Mays MasterCast

This episode of MasterCast Students Only, features Mays Business School’s Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) students from the Class of ’23: Kendall Kelley, Technology Track; Meredith Senterfitt, Marketing Track; Ian Wyman, Tax Track; and Jonathan Zendejas, Finance Track. Students discuss what made them choose to continue beyond a bachelor’s degree with PPA and why they chose their track. They also discuss their internships, plans after graduation and their favorite places to eat in Aggieland! Professional Program In Accounting (PPA) The Professional Program is a five-year integrated program that offers students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, Management Information Systems, Management or Marketing or a Master of Financial Management.

Julie Orzabal, Director, Mays Executive MBA Program, is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Sociology. She joined Mays Business School in 1997 to launch the Mays Executive MBA Program. She assumed the role of Director in 2004 and has since seen the Mays Executive MBA Program achieve global ranking and recognition success with a strong and dedicated alumni network. Descriptions: In this episode of MasterCast, Julie Orzabal, Director of the Mays Executive MBA Program, discusses the program's target audience, admissions process, and curriculum. She also talks about the Aggie Network and how it can help students achieve their career goals. The Mays Executive MBA Program is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of work experience and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with classes held both online and on campus. The curriculum covers a wide range of business topics, including finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership. The program has a strong alumni network, which can help students with networking and job placement. Julie Orzabal is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in sociology. She joined Mays Business School in 1997 to launch the Mays Executive MBA program and assumed the role of director in 2004.

Jabot’ Colvin, Assistant Director of Employer Services at Mays Career Management Center, discusses the role of the Career Management Center, the services it provides, and the benefits it offers to students. The Career Management Center is a resource for all students at Mays Business School who are looking for internships, jobs, or career advice from finding internships to networking opportunities. The center offers a variety of services and resources that can help students achieve their career goals. Bio: Jabot’ Colvin joined Texas A&M University in January 2020 as the Assistant Director of Employer Services for the Mays Business School’s Career Management Center with over 8 years of hands-on experience in public management and nonprofits. Previously, he served as the executive director of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. Jabot’ earned a Master of Public Administration degree from The Bush School of Government and Public Service and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University.

Lisa Burton, Director of the M.S. Marketing Program, once was a student in this program herself. On this episode of MasterCast, she reveals insights on what they look for in a student applying into the program, as well as what they don’t look for. An example of an interview question that they ask applicants of the program is even revealed. This demanding program provides these students with the unique opportunity to interact with owners of companies, founders, and senior executives, while making lasting differences in their companies. She has been a key player in many initiatives at Mays Business School, as well as playing a big role in the development of the Mays Career rental closet. As Burton has been a student of this program herself, she truly knows the good that it can do for an individual and loves seeing these students flourish. Bio: Hailing originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Lisa Burton has called Texas home for more than 35 years. Lisa is the Director of the M.S. Marketing Program at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. In her former role as Associate Director of Employment Services for the Texas A&M University Career Center, she coached students to grow professionally and network effectively. Prior to working at Texas A&M University, Lisa had a successful career in sales and marketing in the retail, special event and nonprofit areas. Lisa earned her B.F.A. in Radio-TV-Film from Sam Houston State University and her M.S. Marketing degree from Texas A&M University.

Description: Casey Kyllonen, Director of the Professional Program of Accounting (PPA), went from being a student of this exceptional program to now leading it as the Director. In this week's episode, Casey gives advice to students considering the program and provides some insights on what they look for in an applicant. She also touches on some misconceptions of the program, like that it is not only for those pursuing accounting jobs after graduation. She desires to make a huge impact on student’s lives through this program, and this is clearly seen as her positive and dynamic personality shines through her voice. In addition, she notes on the unwavering support she receives from Mays and what initially drew her to the business school. Bio: Originally from Richardson, TX, Casey Kyllonen received her BBA in Accounting and MS in Marketing in 2008. Casey returned to Mays Business School in May 2010 to be Senior Academic Advisor for the Professional Program. She advised students from Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) on careers and courses, worked as a liaison between the students and the firms, and helped teach the Professional Development Seminar course. Since September 2022, she has held the position as Director of PPA. Prior to returning to Texas A&M University, Casey received her CPA license and worked at the Dallas office of EY in audit and assurance business services.

Mays Business School’s Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS) students Girija Laxmi Iyer, Saniya Farahath, Sachin Jose Varghese, and Saurabh Dawkhar, appear on this episode of MasterCast: Students Only. These students analyze key differences in the pace and new challenges that they face compared to the classes they had back home in India. They provide insight on the most important qualities to have when going into this Masters program, and how they can push a student further to succeed. They also discuss what surprised them about coming to Texas A&M and different events the department holds for the students. Listen to this week's episode to hear about the ins and outs of a student's life in the MS-MIS program. Mays Business School’s Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS) program is a rigorous degree program offering a number of unique features and benefits:

Olivia Morrison, Assistant Director of the Executive MBA Program, went from working front desk to being an advisor overnight. On this episode of MasterCast, Olivia examines the Executive MBA program that is based in the city center campus in Houston, Texas, and what the typical cohorts consist of. This program is designed to allow full time workers to simultaneously be full time students through Texas A&M. This might seem overwhelming, however, the program is very flexible with each student's unique needs. She also explains how stepping into a job that you might not believe you are qualified for, can help you grow in confidence and allow you to stretch your abilities. She also touches on what it is like to adjust coming from the small college in Dayton, Tennessee, all the way to the large campus of Texas A&M. Bio: Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Olivia Morrison joined Mays Business School in August 2018 as an administrative coordinator in the Graduate Programs Office. In the summer of 2019, she transitioned to the Assistant Program Director role for the Executive MBA program. Holding both a bachelor’s in business & an MBA from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, Olivia is passionate about business higher education and supporting students as they work to achieve their academic goals and realize all the opportunities that an MBA from Texas A&M can afford them.

Director of the Master of Science in Analytics, Myra Gonzalez, is also an active community leader and possesses a fervent interest in the future of technology. She has also been an obliging mentor for many students while working at Texas A&M for over 20 years. She has done extensive outreach to high school students and created pipelines from areas that had never sent students to Texas A&M before. She centers her program around the students needs and enjoys watching her students go from having little knowledge in data, into flourishing digital leaders. Bio: Myra Gonzalez is an Aggie from Houston, Texas and the current Director of MS Analytics Program at Mays Business School. She is an accomplished higher educational professional with undergraduate and graduate admission experience. Gonzalez has a passion for life-long learning and understands that higher education is one pathway to improve oneself and the community we live in. Since 2002 she has served as advisor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Texas A&M University. She has also served on various committees in the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Demetria Kelley, Assistant Program Director of MS Business at Mays Business School, understands that everyone can be successful with the proper support and encouragement. This is seen as she dives into how she is heavily involved in supporting campus events and the unique experiences that they offer students. These events include the TXGap Summer Institute as well as the Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference, and what opportunities that these students are offered. Kelley also shares insightful advice on what is required for the MS Business program and what can give that extra push. Bio: Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Demetria Kelley moved to Texas in 2005, starting her career with the university in 2010 as an Administrative Assistant for the Registrar’s Office then moved to College of Architecture as an Administrative Coordinator/Graduate Advisor. Now as the Assistant Program Director of MS Business at Mays Business School, Kelley has found her calling in higher education. Involved in TXGap Summer Institute, University Advisory Group, and The Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference, Kelley continues to leave her mark on the university.

Full-Time MBA students and Mays MBA Association (MBAA) members, Connor Reyer (MBAA President), Shrey Bajaj (former MBAA President), Erin Evans, and TJ Daly, appear on the first episode of MasterCast: Students Only. As full-time MBA students as well as serving on the MBAA student board, they have countless amounts of insights that they dive in on. They explain the day-to-day of being in their program, as well as how to fit free time into your busy schedule and how the MBA Association has pushed them further to reaching their career goals. These students exemplify the spirit and work ethic that every student requires in this program, and give advice for those who hope to apply in the future. The MBA Association (MBAA) supports academic engagement and professional development throughout the year to foster continuous growth. This group also sponsors networking events, including trivia contests, happy hours, bowling, tailgate parties, and a number of annual events – MBA Follies, Brisket Bowl, and The Big Event. “MasterCast: Students Only” brings in 3 to 4 Masters students answering pre-written questions about what it’s like to be a masters student at Mays Business School.

Sarah Jaks, Associate Director for the Full-Time MBA Program at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, is set on staying authentic throughout every aspect of life, whether work, volunteer activities, or being with friends and family. Jaks dives into her journey into student affairs and how her authentic leadership style allows her to thrive in her role. Additionally, she shares what sets Mays Business School’s Full-Time MBA Program apart and how students transform during their time in the program. Bio: Sarah Jaks serves as the Associate Director for the Full-Time MBA Program at Mays Business School. She oversees the development, administration, and implementation of programs and services to provide a supportive educational environment for students in the MBA Program. She came to Texas A&M for her Masters’ degree in 2009 and has since earned her PhD from Texas A&M in 2020. Prior to joining Mays in 2017, Sarah worked for 8 years in the Department of Student Life.

Serving as Dean of Mays Business School, Interim Provost, Executive VP, and CFO at Texas A&M, Jerry Strawser is no stranger when it comes to the ins and outs of this university. He has served on the academic and administrative sides, and deep dives into his countless responsibilities he has had the opportunity to obtain. Whether that be allocating money or even making high stake decisions for the students and faculty, Strawser handles his positions with efficiency and pride. He has always been keen on the Master’s program at Mays Business School, and explains what key factors pull students into College Station. Strawser’s passion for this university and student body cannot be contained, as he discusses what makes Texas A&M such a special school to be a part of. Bio: Jerry Strawser received his BBA, MS, and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and has served at Texas A&M University since 2001, holding positions of Dean of Mays Business School, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and currently KPMG Chair of Accounting and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Prior to Texas A&M, served on faculty at University of Houston, Louisiana State University, and had professional experience with Deloitte and Arthur Andersen.

From being the President of the Academy of Management to the countless awards for research and service he has received, Dr. Duane Ireland has proven himself to be a distinguished professor here at Mays Business School. He dives into his experience as the Editor of the Academy of Management Journal, and the devotion that is essential when possessing this honorable position. He also discusses encouraging entrepreneurship, as well as why his family plays just as much of a vital role in his career decisions as he does. Dr. Ireland stands by the importance of continual learning, as every experience can be viewed as a valuable learning opportunity. Bio: Dr. R. Duane Ireland completed his PhD at Texas Tech University in 1977 and started his career at Oklahoma State University. After six years, he and his wife then spent 17 years at Baylor University followed by four years at the University of Richmond prior to moving to Texas A&M University in July of 2004. He has been honored to serve as the editor of the Academy of Management Journal and as president of the Academy of Management. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Management and of the Strategic Management Society. He is a University Distinguished Professor and the holder of the Benton Cocanougher Chair in Business. He has received multiple awards for research and service contributions from Mays, Texas A&M University, and various societies. Chapters: 0:19: NFL’s $15M Man Story 1:26: Education & Start of Career 3:24: Innovation Research 6:38: Empowering Entrepreneurship 10:58: Academic Journey 14:00: Family Decisions 16:10: A Love For Running 21:06: Editor of AMJ 24:50: Active Learning 29:43: Aggie Core Values 33:35: Good Bull

Julie Hartman and Susan Repka, co-founders of B2GVictory, were determined to create something meaningful in their careers. They are driven entrepreneurs whose passion about supporting growing small businesses is hard to go unnoticed. While getting her MBA at Texas A&M, Hartman explains the many influences that Mays has had on the creation of her company. Hartman and Repka dive into the twists and turns of their career journeys, and how you can never expect what might come next. Bio: Julie Hartman is an award-winning communication and marketing professional with more than 25 years of experience in corporate marketing and internal communications. Her real estate marketing portfolio includes master developers, architects, construction companies, commercial and multi-family projects. Susan Repka has over 20 years of working with small businesses to grow their capacity, through education, connections, resources and networking. Her focus since 2018 has been assisting small businesses with government contracting opportunities. Chapters: 0:23 How Julie and Susan Met 2:42 Creation of B2GVictory 5:58 Source of Their Passion 9:20 Day To Day Operations 14:24 Supporting Small Businesses 16:33 Julie Hartman’s Journey 19:43 Susan Repka’s Journey 20:53 Mays connection to B2GVictory 23:17 Career Changes 26:30 Next For B2GVictory 29:34 Good Bull

Retired Navy SEAL and now Rmada United Founder and Managing Partner, Jason Hitchcock shares with Ben his life as a SEAL, the wonders of Mays’ MBA Program, and the obstacles he has had to overcome to get to where he is now. By being faithful, trusting the network, and learning how to become a good leader and better follower, Hitchcock is determined to make a difference. With his experience and extravagant background, Hitchcock is already changing the world for the next generation. Chapters: 0:25 27 Years as a Navy SEAL 4:36 Retirement & Career Goals 8:03 Rmada United 10:00 Leading Well, Following Better 11:40 Necessity of MBA 14:00 MBA Meets Rmada 17:08 Startup Struggles 20:15 Innovation and Missions 24:12 Stigmas 26:18 What’s Next and Good Bull

Dr. Mac has been with the university for 42 years (A-Whoop)! During his time in College Station, he has learned from, grown with, and shaped the lives of hundreds of students from all sorts of backgrounds. Dr. Mac lives a faith-centered life and continues to impact the “special” students on campus. From being the faculty advisor for numerous student organizations to leading the Marketing study abroad, Dr. Mac has been intentional with his time here at Texas A&M, and we are glad he shares the best snippets of his life on Mays MasterCast. Chapters: 0:30 42 years of Texas A&M University 3:35 Student Organizations 5:09 A Faith-Centered Life 11:22 Teaching 15:10 Dr. Mac’s Advice to Young Executives & Academia 18:57 Interactions with Former Students 24:47 Students & Faith 29:35 Having the Tough Conversations 31:50 Study Abroad 35:20 Good Bull

South Carolina native and Clemson graduate, Sarah Stuber has a knack for being on a college campus. From her time spent traveling for jobs to traveling with her retired military husband, Stuber has always found herself in pursuit of a career with a university. Her cross-country travel has finally led her to the greatest place on Earth, Aggieland, where she gets to teach and further her insurance and banking research. Blue Bell Ice Cream and the current students on campus seemed to hook and reel Stuber in, and she would not have it any other way. Stuber challenges work/ life balances and their stigmas, and learns the importance of making things work for her and her family. We learn about Stuber’s current research and how she is continuing to make real impacts in the lives of students and in her Aggie community. Chapters: 0:20 The Most Interesting Thing About Sarah 2:20 The Beginning of the Journey 6:35 North Dakota 10:36 Michigan 11:48 Statistically Significant 15:12 Success with Publication 16:20 Ice Cream and Texas 19:12 Student Caliber and Continuing Publication 22:09 Shaped by Dissertation 24:08 Disagreements on Work/Life Balance and Gender Differences 27:07 Current Research 30:39 Good Bull

As the Lead Development Officer for Mays Business School, True Brown shares his insights on various ways to give back to the university and its thriving students. As Brown believes it, Aggies helping other Aggies is not a strange concept and at the start of his journey, he wanted to know the why and how that came to be. Brown teaches us the importance and impact of different ways to give back in professional, educational, and personal ways. This long-time Aggie showcases what it means to withhold the Aggie Core Values far after graduation and Brown continues to serve his community each and every day. Chapters: 0:30 Post Graduation & Non-Profits 1:31 Philanthropy 3:32 Then vs. Now - Students 4:37 Major Gifts, Endowments, and Philanthropy at Large 8:03 Life as a Long-Time Aggie 13:54 Work and Life Balance 15:50 Selfless Service outside of Work - Kairos 22:03 Business Education Complex and the Long-term Future of Texas A&M 25:31 Real Good Bull

From Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University - Commerce, and Texas University, Isaac Munoz has finally followed his heart to join the Texas A&M family. Munoz is the Associate Vice President of Marketing, Strategy, and Insights at Texas A&M University. Originally starting in analytics, Munoz has journeyed to strategy and insights to break down a consumer's decision-making. Munoz discusses how his many ventures in his life thus far have prepared him to understand the “why” in consumer marketing and insights. From continuous learning to making informed decisions, Munoz shares his knowledge on how to market best, and what he can do for his Texas A&M community. Chapters: 0:22: Munoz’s role at Texas A&M University 5:53: Sports and media 9:15: TU (Texas University) to TAMU (Texas A&M University) 11:40: The prep time 15:48: Continuous learning 17:00: Marketing and its creativity in campaigns & case studies 24:20: Customer insights & research 29:24: Ready to launch 32:17: What’s now & what’s next

Growing up in Lima, Peru, Ximena Garcia-Rada has traveled across the world in pursuit of better education. From Ph.D. life at Harvard to new motherhood, and now an Assistant Professor role at Texas A&M, she has had to embrace the various cultures, the many life lessons, and the different types of growth in order to thrive. Garcia-Rada expels her knowledge and unique finds in her specific type of research, consumer behavior and caregiving. In her research, she discovered that caregivers tend to feel guilty if choosing to use something, whether that be a new tool or technology, to make their lives easier. They feel that by not putting in enough effort, they are not doing their job. Garcia-Rada dives deep into this topic during this episode of #MasterCast. Now researching and teaching at Mays, she encourages her students to be consistently inquisitive, just as she is, and to keep on growing in this “Academic Unicorn.” Chapters: 0:29: Undergraduate to PhD journey 4:36: The struggles 8:51: Research vs. Me-Search 13:13: Exciting Finds 16:06: At Mays 19:30: First jobs and careers 21:03: Teaching consumer behavior 25:55: What students need to know