Developing Natural Strengths While Earning an MBA

Published:
October 22, 2026
Updated:
October 22, 2026
Reading Time: 1 Minute
Published:
October 22, 2026
Updated:
October 22, 2026
Reading Time: 1 Minute
Shawn McCloud

The College of Business and Technology has integrated Gallup CliftonStrengths into the MBA core curriculum as part of a deliberate approach to leadership, professional development and executive development. The initiative helps students identify their top five natural talents and then apply that self-awareness across different business disciplines throughout the MBA core.

“An MBA is certainly about learning important business concepts, but I also want our students to leave Wilmington University knowing themselves better and understanding what they uniquely bring to the table,” says Dr. Shawn K. McCloud, chair of the MBA program and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. “CliftonStrengths builds that self-awareness into the learning experience, recognizing that every student is different and helping them use their natural talents more intentionally in whatever they do, whether that’s working with others, making decisions, solving problems, growing professionally or leading.”

Integrating CliftonStrengths throughout the curriculum gives students a consistent framework for understanding how they contribute to organizations, says Dr. Robin Weinstein, dean of the College of Business and Technology. The cross-disciplinary approach provides students with a rigorous business education as well as personalized leadership development. 

— Eileen Smith Dallabrida

The College of Business and Technology has integrated Gallup CliftonStrengths into the MBA core curriculum as part of a deliberate approach to leadership, professional development and executive development. The initiative helps students identify their top five natural talents and then apply that self-awareness across different business disciplines throughout the MBA core.

“An MBA is certainly about learning important business concepts, but I also want our students to leave Wilmington University knowing themselves better and understanding what they uniquely bring to the table,” says Dr. Shawn K. McCloud, chair of the MBA program and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. “CliftonStrengths builds that self-awareness into the learning experience, recognizing that every student is different and helping them use their natural talents more intentionally in whatever they do, whether that’s working with others, making decisions, solving problems, growing professionally or leading.”

Integrating CliftonStrengths throughout the curriculum gives students a consistent framework for understanding how they contribute to organizations, says Dr. Robin Weinstein, dean of the College of Business and Technology. The cross-disciplinary approach provides students with a rigorous business education as well as personalized leadership development. 

— Eileen Smith Dallabrida