Category Archives: EMBA Blog Posts

Blog Posts from the Executive MBA Program

Steve Cummings on the EMBA & Military background

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by Steve Cummings, Captain, U.S. Army, Executive MBA Class of 2021

Steve is an active duty infantry officer transitioning from the military after 10 plus years of service. He is a 2010 graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point) and has deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. As a current student, Steve has accepted a position with Johnson and Johnson in their Military Veterans Leadership Development Program (MVLDP) with a July start date. Continue reading →

EMBA Pre-Commencement Speaker Address

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Bill Lane prepared and delivered the following address on the occasion of the Penn State Smeal EMBA Class of 2019’s Pre- Commencement Ceremony at the Smeal College of Business on June 8, 2019.

He is currently President Emeritus of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the former Senior Director of Global Government and Corporate Affairs for Caterpillar Inc.

Thank you, Bill, for addressing the Students, Family, Friends, Faculty, and Staff as the Class of 2019’s Pre-Commencement speaker. Continue reading →

Meet Michelle Darnell

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“Meet 220” is a series of posts featuring staff of the Smeal Professional Graduate Programs. “220” refers to the suite of offices within the Business Building where the team is housed.

Michelle Darnell, Director of Honor & Integrity, Management & Organizations, Smeal College of Business

What’s your role with the Smeal College community?

I hold two positions at Smeal: Director of Honor & Integrity, and Associate Clinical Professor in the Management & Organization department. I love that I get to strike a balance between these roles every day. In my classes, I strive to help others develop various skills related to ethical leadership in an organizational context. Continue reading →

EMBA Spotlight: Elke S. Nelson-Nichols

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Elke S. Nelson-Nichols, EMBA Class of 2019

Email: esn7@psu.edu

Hometown: Southampton, PA

Other Education: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ph.D. in 2011 from theUniversity of Iowa. Biotechnology, B.S., Shippensburg University

Professional Background: ECRI Institute (7 yrs); ESNFit LLC (4 yrs); University of Iowa (5 yrs); Active Interest Media (3 yrs); Whole9 (1.5 yrs); CrossFit Conshohocken (2 yrs) Continue reading →

Executive MBA Graduation Speech

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By Aaron Klein, EMBA Class of 2018

When I look at the group gathered today, it is quite an amazing site.  And what amazes me most is not the faculty, or the administration, or even the 23 members of the graduating class.  What amazes me most is the sacrifice made by the family members, loved ones, and friends who supported all of us through this 21-month long journey.

Words cannot describe the sense of gratitude we feel.  Continue reading →

Our incoming students made NOW the right time to get their MBA

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By Jason A. Stieg, Managing Director, Penn State Smeal Executive MBA Program (2015 – 2018)

This past week, we held a welcome reception for the candidates enrolled to start in the Penn State Smeal Executive MBA program this fall.  The event, held at the home of one of our alumni, was a great way for our new class to come together for the first time.  Continue reading →

Meet 220: Melissa Forsha

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“Meet 220” is a series of posts featuring staff of the Smeal Professional Graduate Programs. “220” refers to the suite of offices within the Business Building where the team is housed.

Melissa Forsha, Administrative Support Coordinator, Professional Graduate Programs

What’s your role with the Smeal PGP office? 

I’m the budget manager for the Professional Graduate Programs. I also serve as office manager and coordinator of the global immersion programs.

What did you do prior to coming to Smeal?  Continue reading →

Meet 220: Brian Cameron

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“Meet 220” is a series of posts featuring staff of the Smeal Professional Graduate Programs. “220” refers to the suite of offices within the Business Building where the team is housed.

Dr. Brian Cameron, PhD. Associate Dean, Professional Graduate Programs

What’s your role with the Smeal PGP office?

I lead the design, development, and management of the evolving portfolio of professional masters programs and graduate certificates within the Smeal College of Business. Continue reading →