Executive MBA - Meet the Students
Connect with principled leaders from across industries, organizations and roles.
We invite you to get to know a few members of our recent cohorts. Learn more below about why they chose to enroll, what they hope to gain from the program, and how the program will help them achieve their ultimate long-term professional goals.
We invite all prospective students to meet the students from the current cohort at an upcoming Preview Day where you can speak with them first hand, and sit in on a live class session.
Connect with Alumni
Curious what our students do after graduation? Learn more through our podcast series, Alumni Conversations.
Members from the Executive MBA Class of 2025
Hometown: Mason, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Bharathiar University, B.E Computer Science & Engineering
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
To advance my IT career to the next level.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
Fisher’s program offers an exciting opportunity to grow into a well-rounded principled leader by providing necessary skills through its academic curriculum and experiential learning approach. I had an opportunity to attend a Preview Day session and it was awesome to know about current students and why they chose Fisher’s program. I liked the interactive coaching and smaller class size as well. Another aspect that I’m looking forward to is the lasting bonds with the students and members of the EMBA program and access to Alumni network of OSU Fisher college. Everyone can benefit from more connections in today’s world.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
It is my dream to become a C-level executive in an organization. It requires strong entrepreneurship, leadership and critical thinking skills. I believe earning an EMBA degree will help me to develop those skills.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
If doing EMBA is in your bucket list, don't delay it further. I wish I had done my MBA few years ago.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Undergraduate school and degree: Univeristy of Dayton
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I decided to pursue an MBA to develop my leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills. Gaining insights into the latest business trends and technologies was also another key factor. These are just some of the tools I am looking to pick up during my MBA which will allow me to lead with confidence at any level in the organization. My oldest children are just beginning their college journey. I have been preaching the importance of education, so this was a chance to demonstrate those words.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
The Fishers Executive MBA program is excellent and designed for experienced professionals looking to accelerate their career. I am excited to be part of a dedicated cohort and able to learn from them, as much as the faculty. I wanted an in-person program driven by classroom discussion where we received immediate feedback and lively debate among the cohort.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
I am looking to be a well-rounded executive, that is more connected to my industry, which makes a positive difference for my team and my organization.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Believe in yourself. The program is a lot of work, but nothing great ever came easy. Talk to as many people leading or currently enrolled in the MBA.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Gahanna, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Economics and Business Management
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
It was a combination of being something I've always wanted to do and being encouraged by my supervisor to take the step and gain the experience. I'm looking forward to learning about other industries and learning new ways to approach strategy and problem solving.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
I looked at other programs and kept coming back to Fisher and Ohio State. The reputation of the program paired with the local network made it the ideal choice for me.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
My long-term goal is to learn and get better as a person, employee, teammate, and leader. I believe this progam will challenge me to think about things differently and consider new perspectives.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Have important discussions with your employer and family members to ensure you can commit the time to the program... and then just do it.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Hudson, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Ashland University - BS, Computer Information Systems
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I am a life long learner and I wanted to learn to think more strategically to help my business and client businesses grow and prosper.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
I loved the cohort concept for networking and the trips for learning outside the classroom.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
Grow my company and possibly return to the teaching at the collegiate level.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Be prepared to be stretched and challenged by your professors and your cohort.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Powell, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Adrian College - Marketing
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I chose to pursue my EMBA to build a stronger candidacy throughout my career progression. Have been through this program will help with future experiences and grow my professional background.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
I chose Fisher because it allowed me to get the in-person learning and networking, while being apart of a high quality program that is close to my home.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
My ultimate long-term goal is to be a President/CEO of a Medical Device company. Additionally, I want to keep my options open for other ventures in other industries to open a restaurant, business, etc.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
My advice to other EMBA candidates would be to take the leap of faith. There is a good amount of time that you need to dedicate to this program, so evaluate if you’re able to give 100%. If the answer is yes, do it.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Chagrin Falls, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: The University of Mount Union
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I chose to pursue an EMBA for multiple reasons. I enjoy continuous learning and wanted to be able to apply what I learned in class, to my career and life immediately. I am looking forward to sharpening leadership skills, and understanding different perspectives on leading teams.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
I chose the Fisher EMBA program due to its diversity in classes being offered. Additionally, I fell in love with the culture of the university. From the initial conversations I had, everything felt natural. The class schedule was the final selling point. Meeting once a month, while being able to work full time and be a husband and father was important to me.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
My long term goal would be to lead my company into the next generation of industry changes. This program is going to diversify my mindset with new business perspectives, relationships, leadership skills, communication skills, and to provide the necessary confidence to take the next step in my life.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Don't wait to take a chance to better yourself, or your company. Be confident in yourself, and be comfortable taking a step outside of the box.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Concord Township, OH
Undergraduate and Graduate school and degree: University of Cincinnati - BS Chemical Engineering; Case Western Reserve University - Master of Engineering
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
The first reason I chose to pursue an Executive MBA is my passion for lifelong learning and the challenge that it provides. The program also has enormous benefits to me and my company by building my overall understanding of business principles while accelerating the growth of my leadership capabilities.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
For me it was important to be part of a program that met in-person to create connections to people and have engaging conversations on the topics covered in classes. Meeting on campus once monthly made this convenient and the time with the group is so valuable. When evaluating options the Fisher staff was very helpful and accommodating but most important to me was the world-class faculty and diversity of courses.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
My goal is to simply be the most impactful person I can be in all the different pursuits in my life. This applies to my company, volunteer opportunities, people I coach and lead, and into my personal life as well. The EMBA program helps with the skills and insights to do this to the best of my ability.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
There is no better time to invest in yourself than now, the challenges and opportunities of the program can only lead to personal growth and discovery.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate school and degree: Middle Tennessee State University, B.S. Business
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I wanted an opportunity to learn from smart and accomplished classmates and professors.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
I looked at a few programs, but landed on the fact that there's a great program in the state that I live in. Ohio State has a broad network, great teachers, and a world-class business college.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
I want to continue being an entrepreneur. I've started two companies in the healthtech space. I'd like to start another company in different industry. The program at OSU is a resource to help me increase the odds of success in my new endeavor.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
You should never pass up the opportunity to better yourself and challenge your perspective. MBA programs do that.
Fun fact about yourself?
I was once on the Price is Right. I won a vacation and a new car.
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Philosophy/Anthropology - Ohio State
Military Service: United States Air Force
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
To gain an in-depth understanding of how business operates and build enough competency to operate a multimillion dollar enterprise of my own.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
At The Fisher College of Business the pedigree of the professors, the caliber of instruction, and the thorough attention to detail when designing a program that sets its students up for success simply cannot be beat.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
Ultimately I intend to build and operate a corporation that provides quality jobs for the country for generations to come and then pass on that legacy of business acumen, wisdom, and ethical management to my children and children's children.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Do it. You will never regret entering the top program in the country, learning from the highest caliber professors, and being so well-supported by a program this committed to your future success.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Coal City, IL
Undergraduate school and degree: Ohio State University - BA Journalism; UMASS-Dartmouth - Master Public Policy; Boston Univ. - Master of City Planning
Military Service: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I love learning, and I wanted to really enhance my skill sets through formal courses to 1) better facilitate the Central Ohio Healthcare Sector Partnership along with 2) providing individual consultation to small- and medium-sized businesses. As a boomerang professional who returned to Columbus in 2021, I sought to rebuild my connections with the OSU community where I had so many great learning experiences and social memories as an undergrad.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
The Fisher Executive MBA program really impressed me with its strategic line-up of courses and immersive learning opportunities in Silicon Valley and Barcelona. While shadowing a day of classes in 2022, I witnessed the meaningful classroom dialogue and enjoyed the cohort's friendly fellowship during lunch, too. As an OSU alum, I felt no reason to review competing programs.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
I'd like to hold a leadership position in a non-profit organization, ideally leading an industry sector partnership. I currently co-facilitate the Central Ohio Healthcare Sector Partnership, which eventually could become its own 501(c)3 non-profit. I love working with nearly 90 healthcare practitioners and talent acquisition professionals across 6 major health systems to strategically build enthusiasm for healthcare professions amongst secondary school students and young adults.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
I would strongly encourage prospective students to create dedicated physical and mental space in their life to absorb, reflect, and contribute to the assigned work. This is an awesome opportunity, and learning happens best for me when there is a delicate balance of pressure and calmness. I would also encourage students to work closely with their professional colleagues and personal family to gain outside support for this path.
Fun fact about yourself?
The favorite country I've visited in the Navy was Kenya for its happy residents and wonderful safari. The island of Palau ranks a close second for its blue-green waters, wonderful beaches, and gorgeous sunsets!
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate and Graduate school and degree: DePauw University (B.A., Biological Sciences); University of Cincinnati (M.S. Medical Genetics, Emphasis in Genetic Counseling)
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I have spent about 20 years as a health care provider and clinical researcher and recently became interested in pursuing an Executive Leadership path. I was inspired by other EMBA’s who spoke to the diverse skills and expansive mindset that they developed in their programs. The confidence in their voices convinced me that the EMBA would provide personal and professional rewards.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
Fisher and OSU has always had a strong reputation. I was impressed by the strength of the faculty and appreciated some unique offerings of this program, specially the domestic and international immersion experiences. The 3-day per month schedule was also desirable given my work and home commitments. Lastly, the observation day impressed me; I felt right at home with the students, staff and faculty and the curriculum was inspiring.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
I would like to pursue a role as an Executive leader (VP or C-Suite) in nonprofit/healthcare. I would also like to serve on Advisory Boards and/or a Board of Directors. The EMBA will provide necessary skills to round out my skills as I seek to understand business fundamentals. It will also help me to be a more strategic leader. I hope to expand my network to encourage me throughout my journey personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
You will not regret it! It is expensive but it is worth it. Invest in yourself. You deserve the opportunity to grow, expand your mindset and worldview. We need leaders like you! You will be supported and you can do this. Also, if you are a woman, your voice is needed at the table. There are not enough of us.
Fun fact about yourself?
Hometown: Powell, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: State University of New York-Oswego, BA Communications
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
I wanted to expand my thinking and to gain a broader perspective on the business environment while strengthening my ability to have a strategic mindset and solutions-orientation.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
Fisher's focus on blending curriculum, experiential learning and executive coaching really stood out as the right fit for where I am in career and the environment that would deliver the value I was seeking.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
After 30 years of being a CEO, my goal is to transition to corporate board service and serving as an executive advisor to leadership teams.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Have clarity on the type of experience and outcomes you want to achieve, and make sure you align your EMBA program search around that.
Fun fact about yourself?
My first CEO role was at 24.
Hometown: Springfield, OH
Undergraduate school and degree: Wright State University
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
Over the years found the enjoyment and challenges with operations and leading teams. Looking to expand upon those that I already have experience with and fills in gaps of knowledge in areas I do not.
Why did you choose the Fisher Executive MBA? What sets it apart from other programs you looked at?
Given I was part of Ohio State already this program made sense. Also the introduction meetings, size and style of the class, and what content I would be exposed to during the program all played a role in moving forward to sign up.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal and how will the Executive MBA help you achieve this?
Not perfectly clear at this point but further advancement either in academic setting or returning back and leading teams in a regional or national role.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an Executive MBA program?
Evaluate the program and what it offers, if it gets you excited then work with your employer to have the conversation on how this can help you and your company.
Fun fact about yourself?
Questions? I'm here to help!
Hello! I’m Haleigh DePalma, your guide to the Executive MBA program at Ohio State. Whether you’re just starting your exploration or ready to apply, I’m here to provide personalized support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me—I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!