEX Company

Joe Taylor, PPG Industries

Bhuwan Thakur, Infosys Limited

Josh Vinson, Parallon Business Solutions

Dustin Whited, MDA/ECM

Nirvana Williams, ENDO Pharmaceuticals

Matt Zepp, Department of the Army

For more information on the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program, click on EMBA or contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
 

Announcing the 2016 UA EMBA International Trip

• August 3rd, 2015
• in International Trip

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Class of 2016 will be going to Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco and Madrid, Spain, February 27-March 5, 2016.

The 2016 trip is a requirement of the IBA 550 International Business course in the students final semester. It is also open to EMBA Alumni who would like to attend. “We began formally inviting alumni to join us on our study abroad trips in 2013 when we visited Turkey and it has been a successful program,” said Cheryl Altemara, assistant director, EMBA Programs. In addition to visiting companies, meeting with senior executives and government officials, and touring cultural sites, participants may also take part in an optional post trip to Barcelona, Spain.

The students not only visit companies but will tour Marrakech and Madrid and take a day trip to Kasbah Le Mirage situated just outside of Marrakech. They will experience Moroccan life, camel rides and a dinner in Berber tents. A special consulting project focusing on social enterprise in and around Marrakech is also being added to the program this year. Spain offers another business climate, culture and economic transformation for the students to study in depth.

Our travel agency this year will be the International Study Programs (ISP). Headquartered in Prague, ISP has been organizing global trips for EMBA Programs since 1999. Their vision is to create meaningful global academic experiences for business school students.

Morocco has a GDP of $179.2B (2015), 4.5% growth, unemployment at 9.2% and inflation at 1.9%. Benefiting from a stable political environment and increasing levels of foreign investment, Morocco benefits from its geographical proximity to key markets in Europe and its perception as a stable destination in a region where many countries have seen widespread political unrest. The country is expected to welcome over 11M visitors in 2015, up from 10.5M in 2014. Europe is a major source for arrivals but Morocco is increasingly targeting affluent visitors from the Middle East – and Emirates recently expanded its flight routes into the country from the UAE.

According to Spiegel Online, Spain is back from the brink and emerging as a model for Europe. During the crisis, Spain instituted strict reforms and successfully put its emphasis on exports, with one-third of Spanish goods and services shipped outside the country. Although Spain still has a long way to go, the European Central Bank is predicting that Spain will be one of the economic drivers of Europe in 2015. Powered by a cheap euro and low-interest, economic growth is predicted to rise by 2.3 percent this year, GDP at 1.4 trillion, while the Spanish government predicts increasing job growth.

The post trip is to Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street life. It has medieval roots, seen in the mazelike Gothic Quarter, but a modernist personality represented by architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Família church. The central Boqueria market, ranging from fine dining to tiny tapas bars, anchors Barcelona’s restaurant scene. In addition, we will also travel to Tarragona and the caves Montau de Sadurini.

To join the trip, please contact the EMBA office for more information. The trip package for alumni, from check-in February 27 to check out on March 5, includes a single room (5 star accommodations), breakfasts, company visits, lunches, city tours of Marrakech and Madrid, the February 28 Kasbah excursion, and opening and farewell dinners. Spouses may also attend.
If your class never got to go on an international trip, here’s your chance. If you have attended a previous trip, this time you get to enjoy without classwork or a final presentation!

We look forward to having you join us. For more information and cost, contact Donna Blackburn, 205.348.8748. For more information on the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program check out the website at www.emba.ua.edu.

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Heather Martin

• July 9th, 2015
• in EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

Program: Huntsville EMBA (currently enrolled in the 2016 Class)

Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee

Previous Education: BA in Spanish from Georgetown College

Occupation: Manager of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC), Denials and Medical Necessity for Community Health Systems. Heather manages government and commercial healthcare payer recoupment process for 200 acute care hospitals owned and/or operated by the second largest for-profit hospital operator in the U.S.

Post-UA EMBA Goals

My goal upon completing the EMBA Program is to enter the CEO-In-Training Program. The process involves three 18-24 month steps: step 1) shadowing a C-level executive, step 2) assuming an Assistant CEO role and finally step 3) becoming a COO or CEO of a hospital.

Why did you enroll in Huntsville EMBA Program at The University of Alabama?

I chose the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama because it is a well recognized and respected institution. Having a bachelor’s degree from a small liberal arts college I wanted to obtain my M.B.A. from an acclaimed University. As soon as I visited and met with the UA EMBA staff, I knew this is where I belonged. I liked the blended format, combining the traditional classroom set-up in concert with a modern online hybrid program. Also, as a single working mom the once a month format met my very busy work and family schedule.

What course(s) have been most helpful to you in your current role at Community Health Systems?

I have really enjoyed Dr. King’s Leadership class.  In my current management role having effective people skills is as important as understanding concepts. Everyone would bring their own perspective and approach to problem solving during our class debates. Helping you to look at a problem and how to solve it in a different way is invaluable.

What has been your favorite experience in HEMBA so far?

Networking. I enjoy going to class to see everyone. The camaraderie and how we look out for each other. When someone struggles there is someone on the team or in the class who can help.

How can an EMBA assist someone in the healthcare community?

One of the most important returns on investment has been taking a concept  and applying it to a healthcare setting. During our discussion of Toyota, and visiting the Nissan Plant in Tennessee, I focused on front end registration processes and how to make it more efficient for our health system. It is important to consider the viewpoints from different industries and ask, “How can this be applicable to my industry?”

What advice would you give to someone considering an Executive MBA Program?

Can you manage the time commitment? Being selfish is okay, you are investing a lot of money. Also when looking at a university select a program that fits your needs.  For me, I was looking at my career three years down the road. I set expectations for myself, the program and the University to make sure all were in alignment to fulfill my goals. I am very happy that I chose the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama.

Heather Martin is one of many healthcare professionals who have selected the Culverhouse EMBA. If you are in the healthcare field and would like to talk with one of our students or alumni in the clinical, pharmaceutical or consulting area, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange for a follow up contact about the program.

The next HEMBA Program will begin Thursday, August 13, 2015. For more information contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.

To enroll today click on www.emba.ua.edu.

EMBA Celebrates Family Day in Tuscaloosa

• July 1st, 2015
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Happy 4th of July to everyone! This is a time to celebrate our Independence, fire up the grills, watch fireworks and be with family and friends. At the Culverhouse College of Commerce our EMBAs are no strangers to celebrations.
Two weeks ago, on June 14, EMBA alumni, students, faculty and staff enjoyed Family Day at the Tuscaloosa River Market.  Family Day continues this year’s 30th Anniversary salute to the UA EMBA Program. There were games, prizes, bar-b-que and a movie, Despicable Me 2.

“I enjoyed talking with some of the folks and catching up with some old friends, said John Duckworth (EMBA 1989). Many of the alumni and faculty showed off their football passes, corn hole and hula hoop skills, and families dressed up in appropriate Alabama-wear for the photo booth. For more pictures from the event click on our Facebook page.

Next up will be a fall tailgate in T-Town. Roll Tide!