Masters in Business Alumni Spotlight
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Allison Lauderdale, M.B.A.
Education:
Mississippi State University, Master of Business Administration, May 2007
Mississippi State University, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, May 2006
Work:
Healthcare Business Specialist - Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Responsibilities:
- Researching and extracting financial data to determine ROI for potential investments
- Organizing health promotion programs for employees, including advertising/recruitment of participants, development of program, event set-up
- Grantwriting and developing relationships with funding organizations
- Facilitating development of the new Consulting Service sector of the Preventive Medicine department (compiling business plan, writing contract for services, meeting with clients)
A word from Allison:
“The MBA program has given me the skills needed to succeed in my career and the confidence to approach difficult problems. In fact, I would not be in my current position at Baptist Medical Center had I not earned an MBA. Mississippi State has prepared me well for demands of the business world. Not only have I gained business knowledge, being in the MBA program sparked my love for international travel! Thank you Dr. Spencer, and to all my professors at State, for such a valuable experience that I will never forget!
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Alston Avritt
Degree:
Masters of Business Administration-Project Management - August 2007
Bachelors of Business Administration-Information Systems - August 2006
Current Position: International Paper, Build Coordinator, Rapid Application Development Services – Solutions Management
Experience:
- International Paper, Build Coordinator
- Sara Lee Corp., Systems Analyst Co-op Intern
A word from Alston: "When I graduated from the MBA – Project Management program, I felt I had the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in an aggressive IT industry. I have fallen in love with my position at International Paper. Previous to starting the MBA – Project Management program, I could not have anticipated that I would be doing exactly what I wanted to do (project leadership) so early in my career. The MBA program opened doors to greater opportunity and equipped me with the compulsory knowledge and fortitude for achievement.”
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Derrick Pratt, PMP
Degree:
Masters of Science in Information Systems - May 2002
Bachelors of Science Industrial Engineering - May 2000
Current Position: International Paper, Project Manager for Supply Chain Systems
Experience:
- International Paper, eBusiness Specialist
- Instructional Media Center, Multimedia Instructor
A word from Pratt: The MSIS program is excellent. The faculty prepares us to compete globally at the highest levels. "Students have strong confidence in your intellectual horse power after completing the MSU school of business." We are well positioned to move the markets and have immediate impact to the business.
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Ryan M. Andrews, 1st Lt, USAF
Education:
Mississippi State University, MBA - August 2004
Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - March 2001
Work:
Environmental Program Manager, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program
Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Ryan Andrews co-leads a tri-service, multi-national environmental, safety, and occupational health working group (ESOHWG) for the acquisition of a next-generation, stealth fighter aircraft. The overall objectives of the ESOHWG are to reduce the JSF’s dependency on hazardous materials, reduce its engine emissions and noise output, and to reduce the exposure of potentially unsafe environmental conditions to the aircraft’s pilots and maintainers. He serves as a liaison between the Air Force, the main JSF Program Office, and the contractors on all JSF-related environmental issues.
From Ryan:
"The distance learning MBA program at Mississippi State was wonderful. I managed to acquire my degree in a little over two years despite the fact that I had not met many of the prerequisites prior to entering the program. The instructors understood that I was not a traditional student and that I had to place work first on my priority list, which made it a lot easier for me to juggle school and a full-time job. Additionally, the interactive course websites made it possible for me to log on and participate in my classes from any location at any time.
As an engineering undergraduate student, I learned a lot about the technical aspects of my profession. However, I did not learn very much about managing programs or leading people, which is precisely why an MBA was the right choice for me. Not only did this program give me a strong understanding of a wide array of business topics, but it also helped me improve my time management skills and made me a more outgoing and effective participant in group work situations."
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Learnard Gene Dickerson
Education:
Capella University, Ph.D. program - School of Business (current)
Mississippi State University, MBA - May 2000
Xavier University, Physics - July 1993
Work:
Manager of Corporate Affairs
Kerr-McGee Chemical, Hamilton, MS
Responsible for: Community, government, and media relations as well as internal communications at local operating unit.
Comments: Promoted after receiving MBA.
Accolades:
Recently published a book entitled, Write Under Your Nose, an anthology of literary works by inmates throughout the United States. Learnard was inspired to compile this work as a result of his Uncle's conversion while in prison. For further insight visit www.writeunderyournose.com
From Learnard:
"Through the MBA program at Mississippi State, I became exposed to an array of constructive opportunities, both in academia as well as in my professional career. The business world took on a different meaning, from supply chain management to reverse integration. The MBA program at Mississippi State made me confident in my ability to conquer critical and complex projects, utilize resources when dealing with the unknown, and rank higher than my peers with MBA backgrounds from other "highly-ranked" institutions. Mississippi State has a superior MBA program which has not gone unnoticed within my professional organization. The best advice I can give based on what I have been exposed to, while specializations and concentrations are good when narrowing your scope, diversification through your selected coursework will be more value-added in your career."
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Vanishree Rudraswamy
Education:
Mississippi State University, Master of Science in Information Systems - May 2000
Mississippi State University, M.S. in Horticulture - May 1997
University of Agricultural Sciences, M.S. in Horticulture - May 1994
Work:
Vanishree Rudraswamy is currently serving as a Consultant in her role as the Defense Travel System (DTS) Operations Project Officer responsible for DTS operations activities that include resolving DTS operational issues at DTS pilot Department of Defense (DoD) sites (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Other Defense Agencies) by being a liaison between the DTS pilot DoD sites and the system contractor, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, and serving as the Subject Matter Expert to improve DTS web sites and ensuring effective customer support for the DTS ACAT IAM program. She is also responsible for process reengineering and monitoring the DTS Tier 3 Help Desk in support of the DTS program.
Previously, Vani served as the Technical Lead for the Standard Procurement System Customer Response Team/Web Support for the DoD’s Standard Procurement System (SPS) program in the Public Sector (PSG) at American Management Systems, Inc. Her roles included that of a System Developer, Network Administrator and a Technical Specialist for Web Development for the SPS program.
From Vani:
"I'm glad I pursued my graduate studies at COBI. Dr. Rodney Pearson's strong technical tutelage helps me serve the DoD day in and day out! Dr. Vance's mentorship and guidance spurs me to think and resolve real time issues that I encounter every day. So don't miss out on these best encounters! COBI, MSU is the place to be and learn! Make it your Alma Mater as well!"
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Bryan Trochessett
Education:
Mississippi State University, Master of Business Administration - May 2001
Mississippi State University, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics - July 1996
Work:
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch, Naples, FL
Experience:
- Implemented new client service system for team of advisors.
- Worked with other advisors and specialists to create comprehensive wealth management strategies for high net worth clients
- Earned Merrill Lynch's Certified Financial Manager designation
- Organized seminars for clients and prospects
- Completed all license requirements (Series 7, Series 66, and Life, Health and Variable Annuity tests)
From Bryan:
"When I think of my time in the MBA program at MSU, I think of...
...the combination of the students, professors, and challenging coursework in the program which provided me with an invaluable education. I don't think I could have gotten a better value anywhere. I had a wonderful experience that helped shape me as a total person. If asked to highlight one aspect of my experience, I would have to say it was meeting students from other parts of the world (China, Russia, Guatemala, Korea, etc.). I learned (wasn't taught) how wonderful diversity really is, as I cultivated friendships with people that will last a lifetime. I feel I learned a great deal from my friends' diverse life experiences. I am grateful for my time in the MBA program at MSU.
I should also tell you my education totally prepared me for my work as a financial advisor, or any career I may have in the future. The training I am provided with here at Merrill Lynch does not compare to the training I received in the MBA program at MSU (academically or socially). I enhanced my listening skills as well as my analytical skills while in school. I feel like a more complete and prepared person thanks to my graduate education." |
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Jim Haffey
Education:
Mississippi State University, Master of Business Administration - May 2000
Mississippi State University, Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business - May 1999
Work:
Director of Environmental and Taxation Affairs, Miss. Manufacturers Association
Jackson, Mississippi
Experience:
- Responsible for drafting and lobbying all tax and environmental legislation in Mississippi and Washington as it pertains to state issues.
- Manage two 600- member committees comprised of manufacturing companies.
- Provide regulatory assistance to MMA members before the Commission on Environmental Quality and the Mississippi State Tax Commission.
- Responsible for political fundraising for pro-business legislative candidates.
- Assist with large conventions and seminars with attendance over 400 for MMA members.
From Jim:
"I can honestly say that having my MBA from Mississippi State was the deciding factor in being hired by the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. We are an association of over 2000 manufacturers, including the 100 largest companies in the state. Whether I am working with officials from global companies like Chevron-Texaco, Weyerhaueser, Phizer, or home grown companies like Bryan foods, Action Lane, and Gail Pittman, all of our members light up when I mention my educational background is from Mississippi State. In my opinion, it is the most respected college in the state's business arena.
Anyone wishing to open doors in their professional career should seriously consider MSU's graduate studies in business. The intensive curriculum and hands-on faculty advise will not only give you a degree to rival any in the Southeast, but will also give you the confidence to deal with most any situation you will find yourself faced with in the corporate world. When preparing to testify before Senate committees, or do radio and television interviews, I often pull out notebooks of multi-media classes I took at MSU. They continue to provide a checklist of what I need to prepare three years after taking them. Having the opportunity to work with Franklin Furniture my last semester during our field study allowed me to make contacts and have a wonderful professional reference from a respected company which is vital to new graduates looking to start or further their career." |
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Chris Byrd
Education:
Mississippi State University, Master of Business Administration - May 2000
Mississippi State University, Dual Degree: Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Biological Sciences - May 1998
Comments: Completed internship with Viking and offered full-time position after receiving MBA
Work:
Manufacturing Human Resources Manager
Viking Range Corporation, Greenwood, MS
Experience:
Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organization's work force by planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices
Accolades:
In November, 2002, Chris was certified as a Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resource Certification Institute, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
From Chris:
"Having not been exposed to any business curriculum as an undergraduate, I was apprehensive about making the transition to business school. However, the required foundation courses provided me with an excellent understanding of business fundamentals, and as a result, I felt very confident when I began my MBA coursework. While pursuing my MBA, I had a great opportunity to intern with Viking Range Corporation. I highly recommend internships to all students. Not only did it reinforce my interest in human resources, but it lead to a full-time position with Viking after graduation."
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Kacy Browne
Education:
Mississippi State University, MSBA Information Systems - May 2000
Mississippi State University, BBA International Business - May 1999
Work:
IT Consultant
Accenture Los Angeles, CA
Experience:
Washington Mutual, Home Loans & Insurance Services Department - Helped deploy mortgage software and hardware to 5000 employees. - Provided production support for the applications.
Bank of America - Helped with the conversion of the Oregon system to the Bank of America standard platform, specifically the refinement and investment products.
From Kacy:
"When I interviewed, Accenture was looking for self-motivated people with strong IT skills. I never would have gotten the job without my degree from MSU. And since going to work there, I have used skills I learned in just about every class in the program."
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