MBA Success Stories: Graduates from Georgia’s Leading Business Schools
Earning an MBA is a transformative experience that can propel graduates to new heights in their careers. Georgia, with its prestigious business schools, has produced numerous successful MBA graduates who have made significant impacts in various industries. This article highlights some of the notable success stories of MBA graduates from Georgia’s leading business schools, showcasing their achievements and the pathways they followed to reach the top.
Emory University Goizueta Business School
Emory University’s Goizueta Business School is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on leadership development. Here are some success stories from its alumni:
| Name | Current Position | Company | MBA Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Rice | Vice Chairman | GE | Strategy |
| Allison Dukes | CFO | Invesco | Finance |
| Susan Johnson | Chief Marketing Officer | SunTrust Banks | Marketing |
John Rice: After earning his MBA from Goizueta, John Rice joined General Electric (GE), where he held various senior positions before becoming Vice Chairman. His strategic acumen, honed during his MBA studies, played a crucial role in his ascent within the company.
Allison Dukes: As the CFO of Invesco, Allison Dukes leverages her finance specialization from Goizueta to oversee the company’s financial operations. Her leadership skills, developed through Goizueta’s MBA program, have been instrumental in her success.
Susan Johnson: Susan Johnson’s expertise in marketing, gained from her MBA, helped her rise to the position of Chief Marketing Officer at SunTrust Banks. She credits her experiential learning experiences at Goizueta for providing the practical skills needed to excel in her role.
Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business
Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech is known for integrating technology and business. Here are some of its notable MBA alumni:
| Name | Current Position | Company | MBA Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Horlock | CEO | Blue Bird Corporation | Technology Management |
| Rodney Adkins | Senior Vice President | IBM | Technology Innovation |
| Sanjay Parthasarathy | Founder & CEO | Indix | Entrepreneurship |
Phil Horlock: Phil Horlock’s MBA from Scheller, with a specialization in technology management, positioned him well to lead Blue Bird Corporation as CEO. His ability to blend technology with business strategies has been key to his leadership.
Rodney Adkins: As Senior Vice President at IBM, Rodney Adkins utilizes his MBA specialization in technology innovation to drive the company’s growth. His Scheller education provided the technical and managerial skills essential for his role.
Sanjay Parthasarathy: Sanjay Parthasarathy’s entrepreneurial spirit, nurtured at Scheller, led him to found Indix, a leading product intelligence company. His MBA experience equipped him with the knowledge and confidence to launch and grow his own business.
University of Georgia Terry College of Business
The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia has a strong reputation for producing business leaders. Here are some successful MBA graduates from Terry:
| Name | Current Position | Company | MBA Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alton Brown | TV Personality | Food Network | Marketing |
| Pete Correll | Chairman | Georgia-Pacific | General Management |
| Kessel Stelling | Chairman & CEO | Synovus | Finance |
Alton Brown: Known for his role on the Food Network, Alton Brown used his marketing specialization from Terry College to build his brand. His MBA provided the business insights necessary for his successful television career.
Pete Correll: Pete Correll’s general management skills, developed during his MBA at Terry, helped him ascend to the chairmanship of Georgia-Pacific. His leadership and strategic thinking have been pivotal to the company’s success.
Kessel Stelling: As Chairman and CEO of Synovus, Kessel Stelling leverages his MBA in finance to guide the bank’s operations. His Terry College education laid the foundation for his achievements in the banking industry.
Georgia State University Robinson College of Business
Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University is known for its diverse MBA programs and strong industry connections. Here are some of its standout graduates:
| Name | Current Position | Company | MBA Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Greiner | CEO | Gas South | International Business |
| Grady Rosier | CEO | McLane Company | Supply Chain Management |
| Sally Yates | Former Deputy Attorney General | U.S. Department of Justice | Law and Business |
Kevin Greiner: Kevin Greiner’s MBA in international business from Robinson College has been instrumental in his role as CEO of Gas South. His global perspective and strategic skills have driven the company’s expansion.
Grady Rosier: As CEO of McLane Company, Grady Rosier applies his MBA specialization in supply chain management to optimize the company’s operations. His Robinson College education provided the tools needed for effective leadership in logistics.
Sally Yates: Although known for her legal career, Sally Yates’ MBA from Robinson College gave her valuable business insights that complemented her legal expertise. Her tenure as Deputy Attorney General was marked by a strategic approach influenced by her business education.
Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business
Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University focuses on practical business skills and real-world experience. Here are some of its notable MBA alumni:
| Name | Current Position | Company | MBA Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Cathy | CEO | Chick-fil-A | Family Business |
| Mark Miller | Vice President | Chick-fil-A | General Management |
| Bonnie McElveen-Hunter | CEO | Pace Communications | Marketing |
Dan Cathy: As CEO of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy utilizes his MBA specialization in family business from Coles College to manage and expand the family-owned enterprise. His education has been integral to the company’s growth and success.
Mark Miller: Mark Miller’s role as Vice President at Chick-fil-A is supported by his general management MBA from Coles. His strategic planning and management skills have contributed significantly to the company’s operations.
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter: Bonnie McElveen-Hunter’s marketing expertise, gained from her MBA at Coles College, helped her build Pace Communications into a leading marketing and communications firm. Her MBA experience provided the foundation for her entrepreneurial success.
Conclusion
The success stories of MBA graduates from Georgia’s leading business schools highlight the transformative power of an MBA. These individuals have leveraged their education to achieve remarkable success in various industries, demonstrating the value of an MBA from a Georgia institution. With a strong academic foundation, diverse career opportunities, and robust alumni networks, Georgia’s business schools continue to produce leaders who make significant contributions to their fields. Whether in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or public service, these graduates exemplify the impact of an MBA education in Georgia.
