NATHAN
business economics & marketing '20 outstanding grad 

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WHY WEBER STATE?

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I originally attended Weber State University as a student of Health Sciences. Ultimately, my goal was to do 2 years at Weber and then transfer to another school to finish as a Pre-Med undergraduate. Shortly into my program, I discovered that I didn't like Health Sciences very much, so I decided to use a semester to take different classes from different programs ranging from business to applied science to the humanities. 

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WHY BUSINESS ECONOMICS & MARKETING?

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I quickly discovered that I loved Economics. Dr. Keinsley, an Economics professor, made a fantastic pitch for the Business Economics program in my Econ 1010 class, and I decided that semester I wanted to switch from Pre-Med to a Business Economics degree. In pursuit of that degree, I found that I also enjoyed my Marketing classes and found that it would only add on one additional semester to become a dual-major, so I decided "why not?" and decided to get a degree in Marketing while attending GSBE as well.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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The professors at GSBE are down-to-earth people that, as I got to know them, treated me as a colleague rather than just a student. They were invested in me, as a person, and wanted to help me achieve my goals. I became close friends with several of my professors, who have helped me form a valuable network. Some of the resources I used while at GSBE were: the Business Calculus Lab, Office Hours, tutoring, mentorship by the professors, Study Abroad, an Internship

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FACULTY IMPACT

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There were many professors that made a big impact on me: 

Dr. Clint Amos -- A tough professor, but fair, Dr. Amos is a no-nonsense professor who treated you with respect if you treated him with respect. Dr. Amos was the kind of professor to hear whatever concerns you had with his class and do what it took to help you succeed despite the difficulty. I spent many hours with Dr. Amos discussing everything from marketing industry trends to mukbang to using statistical analysis software such as R and Python. Dr. Amos is one of the great professors of the GSBE.

Dr. Sky King -- Another great professor, Dr. King always greeted me in a very personal way. He remembered details about what was going on, and always smiled and asked how I was doing, even in the semesters I wasn't taking a class from him. A very encouraging professor, Dr. King was always willing to help when a personal conflict came up that precluded me from completing an assignment on time. Dr. King genuinely wants his students to succeed.

Dr. Andrew Keinsley -- Another tough professor, Dr. Keinsley is harsh when it comes to quizzes and exams, but if you can show him you are doing everything you can to learn -- not memorize -- the material, he will help you to succeed with it. Easily the professor who presented the most entertaining lectures, Dr. Keinsley will go above and beyond to make what could be very dry and boring material actually interesting and fun. From intertwining podcasts into his class to constructing fully-formed games surrounding the material, Dr. Keinsley, although tough, presents information in a way that helps you learn -- not memorize -- it for use in practical situations. I use a ton of information I learned from his classes in my day-to-day job, and it is just as clear as it was when I learned it 2 years ago.

Dr. Brandon Koford -- Dr. Koford is the type of professor to take time out of his day, even if it inconveniences him, to help you succeed in his class. Had it not been for his time, patience, and constant encouragement, I would have had to retake Econometrics. A very personable guy, Dr. Koford is the type of professor I would like to, and have, just grabbed some lunch with and chatted with.

Professor Alvaro LaParra Perez -- Alvaro was a professor I had while going through some particularly difficult things in my life. He became as invested in my personal life as I was and wanted me to succeed in it even if it meant inconvenient delays in my university life. Alvaro constantly adjusted to my personal needs, and always stayed after class to ask if I needed help with anything and to stress that my home life was more important than any assignment he could give. Alvaro helped me get through my hardest semester at Weber State University. His optimism, understanding, and kind-heartedness is a common trend among GSBE professors that helped me grow to love GSBE.

Professor Sandeep Rangaraju -- I had four classes from Professor Sandeep, and he was the type of professor who always helped you to keep going. Professor Sandeep always presented information in a well-thought, logical way with practical examples behind the theory. He even took extra time to help students understand the application of the theory in relation to graphs, charts, and practical examples in simple, easy to understand terms. Professor Sandeep is one of the most polite professors at GSBE, and was always a joy to take a class from. He cares about his students, and puts in the time to help them succeed.

Dr. Gavin Roberts -- Dr. Roberts is one of the most entertaining professors at GSBE. I have had hours long conversations with Dr. Roberts about a great many topics. A very personable just all-around good guy, Dr. Roberts  puts in the energy into making his lectures well above average in both entertainment and content. The most laid back professor I have had, Dr. Roberts is no stranger to banter and light-hearted fun. I regularly joked with Dr. Roberts and have even been to his house to eat and play board games. Dr. Roberts is another professor that you just want to hang around, chat, and grab a drink with.

Dean Matt Mouritsen -- Dean Mouritsen has been a big help to me during my time at GSBE. From helping me find an internship so that I could graduate, despite the fact that it was October and that the semester had already started, to conversing about the GSBE from a student's perspective during the Executive Lectures luncheons, Dean Mouritsen truly cares about all of the students at GSBE, and wants to do whatever he can to help. Dean Mouritsen, after hearing concerns from students, helped open another section of my capstone course required for graduation. Simply put: I would not be currently graduated if not for the help of Dean Mouritsen. 

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ADVICE

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The GSBE is an amazing place to build professional relationships. The professors are all unique people with different teaching styles, but they all care about their students and want them to succeed. Get involved! Whether it be in clubs, extracurriculars, or simply talking to and getting to know your professors, the people at GSBE are some of the best you will meet in your life. Treat your professors with respect, and they will grow to be some of your biggest resources.

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WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

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Currently: Financial Services Representative - Goldenwest CU
Aspiration: Personal Financial Consultant

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