Opening New Doors

The C. T. Bauer College of Business Office of Graduate and Professional Programs recently welcomed prospective students eager to connect, share insights and take the next step in their professional journeys during the Executive MBA Open House, an event designed to highlight opportunities and address challenges associated with pursuing higher education. 

“A Bauer MBA can be a powerful tool for opening new doors,” said Lenay Johnson, executive director of graduate recruitment and admissions. “Whether you're looking to change careers, advance in your current field, or increase your earning potential, a Bauer MBA can help you achieve your next professional goal.” 

The day kicked off with networking and coffee, followed by a visit to The Houston Club, where Associate Dean of Research and Bauer Marketing Professor Vanessa Patrick discussed her latest book, “The Power of Saying No.” 

Patrick’s book is a practical guide to empowered refusal — a science-backed approach to saying no without guilt or conflict, and she shared this valuable skill for aspiring leaders seeking to elevate their careers with confidence and clarity with prospective Bauer graduate students in her talk. 

Patrick wasn’t the only Bauer faculty member to share insights. The afternoon featured a sample class led by Professor of Practice Gordon D. Smith, offering attendees a firsthand look at the type of coursework they can expect in the EMBA program. 

A seasoned supply chain professional who joined Bauer College in 2009, Smith brought real-world experience and a hands-on approach to the session — plus a few sweet treats. Using a Hershey’s chocolate bar as an example, he guided participants through the complexities of global logistics, discussing the challenges and solutions executives face in modern supply chains. He also explored a Harvard Business School Case study on Kristen's Cookie Company. 

“Whether you are running a cookie company or you're running a military operation, strategic thinking is something you need to do well,” said Anthony Cooper, a U.S. Army veteran and EMBA candidate beginning the program this fall. 

“Dr. Smith’s class was great,” Cooper added. “He was able to show us the big picture and then narrow it down in a way that made sense for someone like me, who works in a more tactical part of the supply chain in the renewable energy sector.” 

Later, Financial Aid Manager Karina Galvan led a session on financing an EMBA, providing practical strategies for covering the cost of the degree. 

“Whether it’s through federal aid, scholarships, loans or grants, there are several options available to help students fund their education,” Galvan said. “We also work with veterans to help navigate government support, and we offer tools to help students build value propositions they can present to their employers.” 

The day concluded with a networking happy hour, giving prospective students the chance to connect with faculty, alumni, and each other — a key component of the EMBA experience. 

“My new employer was actually my EMBA classmate,” said Olga Goronok (EMBA ’15.) “It’s an amazing network of people — a safe space to test ideas, solve problems and try new things without fear of failure. The relationships you build in the program last long after graduation.”