In its 10-year existence, Wilmington University’s Doctor of Business Administration has made an impact on business, academia and the community.

To note that milestone, the 10-Year DBA Celebration was held at the Pratt Student Center on April 20.  The theme was A Decade of Impact: The Journey Continues.

Dr. Ruth T. Norman, director of the DBA program, notes that the 120 WilmU DBA alumni are making a positive difference in their professions and communities in many ways.  About two-thirds have received promotions or embarked upon new jobs in a wide range of industries including academia, health care, financial, manufacturing, government, and nonprofits; 39 percent have full-time positions in academia, working in 27 colleges or universities.

“Our graduates are located in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East,” she says. “In addition to their professional accomplishments, many DBA alumni have founded or taken substantial leadership roles in nonprofit or volunteer organizations that impact their communities.”

Dr. Norman says the program fulfills a vital need for individuals who want to enhance their value as leaders.

“It’s a very challenging business environment and many people find they need to develop critical thinking skills beyond their MBA,” she says.

She notes the program also has had a positive impact on WilmU. Six alumni have joined WilmU as full-time faculty members.

“In addition to that, many are teaching as adjunct instructors, mentoring students and serving on dissertation committees,” she says.