WilmU One-on-One: MBA Program Chair Shares Insight and Advice 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? 

After spending more than 25 years working in and around the casino gaming industry, I felt a strong desire to give back by sharing what I had learned with the next generation of business leaders. I’ve always valued education and lifelong learning, and moving into academia gave me the opportunity to serve as a role model while helping students connect theory with real-world practice. 

Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with MBA students? 

MBA students, like most graduate-level students, bring a wealth of professional experience and diverse perspectives into our university, and ultimately into the classroom. Every incoming MBA student completes a program planning conference with me or a graduate advisor, which allows me to meet and connect with most students in the program — either at the outset or during their studies. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know where they’re from, what they do, why they chose WilmU and often discovering things we have in common. This builds community, creates trust and fosters engagement — for students and for me. When I teach, I especially enjoy on-campus courses for the very same reasons. 

Q: What makes WilmU’s MBA program unique? 

Our MBA program is flexible, accessible and truly student focused. With multiple start dates, online and in-person options, and faculty who bring deep professional experience, WilmU meets students where they are. We emphasize practical application, affordability and real-world relevance, which helps our graduates stand out in today’s competitive job market. 

Q: What exciting things are happening with the MBA program? 

We’re excited to launch a new 30-credit MBA degree plan this fall, reduced from 36 credits to save students time and tuition. The program includes an Executive Pathway for experienced leaders, offering credit for professional expertise and the ability to finish in as little as 10 months. We’re also adding leadership assessments and reflection exercises to the MBA core and strengthening business partnerships to ensure our curriculum remains practical, innovative and relevant. 

Q: How do you integrate real-world experiences into the MBA program? 

I make it a priority to bring in case studies, current events and examples from my own professional background, and I encourage all MBA faculty to do the same. At the same time, our students — many of whom are adult learners with significant professional experience — bring valuable perspectives to share with us. I genuinely believe I learn just as much from students’ real-world insights as they learn from me. This exchange of ideas is what makes the classroom dynamic and impactful. 

Q: What is your favorite MBA course to teach and why? 

I don’t have a single favorite course. I enjoy teaching a variety of classes, especially on campus, because it allows me to share lessons from my career while also engaging students in critical thinking and collaboration. Just as importantly, it gives students the chance to share their unique perspectives and experiences. As a lifelong learner, I approach every course as if I am also a student — we grow and learn together. 

Q: What is your most memorable teaching experience? 

Honestly, there are so many great experiences and memories. The ones that stand out most are when students return, or reach out after graduating, to share how a lecture, discussion or case study directly helped them solve a real business problem or made a difference in their lives. Those moments reinforce why I strive to bridge classroom learning with real-world application and to be authentic — because it shows students that what we do here has lasting value beyond the classroom.  

Q: What advice do you give MBA students? 

I tell students to approach their MBA journey as more than just coursework. It’s a chance to build networks, refine leadership skills and challenge themselves to think differently. Stay engaged, ask questions and don’t shy away from hard work — because, like many things in life, the more you put into the program, the more value you’ll take with you.  

Q: Do you have any hobbies? 

Outside of academia, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters and staying active in our community. I am also an avid, competitive bowler — a passion I’ve pursued for many years. I continue to compete regularly and enjoy both the competition and camaraderie. I joined the Professional Bowlers Association more than 30 years ago and remain a member to this day. As a fun fact, I have bowled at least one perfect 300 game in each of the last five decades, across a variety of bowling centers in the region — and my goal is to keep that streak going. 

Q: What do you love about WilmU? 

WilmU is a university that truly puts students first. I love the culture of accessibility, flexibility and support that allows students from all walks of life to achieve their goals. It’s rewarding to be part of an institution that values real-world relevance and student success.