SIFE forced me to learn new things and think outside of the box. It turned me into a leader and developed my sense of responsibility and initiative. Getting involved was the key though. It didn’t have to be SIFE, it just had to be something that one could get behind and push. That is one of the things I loved about Anderson University, it gives you options and places to succeed. God blessed me that day when I received the acceptance letter to Anderson University. My life wouldn’t be the same.

- Todd Baden, 2010 graduate, Staff Accountant, Capin Crouse LLP

Dr. Fox, in particular, was always willing to meet and talk with me about my goals and aspirations. He helped keep me focused on my ultimate desires in life. I took the internship programs very seriously and that is what ultimately landed me my position. I couldn’t be happier and love what I do. I grant wishes for a living! I have been working for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana-Indiana Region as a Senior Wish Program Manager for over 5 years now. [Photo: Emily with husband Andrew, a 2004 AU graduate.]

- Emily (Indie) Foreman, 2005 graduate, Senior Wish Program Manager, Make-a-Wish Foundation

My background at AU has really prepared me for this position. This job has allowed me to stretch my Marketing wings and get to work together on a stellar marketing team that continues to push and grow me. With our tour still being so young my Entrepreneurial spirit continues to be fed as I get to be creative in my job and offer new ideas and help cast vision for what this program could look like in future years. I am grateful for the MBA I received at Anderson as my job can be very administrative too while off the road. I feel that my time spent in the Falls School of Business helped prepare me to be a solid candidate for my job, taught me how to present myself professionally, work well in a team setting, and bring God into my work. I am grateful to get to use my business skills in a ministry setting.

- Aaron Smith, 2007 graduate, Tour / Marketing Manager, Christ in Youth

- Lindy Miller, 2004 graduate, Account Executive, Froggy 102.7

- Christi Thompson, MBA grad, Vice President of Salon Operations, Salon 01

Going to class alongside other professionals from diverse fields has enhanced my experience, as it has given me a broader perspective and unique insight into the corporate culture of different companies. Between the challenging curriculum, the valuable networking among peers, and seminars hosted by prominent business professionals, Anderson University has definitely provided the MBA experience that I was seeking.

- Labib Dangol, MBA grad, Accountant, Defense Finance & Accounting Service

- Deanna Dicken, MBA grad, Technical Architect, ADESA

In what ways has the MBA program made a positive impact in your career, what difference has it made to you as an employee/employer?
My boss recently commented that all of his direct reports were MBAs. He coupled that statement with saying we were all business people rather than just IT people. An MBA degree alone won’t advance you. It acts as entry criteria and an opportunity to solve complex problems. What advances you are resolving a series of complex situations that are done well. To do these things well, you need a framework for analyzing those company level situations and making decisions. I gained the framework and beginning experiences in case study and the confidence to attack real-life cases.

What do think sets Anderson apart from other MBA programs, making it a unique and preferred choice of schools for an MBA?
The AU MBA is the only program, at least regionally, that strongly incorporates a Christian view. That view is critical as the professional comes of age as a manager.

- Barry Staldine, MBA grad, Vice President of Information Technology, CNO Financial Group

-Dr. John W. Crane, 2010 DBA grad, marketing manager at Batesville Casket Company and adjunct faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University

- Wayne A. Biddle, 2010 DBA grad, Associate Professor of Business Education at Grove City College

- Kristina Dulin, MBA grad
Vice President-Manager of Financial Audit
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis

My top reason for choosing the Falls School of Business at Anderson University was accreditation. It is apparent that the commitment for accreditation is at the core of the Anderson University program. This is evident in the organized structure they have in place for all of the elements including curriculum, faculty, and the student centric experience.”

- Doug True, CEO, FORUM Credit Union

- Jerry Landers, Vice President of Business Development at Aspire Indiana

I have found that I am a more effective teacher in my finance classes since being exposed to some of the other foundational courses. Overall, I am glad to have completed my doctoral work at Anderson.

- Troy Bethards, 2010 DBA grad, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Southwest Baptist University

The connection I have made with other scholars, both students and faculty, who share this interest continues to enrich my experience as a scholar. The program, though intense at times, gave me an important grounding in the big questions of my discipline. It helped me see how Economics, Marketing, Finance, and Ethics influence the discipline of Management. I am now much better able to integrate these perspectives in my classroom teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.”

- Michael E. Cafferky, 2008 DBA graduate, Professor of Business & Management at Southern Adventist University

My internship while a student at AU opened all kinds of doors for me. Between my junior & senior year I was a tax intern at Ernst & Young in Indy. This not only provided income for me, but also introduced me to the tax world and opened up job opportunities for me at the top accounting firms in the nation.

Also, participating in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) my junior & senior year allowed me to learn the ins and outs of preparing tax returns.

All of my business professors while a student at AU impacted my life educationally, spiritually, and socially. But I would say Cindy Peck was the most influential professor. She demonstrated integrity, professionalism and friendliness in such a way that allowed me to feel totally real with her. She was a great teacher, and somehow made Accounting learnable and enjoyable. Anytime I head back to AU I make sure to find Cindy who is always interested in my life, work & home.

AU, particularly the business department, was like family. The classes were small enough that everyone knew each other and the professors took the time to teach each one of us and would spend extra time with any of us that needed additional help. I never felt like I was a burden to a professor, and I always felt like they not only cared about my education, but cared even more about me as a person and as a child of God.

- Kelli Knisley, 2000 accounting graduate, Rhodes Knisley CPAs

As a result of the opportunities, I left Anderson in May ’09 with nearly 2 years of professional work experience within the life sciences industry. Those internships served as launching point in my career to where now I’m working as Sales Representative for the leading provider of essential, pre-clinical and non-clinical contract research, research models, animal diets, and services to the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, agrochemical, and chemical industries, as well as universities, government, and other research organizations. Not long ago, I was sitting in class. Now, I’m providing world renowned researchers with products crucial to optimizing the discovery and safety of new medicines and compounds. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m integral part in improving patients’ quality of life.

- Andy Brown, 2009 marketing grad

Because of the Falls School of Business, I’ve been able to excel in each position that I’ve held. AU not only prepared me to handle the technical rigors of the job but taught me how to treat people. This combination of skills is a recipe for success in business.

- John Reese, 2003 graduate

Lima is struggling to find its identity. Not only does Lima struggle economically, but it struggles with tension between people groups. As a downtown business owner, a board member of Downtown Lima, Inc, and a member of other downtown organizations, I can help provide optimism, encouragement, and resources to the city as a whole – all of which can result in reconciliation among people groups, new businesses and new jobs. Current examples include mentoring new entrepreneurs, creating fun events to bring people downtown, hosting a downtown neighborhood association, and planning a new business incubator.

I think my independent study of non-profit management with Jerry Fox provided me the greatest benefit. It was combined with a semester in Northern Ireland through CPS. Both experiences provided great groundwork in economic development of depressed areas.
Dr. Jerry Fox was the person in the FSB that influenced my life the most. He listened to all my disconnected ideas and provided good insight, helping me shape my AU experience to best match my goals.

I loved the relationships I was able to develop with my professors while I was at AU. Because they were accessible and involved with student activities, I was able to augment my classroom education with their knowledge and experience. They encouraged me to pursue additional experiences, such as SIFE, semester abroad, independent studies, and campus ministries.

- Scott Powell, 2010 DBA grad and Assistant Professor of Business, Grove City College

-Leticia Medina-Puente, Sourcing Associate, Eli Lilly and Company

Following my three years at Steak n Shake, I was given the opportunity to combine my marketing interests along with my athletic interests (I was previously the Men’s Tennis Coach at IUPUI).

I now am in my fifth year as Assistant Athletic Director/Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Hanover College. It has been very rewarding as I have worked with the staff and student athletes on things such as NCAA compliance initiatives and community service opportunities. I have also taught classes at the college and have recently been approached about expanding those responsibilities. I am very thankful for the AU MBA program as none of this would have been possible.

- Rich Lord, Assistant Athletic Director / Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach, Hanover College

Although that particular opportunity did not work out, I was recently nominated for a Vice President position at Keihin IPT Mfg., Inc, where I have worked for several years. A few weeks ago I was awarded the position, which places me as the responsible associate for the entire plant. I am very humbled by the promotion and thankful for the opportunity. Had it not been for my experience at AU, I believe this opportunity may not have surfaced.

- Kevan Mulherin, vice president at Keihin IPT Mfg., Inc.

I am now living in Louisiana and getting ready to graduate with my MBA this May. I am currently interviewing for account executive positions with several NBA franchises and my experience in that class has set me apart and given me invaluable knowledge that many other candidates do not possess. I am very grateful for my education and experiences from AU.

- Kellie Foltz, 2007 marketing graduate

My major was Accounting and in my third year, I took a class of Intermediate Accounting. I did pretty well on each exam we had, but working a full time schedule, I was not always able to complete all of the assigned homework. As the semester was drawing to a close, I decided it would be a good idea to visit Dr. Falls and discuss what possible grade I might have for the semester. I discussed my exam scores with Dr. Falls and said that I thought I deserved a grade of “B” for the semester. Dr. Falls answered that he always believed to be a successful accountant a person had to have a great deal of “personal discipline”, and if I had this, I would have completed all of the homework assignments. I could not sway him into giving me a “B” for the class, but I have heeded that advice about “personal discipline” ever since he and I had that discussion. It was the “best” advice I ever received in my entire life.

In 1983, I sat for the CPA exam and passed it on my first try, because of my “personal discipline” to study and prepare for the exam. In 1991, I was promoted to the position of General Manager of our company, and I attribute that promotion to the fact that I had been very disciplined in my career in doing my job, and the hard work and perseverance is what enabled me to be qualified for the position. I have never personally thanked Dr. Glenn Falls for this life lesson, but because of him and his practices, I have had a very successful and fulfilling life and career.

As of June 2004, I have been retired from Prairie Farms Dairy on Broadway Street in Anderson. At retirement, I held the position of General Manager, a position I had held since 1991. Proir to that, I had been the Office Manager, Corporate Controller, and Company Treasurer. I began Anderson College in 1960 and had started working at the dairy in June, 1960, a total of 44 years.

- Doug Banning, 1965 accounting graduate, retired from Prairie Farms Dairy

In what ways has the MBA program made a positive impact in your career, what difference has it made to you as an employee/employer?
I did interview for, and was offered, a regional director position for another rehab services/physical therapy company, which I was not in a position to accept for schedule restraints at the time.  However, when the time is again right for my family, I now have the resume/education, in conjunction with my previous leadership/clinical experience, to seek a leadership role in rehab at the manager or director level.

How did the MBA at Anderson impact your life, are there good things at work,home, church or community that you have been able to accomplish as a result ofyour experience and education here?
From a business application standpoint, I was able to assist my brother in the building of a business plan, recognize and alert my leaders about competitor strategy, and provide customer service surveying/feedback/goal setting for my husband’s business…just to name a few.  Over-all, I feel my improved leadership communication skills have also helped me be a more effective volunteer and church peer.

What do think sets Anderson apart from other MBA programs, making it a unique and preferred choice of schools for an MBA?
I experienced a real sense of respect for the individual.  The human aspect of being a leader was not dissected away from the nuts and bolts of business education.  I believe many schools can teach you finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy, but I walked away from Anderson University with all that…and the ability to see past the operations of a business to the people that make it work.

- Marci Curtis,  CWS, PT,  MBA, Outpatient Physical Therapist, ST. Vincent Health

The school’s ACBSP accreditation provided assurance of talented faculty and strenuous academic standards. Moreover, having studied at both private and state universities, I desired to further my education at a private institution.

From my experience, private teaching institutions with smaller faculty to student ratios provide a far more enriching education. Thus, the Falls School of Business provided the challenging and enriching environment desired in an MBA program.

- Eric Lindley, Assistant VP and Trust Administrator, Old National Wealth Management

Through my success in this role, I was able to secure an internship with one of SIFE’s sponsor companies, The Dannon Company. My job was to research a new product that the company was considering implementing and present my findings to senior management within the company. AU’s emphasis on a liberal arts education really benefited me in my work.

At AU, I was able to pursue two of my passions; business and the French language. I worked with business partners in France and was able to use my French language skills to aid in the research part of my internship project. My previous experiences with SIFE as well as my classwork at Anderson University definitely prepared me to step up to the challenges of my internship. Immediately following the ten week internship, I was offered a position in sales with the company. Now, I am able to take the values of AU into a dynamic workplace.

1) The professors are great role-models of upstanding, honest, and successful business people. More importantly, they don’t put themselves on a pedestal. They are more like mentors who teach something that they are passionate about. They equate your success with their success. In particular, Professors Jerry Fox and Deidra Colvin have been people I look up to in this aspect.

2) I call the FSB “The Land of Opportunity”. I was involved with SIFE on many levels, and wrote for AMG my senior year. They have both been beneficial to where I’m at now. It’s there for the taking, all you have to do is make yourself available.

3) As a result of my experience with the FSB I decided to apply to the RMBA, which is what I’m currently doing.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the experience I’ve had with the FSB. It is irreplaceable, the diploma was just a bonus.

Learn more about Shane’s experience at the Falls School of Business [PDF].

David Hagenbuch, Professor at Messiah College

- Kerianne Roper, Professor at Oklahoma Christian College

The best thing for me about the Falls School of Business was my advisor/instructor, Cindy Peck. I take great pride in being the best instructor/advisor possible and many of my current advising and classroom styles are similar to Cindy’s. Cindy was a great advisor and someone I felt very comfortable around to discuss classroom work, career opportunities, or any topic for that matter. Some of her best qualities, which I try to incorporate in my position, were being very reliable, trustworthy, and offering a classroom that was challenging yet fair and consistent. I found her insight invaluable and still call upon her at least once a semester about various topics or simply to catch up.

During the 2007 tax season, I started VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) at the Muncie Ivy-Tech campus for the first time. The late Dr. Osh ElNaggar introduced me and my accounting peers to this program and it stuck with me. This program provided a low stress hands on experience as well as a way to give back to the community by preparing tax returns for the low income and elderly for free. I felt this was a vital learning experience and wanted my accounting students to have this experience. The volunteers had the opportunity to prepare real tax returns without the pressure from a busy CPA office during tax season.

I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to attend AU and I know that I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without it. If I could give a few pieces of advice upon looking back: Enjoy college, engage in as many social activities as possible, only be in your dorm room to study and sleep, get to know as many faculty members as possible, and strive to really learn all you can instead of just memorizing text for exams.

- Kevin Veneskey, Accounting Program Chair at Ivy Tech Community College, Region Six

Today, I am fulfilling my dream of helping young college students by serving as Assistant Director of the Luckyday Program, a First Year Experience Program, at the University of Mississippi. I have the unique opportunity of helping incoming freshman get a positive foundation during their freshman year that will carry them to graduation and beyond.

Senora Miller Logan, Assistant Director, Luckyday Success Program at the University of Mississippi

Fortunately, I had two professors at Anderson University that influenced my life and my decision of becoming a Private Contractor. Professors Emmett Dulaney and Greg Heberling had a huge impact on my life. I always knew that I wanted to run a business of my own, but I would have never dreamed it come so soon. Both Emmett and Greg taught an upper-level Entrepreneurship class that changed my view of owning a business. It was amazing to hear professors talk about how they have won some and lost some. They were very knowledgeable about the subject matter and made sure we knew that owning a business would NOT come easy, but if you worked hard it could come.

The thing I loved about Anderson University was the way every professor could use their real life experiences in teaching their courses. They were able to help the students understand the material by using real life examples. Some students, including myself, struggled to learn through textbook learning, but the professors were able to make the experience easier by using concrete examples that helped them through their struggles.

- Eric Gray, Private Contractor at FedEx Home Delivery

The references I’ve gained within the FSB have helped me to obtain and succeed in leadership positions within other organizations on campus. Coming into the fall, I am both the Personnel Manager for Mocha Joe’s and the Marketing Director for Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project; what I have learned through my classes, through SIFE, and through personal interactions with my professors, has prepared me to succeed. I look forward to what the next two years will add to my skill set and my resume, as I am certain it will contribute much to both.

- Heather Jo Douglas, junior, marketing

– Karen Leonard, managerial accountant, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

– Marci Curtis, physical therapist, St.Vincent Health System

– David Tabb, distribution supervisor, Gander Mountain