When Lila Rose was looking for a business school to pursue her Global Master of Business Administration, she wanted one accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“My bachelor’s degree was in international business, so I wanted to find a global master’s program,” Rose said. “Global trade is part of my job, and I wanted to be part of a program that looks at topics to help my career move forward. Getting an AACSB International-accredited degree online while still working full time is not something I could have done just anywhere.”
Rose, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, was named the spring 2016 outstanding graduate student in the UHV School of Business Administration. On Saturday, she will receive her Global MBA in management. Katy resident James Greene was chosen as the school’s outstanding undergraduate student.
“Lila and James have shown a steadfast commitment to excellence and a clear passion for learning the ins and outs of good business practices both in the U.S. and globally,” said Farhang Niroomand, dean of the UHV School of Business Administration. “I congratulate them on receiving this honor and look forward to seeing how they will use the skills and knowledge learned at UHV to achieve even more success.”
Each semester, professors from the three UHV schools select outstanding students to be honored during commencement. UHV will hold two spring graduation ceremonies Saturday at Faith Family Church, 2002 E. Mockingbird Lane. The 9 a.m. ceremony will be for graduates of the schools of Arts & Sciences and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. The 1 p.m. ceremony will be for graduates of the School of Business Administration.
Greene first became interested in business while working at a Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he was promoted to general manager. During that time, he discovered an interest in learning more about products, costs and the finance behind running a business.
“I’m grateful that UHV was available,” said Greene, who will earn his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance on Saturday. “It was a perfect fit because there is a campus close to my home, and the flexible classes helped me continue working and supporting my family while pursuing my degree.”
The flexibility of the university’s programs also was a major advantage for Rose. She took classes online while working for PolyOne as a global trade compliance manager.
“What I’ve learned at UHV aided at my current job,” she said. “The courses helped me develop a deeper understanding of business processes and strengthened my communication skills at all levels.”
In addition to taking classes online, Rose participated in two study abroad opportunities. During one trip, she went to China with other UHV business students as part of a two-week summer program. In addition, she visited London on a study abroad trip with the Midwestern State University consortium.
“These trips strengthened my global foundation,” she said. “Getting instruction from professors in China and experiencing cultures firsthand had a major impact on my global business perspective.”
Rose’s goal is to eventually reach the role of vice president or higher in her field.
Greene has applied to the UHV MBA program for the fall. He hopes to find a job in corporate finance and has sent applications to companies in multiple areas from the petroleum industry to hospitals.
“I want to be a financial analyst,” Greene said. “I want to see the corporate side of finance and how financial decisions help a company develop and grow.”