Top 5 Reasons an EMBA Should Visit the Career Services Office

• May 29th, 2014
• in Career Development Series, Helpful Tips and Advice

As members of the Culverhouse College of Commerce family, The University of Alabama Executive MBA students are given access to all of the same career services and resources as graduate and undergraduate students. How might these resources be used differently by EMBAs? Gary Ward, Director of Graduate Career Services at the Manderson Graduate School of Business, has the answer.

Career Counseling

Career counseling is essential to ensure that each student is informed and focused on meeting their goals. Since EMBAs at The University of Alabama have an average of 15 years of experience, they usually have a good idea of where they would like to be; career counseling provides them with the knowledge and resources to get there. Instead of forcing each individual into pre-packaged options, the Manderson Career Services office helps students construct their own personalized plans based on their unique desires. By adopting a position of neutrality, Gary understands each student’s aspirations and transforms them into reachable realities. This transformation includes prioritizing and planning by dividing an overall vision into smaller, more manageable steps.

Interview Advice

Since EMBAs have interview experience, many believe that there isn’t much room for improvement; however, practice and advice are always beneficial. The Career Services office can keep EMBAs refreshed on the basics as well as up-to-date on the latest interview etiquette. Recently, interviews on video chat services such as Skype and Google Hangout have become popular and require their own customs and norms. Mock interviews can give EMBA students the familiarity they need to feel calm, collected, and comfortable during innovative as well as traditional interviews.

Resume Building

If a picture says a thousand words, a resume says a million. Since UA EMBA students must have 5 years of experience, they have at least half of a decade of knowledge to shrink onto one page. The Career Services office can assist EMBA students in writing and formatting to ensure a clean and informative document. For example, Gary helps refresh resumes by replacing an unoriginal list of responsibilities with achievements and skill development. Gary can also give advice about building Linkedin profiles, which are becoming a leading resource for hiring companies.

Online Reputation Management

The Internet is constantly evolving, and with this evolution comes increasing opportunity for expression via social media. But exactly how much should we share and who should we share it with? From Facebook and Twitter to Pinterest and Linkedin, the Graduate Career Services office can help EMBA students understand what information to reveal or conceal to ensure a professional online reputation. For more about managing your online reputation, check out this blog post.

Flexibility

Just like the UA Executive MBA Program, the Manderson Career Services office goes the extra mile to work around students’ busy schedules. Since EMBA students are usually full time employees, Gary is available by phone, email, and appointment before, during, and after business hours. He also holds extended office hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings during the fall and spring semesters.

For more information about the Manderson Graduate School of Business Career Services, contact Gary Ward at gsward@cba.ua.edu or (205) 348-4502.
For advice about how the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama can enhance your career, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or (205) 348-4501.

Honoring our Veterans on Memorial Day

• May 22nd, 2014
• in EMBA Program Information, EMBA Uncategorized

With Memorial Day quickly approaching, the The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program would like to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces as well as the men and women who continue to serve our nation.

During the May 3, 2014 Commencement, 13 graduates of the Manderson Graduate School of Business (EMBA and MBA programs) were recognized as military veterans during the ceremony and wore special cords provided by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to reflect their status.  The Executive MBA Program has been a long time supporter of the military; the program waives veterans’ application fees and offers an award to those who have exhausted their VA benefits to enter the EMBA program.

As the American flag is lowered to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, we, like the rest of the nation, will be remembering our veterans and military for their sacrifices and service.
Please join us in recognizing those who gave their lives as well as those still serving our nation on this Memorial Day.

Roll Tide!

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Wyman Hamilton & Scott Goldberg

• May 16th, 2014
• in EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

This month, our EMBA Elite Spotlight is Scott Goldberg and Wyman Hamilton, both members of the Culverhouse College of Commerce Tuscaloosa Executive MBA class of 2013. After meeting in the program, the pair combined Wyman’s expertise in senior living with Scott’s in entrepreneurship to found Atlas Senior Living.

With over ten years of experience in the field, Wyman has been passionate about serving senior citizens since high school. He received his BS in Health Administration from Auburn University. During his tenure with Brookdale Senior Living, he was responsible for the management and operation of 35 communities in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. His experiences led him to write a book about leadership style and inspiration, which reveals the importance of cooperation, enthusiasm, and originality to Wyman. This enthusiasm and originality prospered after Wyman’s experience in the Manderson Executive MBA Program.

“The program gave me the tools and confidence to branch out from corporate America and become an entrepreneur,” said Wyman.

Scott received his BS from Mississippi State University. After graduating, he became Senior Director of Texas Sandwich Investors, LLC, which owned the rights to develop 100 Lenny’s Sub Shops in North Texas. Scott also served as the company’s CEO & Managing Partner for four years. Before Atlas Senior Living, Scott left Texas Sandwich Investors to found GoldOne Group. Given his entrepreneurial background, Scott has the expertise to help make Atlas a success. According to Scott, “We will always implement key business strategies from past experiences, but what excites me the most (is that) this business, compared to others, significantly allows me a role in positively impacting lives.”

Atlas Senior Living aims to provide outstanding service to its residents by utilizing Wyman and Scott’s unique problem solving and management strategies. A quote from the Atlas Senior Living blog perfectly describes their notion of collaborative management: “The best solution to most problems comes from those closest to them.” As the blog explains, their style of leadership requires attention and respect for their residents, employees, and clients. Instead of delegating or demanding, the Atlas managerial staff utilizes the familiarity of those with the most exposure to problem to help get to the source of their issues. This gives residents and employees influence while creating an inclusive environment and ridding the community of conflict.

Atlas Senior Living will be opening their first community, Madison Heights, this September in Evans, Georgia. Madison Heights will be the first all memory care community in the area, tailored to the needs of residents with memory diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Atlas is also planning to begin construction on another new community this fall in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to residential housing management, Atlas Senior Living also provides consulting services and mock surveys, which will help spread their resident-centered, collaborative management model to the rest of the industry.

To find out more about Atlas Senior Living, check out their blog and website.
For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or 205.348.4501.

UA EMBA Hosts “An Evening at DRS Test & Energy Management”

• May 12th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama hosted “An Evening at DRS Test & Energy Management,” on Thursday, May 8. The event featured a presentation by the Huntsville facility’s Vice President and General Manager, Tim Smith, followed by a tour of the facility and a networking reception.

Tim Smith began his tenure with DRS Technologies Test & Energy Management in 1983. Before earning his current role, Smith served in several positions for the company. In 2000, Smith graduated from the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama and began working in the DRS Program Management Office. He was promoted to Director of Programs and Vice President of Programs Management before becoming Vice President of the Test & Diagnostics Line-of-Business and Site Manager 2013. Earlier this year, Smith was appointed Vice President and General Manager of DRS Test & Energy Management in Huntsville.

DRS Test & Energy Management, LLC is a DRS Technologies, Inc. company. DRS is a leading developer of defense and sustainment technology used by American and allied military and intelligence agencies. The company’s focus on research and development in multiple fields allows DRS to assist in the modernization of a variety of defense equipment, including combat and tactical vehicles. By regulating each vehicle’s diagnostic, electric, and energy management systems, DRS improves their mobility, readiness, fuel efficiency, stealth, and survivability.

Smith, who earned recognition from the US Army for his significant contribution to the initial M1A1 Abrams Tank fielding at Fort Polk, Louisiana and Camp Casey, Korea, delivered a presentation about the company’s embedded diagnostics in combat vehicles. Smith also commented on his time as a UA EMBA student and how it has impacted his career.

After Smith’s presentation, the DRS staff gave a tour of the Huntsville facility. The tour included demonstrations of tactical systems and a visit to the facility’s testing area. The event also featured a networking reception, which proved to be the perfect opportunity for EMBA alumni, faculty, and staff to reconnect with each other and for current and prospective students to discuss the many benefits of an Executive MBA from The University of Alabama.

For more information about the UA EMBA Program, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or (205) 348-4501.

Congratulations, Class of 2014!

• May 7th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Thirty-eight graduates from the Culverhouse College of Commerce Tuscaloosa and Huntsville EMBA programs at The University of Alabama walked the stage on the morning of Saturday, May 3^rd. Surrounded by stunning views of the Walk of Champions and the field,

EMBA staff and faculty joined the graduates and two hundred and sixty-five of their closest friends and family for a banquet in the North Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium directly after commencement. The event was filled with pride and fond memories as families reconnected over the success of their graduates. After the luncheon and award ceremony, the graduates and their families were given a tour of the stadium including the home team’s locker room, tunnel, and skyboxes.
One of our graduates, Nag Padur, was noticeably absent. His wife was giving birth to their daughter, Eaksha.  Born on her father’s graduation day, Eaksha’s name means “sight,” and can be loosely translated as “knowledge of soul.” Congratulations to the Padur family.

Awards were given to recognize each class’s President, Vice President, and MVP, as well as each student that completed the program with a 4.0 GPA. Recongnized were HEMBA’s President Staci Woods, Vice President Dana Runager, and MVP Matthew Brent Gardner and TEMBA’s President Christopher Jones, Vice President Sonya Ogletree, and MVP Paul Mongeon. Graduates that earned a 4.0 GPA include Huntsville’s Patrick Ellinger, Matt Gardner, and Nag Padur and Tuscaloosa’s Matt Bogue, Mrinal Dhar, Jeff Leroy, and Paul Mongeon. We are extremely proud of our graduates for these outstanding achievements.

Both the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville classes delivered a Dr. James F. Cashman Faculty Award as well as an EMBA Faculty Excellence Award. The Dr. James F. Cashman Faculty Award honors the memory of the late EMBA Strategy Implementation professor who lived by high standards of integrity and served as a pristine example for his students. The award, given to a faculty member that reflects Dr. Cashman’s positive influence, was presented to Dr. David Mothersbaugh (HEMBA) and Dr. Ronald Dulek (TEMBA). The EMBA Faculty Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Ronald Dulek (HEMBA) and Dr. Brian Gray (TEMBA).

Once again, congratulations to the Executive MBA Class of 2014:

Sam Barall, Havis, Inc.
Matt Bogue, The Dutch Group
Karen Braxton, Clear Channel Media
Tim Brown, Flexco
Myers Bruso, Farmco Builders Inc.
Ray Chowdhury, Missile Defense Agency
Jason Cochran, League of Southeastern Credit Unions
Brandon Cole, Sanmina – SCI, Technology
Will Coulter, High Rock Group International
Kathi Dawn, Genesis Healthcare LLC
Mrinal Dhar, DCH Regional Medical Center
Patrick Ellinger, Emerson Network Power
Edward Eskridge, Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
Corey Farris, Walter Energy
Ed Galvin, Sandvik Mining & Construction LLC
Matt Gardner, International Fire Protection
Emmett Garrett, USA Aviation Flight Test Directorate
Ted Gryska, Two Men and a Truck
Daayge Harvil, Wee Care Academy
Ashley Jackson, UAB Medicine
Christopher Jones, Southern Light
Robert Justice, Scientific Research Corporation
Scott Knighton, Blastcrete Equipment Company
Jeff Leroy, Central Garden and Pet
Marshall Liles, Nissan North America
Josh McGill, Applied Chemical Technology Inc.
Paul Mongeon, North America Coal – Red Hills Mine
Gary Morrison, Regions Financial Corporation
Janet North, Nucor Steel
Sonya Ogletree, Tempest Global Consulting, Inc.
Nag Padur, ADTRAN, Inc.
Dana Runager, River City Center
Sunil Singh, IBM
Krystal Swann, Raycom Media
Jennifer Thomas, Alabama Power
Brad Wood, US Air Force
Staci Woods, Oracle
Tamaria Yarbrough,  Alacare Home Health and Hospice

EMBA Elite Spotlight: Matt Bogue

• April 28th, 2014
• in EMBA Elite Spotlight Series

Last Friday, March 25, 2014, was a day of celebration and remembrance for the Dutch Pharmacies’ grand opening in Tuscaloosa.  Matt Bogue, EMBA Class of 2014, and Vice President of Dutch Medical Clinics for The Dutch Group and his wife, Amy, welcomed the Tuscaloosa community and the University of Alabama EMBA family (classmates, faculty and staff) to the opening of their 83rd store.  This is the first super store venture in Alabama for The Dutch Group, founded in 1972.

The company, founded by Matt’s grandfather-in-law, Joe Gillis, grew up not far from the new pharmacy located next door to Sprint Mart at 445 15th Street, East in Tuscaloosa.  “In the aftermath of the tragic tornado that struck Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, my grandfather wanted to do something for the community, to give back to a place that has meant so much to him,” said Amy Bogue.

For over 40 years, The Dutch Group has introduced innovative business concepts from the design of commercial buildings to the operation of convenience stores with fuel, travel centers, fast food operations, pharmacies, and commercial shopping centers.  They pioneered many other new marketing concepts, such as starting a pharmacy business within a traditional convenience store in 1990, maintaining competitive prices and delivering personal touch. “Being part of the local community is key for The Dutch Group,” said Matt, “our pharmacies are independently operated to provide a true hometown service.”

In addition to celebrating the grand opening, Matt is also looking forward to graduating from the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Program at UA, on Saturday, May 3.  Matt will become the second in his family to graduate from the EMBA program.  His father-in-law, Rex Gillis, President of The Dutch Group, graduated in 1991. Roll Tide!

Manderson EMBA Alumni Celebrate A-Day 2014

• April 23rd, 2014
• in EMBA Alumni Network

There is nothing that Alabama fans like more than football, except maybe lots of food with football.  We suffer some withdrawal pains if we don’t see some crimson and Houndstooth, spot Big Al somewhere, hear the Million Dollar band, or yell “Roll Tide” at someone.  It’s more than just a game at Alabama. It’s a way of life.

Last Saturday, April 19, Culverhouse College of Commerce EMBA and MBA graduates, arrived in Tuscaloosa to attend the Manderson Graduate School breakfast before the A-Day game.  Alumni and their families received t-shirts, buttons and shakers to cheer on the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Our youngest fan arrived in a stroller and our most senior graduate, Frank Chandler, was from the MBA Class of 1970.

EMBA graduates from the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville programs from 2004-2012, showed up to reminisce and show their team spirit.  Tim Smalley, EMBA Class of 2009, arrived with his son, Drew, who will be graduating from Alabama with an M.B.A. in 2015.  The 2012 class had the most members to attend: Ben Paulk, Michelle Wooten and Allyson Welch.

Check out more pictures from A-Day on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UAEMBA.

Prospects try EMBA Sample Class at UA

• April 10th, 2014
• in EMBA Uncategorized

For those considering graduate school there can be some trepidation in returning to the classroom. And, when the class is statistics stress levels start to rise. To counteract the anxiety the EMBA Program at The University of Alabama began offering Sample Classes for Prospects.

Kicking off the first EMBA Sample Class in Huntsville on April 10, was a Statistic Introduction by Dr. Brian Gray, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Business at UA.
Different from Open Classroom Days, where prospects attend a current class, the sample class is specifically designed for prospects to walk them through what will be covered in a course, answer questions regarding technology and cases used, and how the content is beneficial to the student and their company.

According to Dr. Gray, “Informed decisions require intelligent interpretation of statistical data and statistical analysis.” The students also were introduced to MiniTab and discussed a use of statistics in a law suit.

Onisa Allen who works at Verizon and attended the session found the Statistics Sample Class to be helpful in calming her fears. “In a brief period of time we learned the importance of how data can be pulled together that can impact major decisions in a corporation,” said Allen.

For more information on UA EMBA, and to RSVP for a future Sample Class contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.

Regions CCO Barb Godin Speaks at Women’s Leadership Luncheon

• March 28th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Barb Godin, Chief Credit Officer for Regions Financial Corporation, addressed the Women’s Leadership Luncheon on March 19, at the Summit Club in Birmingham. Godin was recently named among the 25 Most Powerful Women to Watch in Banking and Finance by American Banker. Speaking on “Knowing Your Customer’s Customer – A Paradigm Shift,” Godin brings over 40 years of experience in the banking industry. As CCO, Godin oversees credit policy, credit administration and problem asset management.

Godin spoke about Regions focus on building relationships with their customers. She shared with the audience her guiding values: curiosity, adaptability and passion which has guided her career. “Success demands curiosity,” said Godin, “Never stop evolving and improving your processes.”

The Women’s Leadership Luncheon is an annual event established by The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program. “The WLL started in 2011, to bring professional women together to network and discuss business and leadership issues,” said Donna Blackburn, Director of EMBA Programs in the Culverhouse College of Business. “We were also fortunate to partner with the Women’s Exchange for our annual event. The WE is a great forum for businesswomen to connect, build relationships, and share information while showcasing the success and contributions of women. It was a perfect fit for what we were trying to achieve with the Women’s Leadership Luncheons,” said Blackburn.

The WLL is open to Culverhouse College of Commerce graduate students, alumni, members of the Women’s Exchange, and to any woman who would like to join our discussion of issues that support and promote women leaders in business.

CEO John Ferriola of Nucor Corporation Speaks to UA EMBA Class

• March 18th, 2014
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

On Saturday, March 15, John Ferriola, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation, flew in from the company’s corporate headquarters in Charlotte to meet with the Tuscaloosa Executive MBA Class of 2014. The EMBA class has been studying Nucor both through case analyses and through examination of data presented in the IBISWorld Industry Report 33111: Iron & Steel Manufacturing in the US.  Nucor and affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada. It is the most diversified steel products producer and North America’s largest recycler.

“It was an honor having Mr. Ferriola answer questions and discuss the company in depth with our class,” said Christopher Jones, TEMBA Class 2014 President. “It gave us great insight into the critical decision making process, issues and strategies from the CEO point of view.”
“I was especially pleased,” added Dr. A.J. “Lonnie” Strickland, the John R. Miller Professor of Strategy, “that Mr. Ferriola went beyond the domain of talking about Nucor and its strategic initiatives. He also offered excellent career advice and shared amazing insights about how to succeed as a professional and as a person.”

Mr. Ferriola joined Nucor Corporation in 1991 as Manager of Maintenance and Engineering, progressing up the corporate ranks to become CEO and President January 1, 2013. He also currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is on the Board of Directors of the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI). He has also been active for more than 20 years in the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) and has served on its board of directors as well as on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
“It was a great honor to have John so willingly accept an invitation to a visit with our class,” added Janet North, a Nucor employee and member of the TEMBA Class of 2014. “Early in my career with Nucor, as an intern out of Charlotte, I recognized what a special place Nucor is. And I quickly realized what a special role John plays in maintaining that valuable culture. His passion for Nucor, the steel industry, and for each and every employee is amazing.”

Mike Hardin, Dean of the Culverhouse College of Commerce, attended John’s presentation as well. “It was a thrill to witness John’s perceptive insights regarding the role of the CEO, the importance of communication and the strategic alignment of teams,” Dean Hardin observed. “Mr. Ferriola’s words obviously reflect the beliefs that have made Nucor a prized, valuable and innovative leader in the steel industry. To have him interact with our students so personally made it a wonderful experience for everyone present.”