1st MBA graduates equipped for leadership

May 26, 2009

At Corban’s 2009 Commencement ceremony, the first graduating class of the MBA program was hooded. The six degree recipients live as close as Keizer, Ore., to as far away as Atlanta, Ga.; some have newly established their professions while others are as many as 20 years into their careers; and they administrate in various fields such as retail, human resources, higher education, and ministry. Yet with this diversity, they converged online at Corban throughout the last sixteen months and accomplished a common goal: progressing in their faith and as business leaders.

Graduate Spencer Hanley, who is Supply Chain Manager for the North American division of the world’s largest glass manufacturer, took the courses online from Atlanta. He says, “The MBA program has enhanced my business acumen and challenged my perspective as a Christian leader in the private sector.”

Non-profit businesses like the Salvation Army of Merced, Calif., have also benefitted from Corban’s training. Under the direction of new graduate Raymond Erickson-King, the Kettle Campaign more than doubled last year because of a retention strategy he learned and implemented.

Jon Meyers, recently named Dean of Business for the upcoming academic year, explains the practicality of the MBA program: “You should be able to read the textbook tonight and then use it to do your job better tomorrow.”

Apparently Erickson-King has been reading the textbooks. Soon, he and his wife are being relocated to the Salvation Army Headquarters in Denver, Colo., to assume responsibilities as Divisional Youth Secretaries, where they will oversee a camping program and provide leadership training and resources for workers in four states.

As community liaison, enrollment recruiter, and external events manager, David Covington serves George Fox University’s Boise campus in Idaho.  Because of his Corban MBA training, he’s playing a larger role, more confidently, in the higher education community.

Other graduates include Oregon residents Amy Ramos, Tanner Cavaille and Denise Saboe.  Ramos developed her department from scratch: she is Human Resources Administrator for Hardin Optical Company in Bandon, Ore. Cavaille advanced in retail management in Salem. Saboe owned a chiropractic business in Albany and has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA volunteer) for Linn County as well as a CASA board member.

Dean of Business Bryce Bernard, who is stepping down next year so he can devote full attention to his passion—teaching—says this class of MBA students has been a great joy to work with. “They’ve embraced taking classes from a biblical worldview. They’ve been hungry for it.”

“Life isn’t easy,” says graduate Amy Ramos, “but the tools learned through these courses allow for the opportunity to press on through life with a Christ-centered perspective.”

Meyers is also impressed with the Class of 2009 MBA grads. “They are already fulfilling the mission of our program, which is to equip Christian business leaders to live their personal and professional lives for the glory of God.”