UA Welcomes 10th Huntsville EMBA Class

• August 9th, 2017
• in EMBA Uncategorized, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The University of Alabama and Culverhouse College of Commerce welcomed the 10th Huntsville Executive MBA Class on August 3-5, for orientation and the start of classes. Twenty students make up the HEMBA Class of 2019 representing industries from government, engineering, energy, defense, automotive, retail/services, media, finance and manufacturing.
With an average age of 40 and 14 years average work experience, the class is comprised of 85% managers and 15% vice president, C-level or owners of companies.  Twenty-five percent are military, defense or veterans.

During orientation students are involved in team building activities to help them get to know their new team members and others in their class.
In addition to sessions to help students “get back into school,” they also met with Gary Ward, director of career services for the Manderson Graduate School.  Ward addressed those looking to make a career change or are involved in the hiring process in their current job.  He also covered CareerLeader, a business career self-assessment survey that shows how your interests, skills and motivators match career paths or company cultures.

The night before classes began on August 4, the students took part in the EMBA tradition of the University of Alabama campus Scavenger Hunt.  Students spread out all over campus to take selfies at UA landmarks.

The orientation dinner was hosted by the EMBA Alumni Network Board with President Russell Shamburger (EMBA 2004) welcoming the new HEMBA class. Students had the opportunity to also meet and talk with faculty and class representatives from current classes.

The next day the students began their first semester courses in Accounting, Marketing, Project Management and Statistics.

The class is already hard at work with their first term courses.  “It was a great, well-run orientation,” said Cindy Vigil “So glad to be part of the Class of 2019!”

The HEMBAs will join the 34th Tuscaloosa class that will start in November 2017 to form the EMBA Class of 2019.

Congratulations to our incoming HEMBA Class of 2019:

• Rodrigo Gallegos, Electrolux Major Appliances, North America
• Diana Goss, Dekalb County Economic Development Authority
• Ray Kolis, Nissan North America
• Jonathan Lewis, Kord Technologies
• Stirling Macfarlane, PPG Industries, Inc.
• John Malloch, Motion Industries
• Ray Morris, VentureSouth
• Taylor Nelson, Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle
• Nicole Parker, PPG Industries, Inc.
• Shane Peek, Heil Environmental Company
• Custis Proctor, Synovus Corporate Banking
• Cabel Rich, Mars Wrigley Confectionary
• Scott Staples, Fidelity Investments
• Shintaro Teranobu, OSG USA, Inc.
• Joe Thomas, Orascoptic
• Denise Vickers, WHNT News 19
• Cindy Vigil, Army Material Command/U.S. Army Reserves
• John Waltz, Ecolab
• Tamara Washington, Reckitt Benckiser
• Cathy White, First Impressions Integrated Marketing

For more information on how you can enroll in the UA EMBA, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.

To request information now, click here.

Recent UA EMBA Graduates See Advances In Their Careers

• August 2nd, 2017
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

It is always a proud moment to see our EMBAs students graduate.  Lots of amazing memories and “Roll Tides!”  For 17 to 21 months our office has the pleasure and privilege to work with and get to know our amazing students as they complete their master’s degree.  They enroll in The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Program for many reasons, but the number one reason is to enhance their careers and further their business knowledge.

The results of the UA EMBA End of Program survey of the 2017 class showed that the program had a 100% impact on the career and personal aspirations of our graduates. The graduates also reported a 16% salary increase from beginning to end of the program with employers receiving payback of their investment six months on average from the time they entered the program.
The EMBA Class of 2017 graduated in May and are already being promoted and making changes in their careers.

After graduation, Doug Lafont and Frazer McCurdy became owners of International Crating and Assembly Corporation in Montgomery.
ICAC delivers packaging solutions to OEMs and top-tier suppliers, as well as mid-large scale manufacturers. They specialize in all types of crating and packaging in wood, steel, plastic and corrugate, from the seed of an idea to the final product.
Receiving promotions following graduation were Bhuwan Thakur, who is now associate director of strategic accounts for Infosys, a global leader in technology services & consulting, in Los Angeles, California and Michael Adams, who became Ad Operations Specialist for marketing services company Randall-Reilly.
Katie Askew made a move to staff accountant at Cardlytics. Headquartered in Atlanta, Cardlytics partners with more than 1,500 financial institutions to run their online and mobile banking rewards programs.
Nicole Reynolds changed jobs to become an executive assistant at Appleton Talent, a company that provides HR management and staffing services. Ryan Stallings is the new senior commercial loan officer at Alabama One Credit Union.

After graduation Matt Zepp became senior analyst with Millennium Systems Service, Inc. (MSSI) in Huntsville. “As the subject matter expert, I will be traveling the country and internationally to support the American Apache helicopter programs, foreign military sales for Apache, and provide operational guidance and training support, analysis and logistics,” said Zepp.
UA EMBA typically has 25 percent military, defense or Veteran enrollment.  They may be advancing their military career or transitioning as Rich Winstead did recently from the U.S. Navy to regional manager of the Southeastern U.S. for Power Service.
We are proud of our most recent graduating class’s success as we are of all of our alumni and students as they advance their careers, further their knowledge, or start a new business. Roll Tide!

For more information on the EMBA Program and how you can advance your career, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

TEMBA Class Visits Mercedes

• June 13th, 2017
• in EMBA Program Information, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Executive MBA Class of 2018 visited Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., (MBUSI) in Vance, Alabama on June 8, 2017. The trip is part of the OM 516 Operations Management class taught in the second semester of the TEMBA Program.
During the trip the students met with Senior Manager-Body Shop Rusty Jones, Senior Manager Assembly 2 Shawn Gilliam and Assembly 2 Process and CI Specialist Patrick Weber.

Packaging Group Leader at MBUSI Maren Cross (TEMBA 2018) arranged for the class to be given a private managers tour of the Tuscaloosa county plant. MBUSI, which is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year, is the sole distribution site for the GLE-Class, GLS-Class vehicles, GLE Coupe which are sold in 135 countries.

The plant is more than five million square feet, encompassing two large body shops that feeds into a paint shop and two assembly shops and a logistics center. MBUSI exports more than $1 Billion in finished product. The Operations Management course exposes students to the nature of the operations side of an enterprise, and to the strategies and tactics utilized to enhance the competitive position of the organization. Operations Management is one of twelve courses the EMBA students take to complete their M.B.A. degree program. The Manderson Graduate School of Business has two EMBA Programs, the next Tuscaloosa EMBA Program begins with an orientation in November and the Huntsville EMBA Program will begin in August.

For more information on UA EMBA contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501. To request information now, click here.

Roll Tide Celebration for the EMBA Class of 2017 Graduates

• May 12th, 2017
• in EMBA Alumni Network, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Celebrating the completion of their Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama on May 6, forty-two graduates received degrees, accolades and an immediate welcome as the newest members of the UA EMBA Alumni Network.
Graduation kicked off with the formal University of Alabama Commencement at Coleman Coliseum. Line up for our EMBA Class of 2017 graduates in the Hank Crisp facility means donning caps, gowns, hoods on the indoor football practice field. And, as has become our tradition, the EMBA staff cheered the graduates’ processional with shouts of Roll Tide!
Following Commencement, the graduates and their families joined faculty and staff for the EMBA Graduation Awards Ceremony at the North Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Dr. Kay Palan, Dean of Culverhouse College of Commerce, addressed the crowd of 240 attendees. Dean Palan recognized the dedication and the hard work the Class of 2017 went through to earn their M.B.A. She also thank the families for their support.

“When I started the program,” said graduate Anuraag Malaviya, “I was unsure how I would manage family, job and this demanding endeavor but with each class weekend that passed I gained that extra bit of confidence to complete the program.” Throughout the graduation celebration, faculty and staff were thanked by the graduates for the support and care that was given to make sure they would succeed.
Receiving special awards this year were Dr. Rob Morgan and Professor Jim Brown who won the James F. Cashman Faculty Award. This award is given by the students and recognizes a faculty member for their advice, counsel, positive influence on students and the high standards of integrity they exemplify.
Drs. James King and Don Minyard were honored with Executive MBA Faculty Excellence Awards for outstanding commitment to the EMBA Program through their exceptional instruction, generating a positive learning environment and creating a significant impact on student understanding.
Class MVP awards were presented to Will Stinson (HEMBA) and Rich Winstead (TEMBA) for reflecting the high ideals and standards of their class, as well as being supportive of class and teammates, and showing integrity and leadership ability.
Nine EMBAs received 4.0 GPA recognition:  Christie Davis, Monte Green, Billy Helmandollar, Jamie McKinley, Lilly Setiawan, Ryan Stallings, Will Stroup, Dustin Whited and Rich Winstead.

After receiving their EMBA Awards of Completion, the EMBA Alumni Network President Russell Shamburger (EMBA 2004), officially welcomed the Class of 2017 as alumni. Shamburger encouraged the new graduates to stay involved and to consider running for Board positions later this fall.
Following the ceremony the students, faculty, staff and family members took an EMBA Class of 2017 family portrait, followed by a tour of the Bryant-Denny Stadium locker room and tunnel.

Congratulations, EMBA Class of 2017!  Well done and ROLL TIDE!
UA EMBA Class of 2017 Graduates:

• Ruqayyah Abdullah, BBVA Compass
• Michael Adams, Randall-Reilly
• Katherine Askew, The University of Alabama
• Brady Baird, Summerville United Methodist Church
• Jay Brooks, Tag Grinding
• Felicia Craig, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
• Christie Davis, Northport Police Department
• Jason Deane, Lincoln Financial Distributors
• Sierra Earle, USAmeriBank
• Chuck Freind, Amerex Corporation
• Monte Green, McLeod Software
• Sonya Harner, Nissan North America
• Matt Hartley, Chemetall
• Jimmy Hassan, Dayton Superior Corporation
• Billy Helmandollar, DCH Health System
• Mary Scott Hunter, Intuitive Research and Technology Corp.
• Shane Jackson, AMRDEC
• Natasha Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser Manufacturing
• Doug Lafont, Premier Tech Chronos
• Walt Long, U.S. Air Force, MAFB
• Anuraag Malaviya, Tata Consultancy Services
• Frazer McCurdy, ServisFirst Bank
• Jamie McKinley, Poarch Band of Creek Indians
• Hayley Ray McNeill, The University of Alabama
• Barry Navarre, Southern Telecom
• Gaurav Negi, ADTRAN, Inc.
• Sean O’Brien, UPS
• Nicole Reynolds, Appleton Talent
• Josh Rountree, Nissan North America
• Bryan Sanders, Otis Elevator Company
• Lilly Setiawan, The Dutch Group
• Dane Shaw, Arsenal Place Accelerator
• Ryan Stallings, First South Farm Credit
• Will Stinson, TotalPrint, DEC Company
• Will Stroup, The Brogdon Group
• Joe Taylor, PPG Industries
• Bhuwan Thakur, Infosys Limited
• Josh Vinson, Parallon Business Solutions
• Beth Webster, Small Business Development Center, UA
• Dustin Whited, MDA/ECM
• Rich Winstead, U.S. Navy
• Matt Zepp, Department of the Army

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

UA EMBA Announces New Scholarships for Incoming Students

• April 26th, 2017
• in EMBA Program Information, UA EMBA Latest News/Events
• 1 Comment

The Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama is announcing two new scholarships for students beginning Fall 2017: The Diversity Award and the Civilian Women in Defense and Technology Award.
The Diversity Award will grant two scholarships of up to $15,000 in value to candidates representing diverse backgrounds.  Diversity can be exhibited through educational and professional experience, unique career goals, ethnicity and citizenship.The Civilian Women in Defense and Technology Award will be given to two women enrolled in the EMBA Program.  The award recipients must be employed in the defense or technology industries. A recipient of the $10,000 CWDT scholarship must be a fully accepted student (minimum 3.0 GPA and five years of professional work experience) to the EMBA program and able to demonstrate financial need.According to Cheryl Altemara, assistant director of the UA EMBA Program, “We are excited to increase our scholarship award offerings for EMBA students.” These awards join the existing Mitchell Scholarship, which is awarded to incoming students who present evidence of exceptional academic ability, substantial professional experience and can also demonstrate financial need.
“Our goal is to increase our enrollment, promote diverse backgrounds that bring different viewpoints into the classroom, challenge our students to broaden their viewpoints and to have them learn as much from each other as from their faculty.”

Application for these annual awards must be made by the stated deadline for each program.

For deadlines for the TEMBA and HEMBA classes click here.  The award recipients are announced prior to orientation for each cohort.

For more information on these and other scholarships, click on the EMBA website or contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501.

HEMBA Team Working to Bring Baseball Back to Huntsville

• January 25th, 2017
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

During last fall’s Project Management course, one of The University of Alabama Executive MBA teams struck on the idea to “Bring Baseball Back to Huntsville.” The “5 Guys” team, aka Colton Campbell, Daryl Evans, Eric Janssen, John Meshensky and Carl Vasilko, reached out to the Huntsville Mayor’s office for some insight and to gather additional information for their course project.

“We wanted to understand if the city was targeting any particular sites for a new ballpark as well as gauge their current level of interest,” said Daryl Evans, Vice President of Operations for TotalPrint and HEMBA 2018 Class President.

With the success of the Birmingham Barons and Regions Field, the team was excited about the possibility of having another franchise team back in Huntsville. The Mayor’s office was helpful and “they asked us to share with them what other information we were able to gather when we finished our project,” said Evans.

On December 21, the team met with Mayor Tommy Battle, District 2 Councilman Mark Russell and City Administrator John Hamilton.  During the meeting the HEMBA team walked them through their presentation and shared their assessment of the necessary details.  It was a great meeting.  “Currently there is not a real plan on the table to bring baseball back,” said Evans, “but I think we did our best to express the value we believe that a downtown entertainment/baseball complex could bring to the city of Huntsville.”

The MIS 511 Project Management course, taught by Jim Brown, requires each team in the class to present a work-related or community-based improvement project. They begin by presenting their project, the needs and the possible outcomes to the class. They work on their goals during the entire semester, finishing with a final presentation. Finally they request funding approval from the selection committee, who are their fellow classmates. In addition to bringing baseball back to Huntsville, other projects have included post-tornado rebuilding, community development, work process improvements, and new marketing initiatives.

For more information on The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program click on emba.ua.edu or contact Cheryl Altemara at (205) 348-4501 or caltemara@cba.ua.edu.

Incoming TEMBA Class Celebrates Orientation with Disney Magic

• November 29th, 2016
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

You kind of expect that there will be Big Al sightings and shouts of Roll Tide! and Go Bama! when the new EMBAs hit orientation on the campus of The University of Alabama, but this year the students were also greeted by the Disney Institute and some famous Disney characters.  The 33rd Tuscaloosa Executive MBA Class joined their fellow classmates, the Huntsville EMBA 2018 class, on the second day of orientation for Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence.

“Disney is one of the premier companies in the world for leadership and customer service,” said Dr. Brian Gray, Associate Dean of Manderson Graduate School, “and this is a great opportunity for our students to get an inside look on what makes them so successful and how they can apply what they do at their companies.”

Students were exposed to firsthand principles that are at the core of Disney’s organizational strength: effective communication, successful organizational structures, sustaining momentum to achieve goals, day-to-day behaviors that make long-lasting impact on others and developing action steps to influence and develop individual leadership behaviors. Also, during the November 18 Disney Workshop everyone celebrated the birthday of Mickey Mouse, who turned 88 years old.

The day before the Disney Workshop, the TEMBA class enjoyed the traditional orientation activities. Twenty-six students began their 17-month journey to obtain their M.B.A. degree.  In addition to preparing the new students on how to navigate University logistics, orientation focuses on getting the students to know their classmates and teammates through various team building exercises including the EMBA Scavenger Hunt which has become a tradition. Another tradition is the welcome from the EMBA Alumni Network President Russell Shamburger (TEMBA 2004) at the orientation dinner.

This year’s Tuscaloosa class has an average age of 37, with 14 years of work experience and 8 years of management. Industries represented in this year’s cohort include automotive, finance, consulting, energy, manufacturing, construction, distribution,  retail, service, government, healthcare, food & beverage and technology.  Sixteen percent represent VP/C-level and professional positions and 23% has military experience (current active duty or retired service members).

The 2018 T-EMBA class members are:

• Carolyn Berry, GE/Roper Corporation
• Molly Louise Bray, AmerisourceBergen
• Maren Cross, Daimler Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
• Joseph Culbert, GE Appliances
• Chris Derksen, Vulcan Materials Company
• Christina Gordon, Druid City Hospital Health System
• Matt Groves
• Ben Johnson, Cahaba Government Benefit Administrators LLC
• Dejarvas Kelly, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
• Mitchell Loper, Raymond James
• Jake Mankin, The University of Alabama
• Jason McConnell, RSM US LLP
• Felicia McKinney, The University of Alabama Supply Store
• Chris Overstreet, Doster Construction Company, Inc.
• Christian Patel, Alabama Power Company
• Frank Pete, Horne LLP
• Derrica Poole, FIS Global
• Kevin Porter, TIAA
• Bethany Roberts, Books-A-Million
• Drew Rollins, Star Asset Security
• Jenna Roney, Mississippi Power Company
• Jason Sellars, The University of Alabama Office of Veteran Affairs
• Jeff Stewart, Barings Capital Management
• Justin Walker, Georgia-Pacific
• Jermaine West, Dean Foods
• Nora Woods, New Life Interfaith Ministries, Inc.

Congratulations and Roll Tide! to the Tuscaloosa EMBA Class of 2018.

Check out more photos from the TEMBA orientation at the UAEMBA Facebook page.For more information and to apply to the EMBA Program go to www.emba.ua.edu or contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205-348-4501.

EMBA’s First Endowed Scholarship

• August 23rd, 2016
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Brian Rankin, EMBA 2004, has generously donated and established the very first endowed scholarship for The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program. The Brian A. Rankin Executive MBA Endowed Scholarship will be used to assist students with necessary supplemental funds to aid them in funding their tuition and obtaining their degree.

Rankin is the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel of Comcast Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been in this position for almost 11 years, but has been in the telecommunications industry since 1989. He graduated from Illinois State University in 1983 with a degree in Political Science and History, before attending DePaul University College of Law. Rankin graduated from The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program in 2004 where he graduated with honors.

He is a veteran of the US Army and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.Rankin works for a number of community organizations, including as a pro bono volunteer for Philadelphia Law Works. He also works as pro bono legal counsel for Sojourners, which is a national anti-poverty organization; and serves on the Vestry of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. He and his wife, Soozung Sa Rankin, are a host family for Curtis Institute of Music international students.

The scholarship will be given priority to students who are unconditionally accepted into the Executive MBA Program.
“We would like to thank Brian Rankin for his generous donation and are profoundly honored by his choice to support the Executive MBA Program,” said Donna Blackburn, Director of EMBA.

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

UA EMBA Celebrates the Class of 2016

• May 13th, 2016
• in EMBA Alumni Network, UA EMBA Latest News/Events

The roar of “Roll Tide” was loud as 40 graduates and over 200 family members, staff and students gathered at The Zone in Bryant-Denny Stadium on May 6 to celebrate the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Class of 2016 graduation.  During their EMBA Program at The University of Alabama, the graduates completed academic coursework in finance, accounting, marketing, spreadsheet analysis, strategy, operations and project management, negotiations, statistics, communication and leadership.  They also traveled to Morocco and Spain as part of their global business course. Team work, case discussions, projects and presentations rounded out the M.B.A. degree curriculum.  Along the way they forged friendships and made special memories.

The afternoon festivities began with a tour of the Alabama football locker room and the Crimson Tide tunnel to the Bryant-Denny field. Everyone then convened in The Zone for the EMBA reception and awards ceremony.  This year’s honorees included recognition of HEMBA President Richard Spears and Vice President Jim Boyd, and TEMBA President Tom Thayer and Vice President Pritha Powell. The class MVP awards went to Zeph Isom (HEMBA) and Tom Thayer and Ben Caro (TEMBA) for exemplifying high ideals, integrity and leadership ability, as well as being supportive of class and teammates.

Class leaders presented the Faculty Excellence awards to Dr. William Walsh, Clinical Professor of Economics (HEMBA), and Dr. Ron Dulek, John R. Miller Professor of Management (TEMBA). The award honors the professor who has shown outstanding commitment to the EMBA Program through their exceptional instruction generating a positive learning environment and creating a significant impact on student understanding. 

Interim Dean, James I. Harrison Family Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow, and Professor of Statistics Dr. Brian Gray was awarded the Dr. James F. Cashman Faculty Award by both the TEMBA and HEMBA classes.  The James F. Cashman Faculty Award is given to the faculty member that reflects the spirit and positive influence on EMBA students as exemplified by Dr. Cashman, a man of integrity who’s generous counsel impacted students’ lives. 
During the EMBA ceremony all of the graduates received plaques and University of Alabama pins. Nine graduates received 4.0 GPAs: Stephen Burton, Aaron Craddock, Zeph Isom, Ryan McDaniel, Neil Morton, Pritha Powell, Richard Spears, Edward Stringfellow and Nic Ward. Eleven Veterans were also honored with cords recognizing their service to our country.

At UA we are proud of saying we are a family and once you become a student, you and your family becomes part of the Alabama family. It was only fitting that at the end of the EMBA graduation event everyone joined in for a class family portrait.  “I’m so proud to be affiliated with the University of Alabama. This has been a life changing experience for me,” said Mike Starnes (HEMBA).

Thank you to the family, friends, co-workers and companies that supported our graduates throughout the program.  Check out more photos from graduation on our Facebook page.

Once again, congratulations to our Executive MBA Class of 2016:

• Rodney Bilbrew, U.S. Army Contracting Command
• Jim Boyd, Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate
• Patrick Briles, Wells Fargo
• Justin Brown, ColeMarie Austin
• Stephen Burton, Buckman Laboratories, Inc.
• Ben Caro, USAF Sr. Noncommissioned Officer Academy
• Joe Caubo, Mississippi Power Company
• Aaron Craddock, Randall Reilly
• Stefan Eitzinger, Drummond Company, Inc.
• Paulo Gonzalez, Drummand Company, Inc.
• Erika Hailes, Conversant Biologics
• Nate Hall, Hubbard Properties, Inc.
• Don Hersh, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
• Cody Higgins, Social Security Administration
• Zeph Isom, Universal Lighting Technologies
• Jason Kennedy, Southeastern Plateworks, LLC
• Josh King, WTI Transport
• Shannon Lewis, Conversant Biologics
• Heather Martin, Mercy Regional Medical Center
• John Mathison, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Ryan McDaniel, Nissan of Smyrna, TN
• Neil Morton, Moultrie Products/Pradco
• Jeremy Phelps, Nissan North America
• Pritha Powell, Regions Financial Corporation
• Bradford Price, All-South Subcontractors, Inc.
• David Reiniger, The Boeing Company
• Jordan Reynolds, Missile Defense Agency
• Kimberly Rose, BBVA Compass
• Eric Satterfield, Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
• Beth Smith, Progress Rail Services
• Joey Snowden, McLeod Software
• Richard Spears, DRS Technologies
• Erik Spencer, Walter Energy
• Michael Stanley, U.S. Navy
• Mike Starnes, Heidelberg USA
• Edward Stringfellow, Stringfellow Technology Group, Inc.
• Tom Thayer, Frank Management Group, Inc.
• Tommy Walker, Speedy Tire and Service, Inc.
• Nic Ward, Hexcel
• Dorthea Yarbrough, U.S. Army – AMRDEC

2015 National Champions Set An Example For Us All

• January 20th, 2016
• in UA EMBA Latest News/Events

Roll Tide and Happy New Year to everyone.  What a wonderful way to kick off the new year with an exciting and remarkable season for Alabama Football…by far the best season I have seen to date and best National Championship game also.  Congratulations to our 2015 CFP National Champions the Crimson Tide.

As I was reflecting on this game and entire season, the familiar theme, a “tradition of excellence” kept ringing in my head. We see this focus on excellence in The University of Alabama’s many athletic and academic programs … but I was thinking what about a “what’s next?” part.

As an Alabama alumnus, I need to carry with me this tradition both at home and work. It is an honor to be the recipient of the many efforts and sacrifices of the University students, staff, faculty and benefactors who ensure that the University and its many “products” remain excellent. I take great pride in serving my University, but I am also aware there is much more I could be doing to be better.

I realize that completing the Executive MBA Program from an accomplished and highly recognized institution is no guarantee of success, but by striving for excellence in our everyday duties we increase our odds at exceeding our goals.

My take-away from the 2015 Alabama football season is to constantly and relentlessly strive to become better and to focus on achieving excellence. We should translate the efforts we see from our remarkable student-athletes from the playing field to the boardroom, the workroom, the shop floor, and within our families. The students, alumni, faculty and staff are both a reflection of The University of Alabama as the University is a reflection of us and our legacies to our families, communities and to the world.
The outcome of this season (and Coach Saban’s frequent remark of this being a special team that following a one season loss made a commitment to do their job and finish) made me look more closely at their accomplishment and what we should want to achieve. The 2015 National Champions are an example to us all to continue working hard, to become better and to be relentless, especially when the circumstances surrounding us tempt us to take the easy road and put forth only a “good enough” effort. I hope their example inspires me and others for many years.

Roll Tide Roll!

Roberto Carmona (TEMBA 2011)