Celebrating the First Year of the Executive DBA Program

Time saving. Thought provoking. Tailored to your company. These are among the takeaways from the 22 students in the new Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Some also advanced to new, expanded roles while pursuing this degree. 

The DBA program, now in its second year, offers immersive experiences and courses to help experienced professionals develop analytical and leadership skills, which are in demand now more than ever. The following are comments from professionals who experienced the program’s flexible format, diverse group of classmates, and real-time impact on their current jobs:

Q. What’s the benefit of the “Hyflex” format — the ability to take courses part-time in person, online, or any combination of the two?   

Travis Roache, digital product manager, PPG Industries: “It’s great for me because it saves time. Instead of commuting, I can use that time to either finish the workday, get a quick workout before class, or spend that time with my family.” 

 Q. How does the cohort of students from various fields add value? 

Alicia Vuittonet, co-founder, Mantoupia: “I really appreciated my cohort. I have been honored to learn alongside the incredibly intelligent and hardworking people who have been so helpful to me. They have provided insights on certain business issues I was faced with.”  

Q. How has the faculty supported you? 

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Weiss, U.S. Army: “The faculty have been excellent. Not only are they as knowledgeable as you would expect but they have also made themselves readily available to meet, answer questions or discuss practical applications of what we are learning.” 

Kerr Manson, managing partner, Breakout Growth Partners: “I found the faculty to be highly engaging. They are all leaders in their fields, the teaching is thought-provoking, and they really encourage you to learn more and to dig into the topics that they cover in the classroom.”   

Q. How does the program support your current work responsibilities?

Alan Chmiel, director of engineering, R.W. Beckett: “It’s not the same as a PhD. It’s more practicum, less academic. I am learning how to do research to advance our market and our space. Every professor lets you do the research that is tailored to your company. I can research the carbon impact of fuel versus the economic model of fuel for class, and it also has direct applicability to my position.”