A strong and vibrant alumni network is imperative to the continued growth and success of any university. Within George Mason University, a handful of our alumni are taking the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom and using them as an opportunity to give back to their alma mater – through a variety of career leadership positions across the university.
Armed with astute business acumen, professional experiences, and a deep connection with the university, these employees are on the front lines of the battle to grow our university in a highly competitive market. Their success is empowered by way they live the values of George Mason University – a commitment to putting students first, a tradition of innovation, careful stewardship of our resources, an emphasis on thriving together, strength through diversity, freedom of thought and expression, and integrity.
Get to know them here and be sure to say “hello” when you encounter them on one of our campuses:
Name/Current Title: Sarah D’Alexander, Sustainability Program Manager, Patriot Green Fund
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Sustainability Program Manager, Patriot Green Fund
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
Being able to complete my MBA, while working full time at George Mason, has been an incredible opportunity that will be transformative for my career in sustainability. After each class, I found that I was able to increasingly apply what I was learning in the program to my current professional role. From strategic planning and project management to ethical decision-making and stakeholder engagement, the program has empowered me to lead with purpose and given me the tools to drive sustainable change within organizations. Through the coursework, real-world case studies, and global residency, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the economic, environmental, and social factors in shaping a sustainable future. I look forward to using my new skill set to make meaningful and lasting change for people and the planet.
Name/Current Title: Charlie Spann, Interim CIO
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Deputy CIO
How has the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
The MBA program has provided me with a thorough background in business which helps me communicate with the business leaders in my organization. I have gained credibility in being able to explain IT in financial terms to university leadership.
Name/Current Title: Camden Eppert, Head Assistant Wrestling Coach
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Head Assistant Wrestling Coach
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
The skills I have learned in the MBA program, such as leadership, strategic thinking, financial analysis, and many others are skills that have helped in my current career. The experience of completing my MBA have helped give me the confidence and credibility to take on new challenges and advance in my career. I feel confident that I can step away from my current career and pursue whatever comes my way because of this amazing MBA program at Mason.
Name/Current Title: Vinay Dhanaraj, Senior Budget Analyst, Office of Strategic Budgeting and Planning
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Resource Management Assistant, School of Business
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
The MBA has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my life. Leveraging the skills and relationships gained throughout the program, I have been able to advance my career before walking across the stage. Grateful and fortunate to work for an employer that offers and encourages such an impactful degree.
Name/Current Title: Kaleb Lewis, Director of Career Services, School of Business
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Associate Director of Career Services, School of Business
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
Completing my MBA while working at George Mason University allowed me to better serve in my role as the Director of Career Services when working with undergraduate and graduate School of Business students. I was able to relate to them more when providing career advice by speaking the same language as them. In addition, my MBA has allowed me to look at our office operations through a new lens, identifying new areas for growth, improved processes, and better strategic leadership.
Name/Current Title: Kevin Connor, Interim Director of Graduate Enrollment, School of Business
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Graduate Admission Counselor, School of Business
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
Deciding to do the MBA program has been the most impactful decision of my professional life. It has made me a more intelligent decision maker, confident public speaker, and thoughtful team leader. While in the program, I was able to get two different promotions and since graduating have received another. Of all our employee benefits at George Mason, the tuition benefit has the most immediate return. It costs nothing but time to invest into yourself, and there is no requirement to pay back the benefit if you choose to apply your new knowledge and education to a job outside of the University. Also, by being both a student and an employee, you really feel like a part of the University, especially if you have no other affiliation. It helps to see the university from every angle, not just an employee-facing one.
Name/Current Title: John Tyree, Consultant, University Business Consulting
Job Title/Company when starting the MBA program: Information Technology Manager
How has completing the MBA program impacted your career, and why would it be a beneficial experience for others?
Completing my MBA has had a very positive impact on my career. I am able to use the business skills I learned to approach challenges from a higher strategic level. In the MBA program we often analyzed case studies to learn to identify deficiencies in processes. This practice allows me to think through process improvements in a very analytical way. In addition, I completed the Business Analytics graduate certificate in parallel to my MBA. The program made this easily possible through accessible data analytics course offerings and a very clear path to achieving both. The analytics skills I gained have served me well in my role as a Consultant for the university. I have been able to use my skills to conduct various analyses and visualizations to impact change for departments across the university.
If you are interested in learning more about how a Mason MBA can help advance your career with the university, submit a request for information here.