JOSH
mba '22 (outstanding grad)

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WHY WEBER STATE?

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I grew up in Lubbock, TX.  After graduating high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on active duty from 2001 through 2008.  After separating from the miliary, I moved back to Lubbock and earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management/Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Texas Tech University.  Life had different plans for me though, and I found myself moving in a different direction and into the business world and the Outdoor Industry.  In 2015, I moved to Ogden for a work opportunity and as I grew in that role, I recognized the fact that I lacked the core educational background needed to really take myself to the next level.  To fill that void, I looked to Weber State University and the MBA program.

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WHY MBA?

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I chose the MBA because I saw it as the catalyst I needed to become a better asset to my employer and to prepare myself for future growth and professional opportunities.   I wanted to build on what I had learned through my personal experiences and fill in the gaps of areas that I was weak in.  The ultimate goal being to capitalize on my current skillset while growing my knowledge and confidence so that I can provide more value in any task I am assigned.  I saw the MBA as my key to becoming a “Swiss Army Knife” Team Member.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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The program structure is very conducive for the working professional.  The night courses gave me the opportunity to attend classes without significant disruption to my work schedule.  Perhaps the main reason I chose Goddard though was for the in-person experience.  There were countless online options available, but I’m a firm believer that in person classes provide a richer learning and networking opportunity.  Of course life yet again had different plans here - enter the global pandemic - but I was fortunate to attend a couple of semesters and establish some strong relationships with several other students and staff before things were forced online.  

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FACULTY IMPACT

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I had a number of outstanding instructors, but I’d like to specifically call out a few.  Loisanne Kattelman was the most effective and energetic instructor I have ever had. Period.  She has an uncanny ability to connect with the class and made learning Accounting, something that was almost completely foreign to me, I dare say fun and interesting!  Second, I would like to recognize Shane Schvaneveldt.  I was excited about Operations and Supply Chain because I work in that area already, but I gained a ton of value from his course and also from his experience and teaching ability – a very effective and information rich course.  Lastly, a shout out to Doris Geide-Stevenson.  Global Macroeconomic Conditions is widely considered one of the most challenging courses of the program, but I found the course and her teachings very valuable, especially given the events of the last 2 years and their implications on world economy.  Thanks to each of you, and to all the other faculty who are so engaged in the student learning experience. 

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ADVICE

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My one piece of advice would be to take your time through this program, and do not try to rush through.  I only ‘doubled-up’ a few times, and those 8-week blocks were very challenging for me in trying to juggle family, work, and school.  The more you put into each class, the more you will take out of it. Don’t be in a hurry!

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WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS?

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I recently moved to New Hampshire where I am the Logistics Manager in an industry that I am passionate about.  My careers aspirations are to continue to grow on the operations side of things in this industry, and to drive meaningful and lasting change not only for my organization, but for the industry as a whole.  We’ll see what opportunities come in the future – all doors are open.

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