Student and Alumni Successes

What is one word that describes you, the program and your future?

Inspirational

What does Go West mean to you?

Go West means:

• convenient for professionals to obtain higher education
• supportive staff and faculty
• effective communication and informative
• efficient use of technology

Why did you choose the Richards College of Business at UWG to receive your online MBA?

I chose the Richards College of Business at UWG because the staff was extremely helpful in the admissions process. I was advised step by step and ensured I was comfortable with my decision. They were extremely informative when answering my questions.

Where do you see yourself when you are done with your MBA?

Currently, I am an USG employee so I plan to utilize this degree to advance my career growth within the finance and accounting units of the system.

What is one word that describes you, the program and your future?

Motivating

What does Go West mean to you?

To me, "Go West" means a sense of pride. Pride in a school that cares about its students, employees and community. A school that wants everyone to succeed. Going west is a way of life, one that leads to bigger and brighter opportunities. Go West, Go Wolves!

Why did you choose the Richards College of Business at UWG to receive your online MBA?

Prior to enrolling in the WebMBA, I had the pleasure of working with several faculty and staff in the Richards College of Business and knew they were top notch. In addition, as a proud employee of the University of West Georgia, I also knew that I wanted to be an alum of this great school. So, when I was ready to pursue my MBA, I knew there was only one place for me and that was going west to the Richards College of Business at the University of West Georgia.

Where do you see yourself when you are done with your MBA?

The skills and knowledge I acquired through the Web MBA program have proven invaluable and have allowed me to apply the course work to real word situations. These experiences have given my more credibility in my current position and will hopeful open new opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.

What is one word that describes you, the program and your future?

Tenacious

What does Go West mean to you?

To me, "Go West" means to go take advantage of a better opportunity. I attended UWG for undergrad and obtained my BBA in Accounting. Not only was I pleased with the education that I received from the Richards College of Business, but I was prepared for entering the workforce. I graduate with confidence in myself - my knowledge, skills, and abilities - and knowing my worth. This confidence helped me with my interview, obtaining an auditing position, and excelling in my career.

Why did you choose the Richards College of Business at UWG to receive your online MBA?

The decision to attend UWG for the Web MBA Master's degree program was very simple. I was impressed by the hands on approach to learning from the professors, although classes took place virtually. Additionally, I was impressed by the range of topics covered in the program, all of which would enhance my professional position with my employer.

Where do you see yourself when you are done with your MBA?

Upon completion of the WebMBA program, I envision that I would be promoted in my company from Senior Auditor to Lead Auditor. I will also pursue entrepreneurial endeavors that would allow me the opportunity to create a legacy for my family and community. I am so glad of my decision to attend UWG. I would suggest to any student in search of a great education and preparation for a successful career to "Go West". I can now say that I "Went West", and there's no stopping me now.

What does "Go West" mean to you?

Go West means expanding horizons and blazing new trails. It means pursuing new experiences, embracing diversity and facing challenges. It promotes taking risks, getting out of comfort zones, doing things differently so that one may learn and grow.

Why did you choose Richards College of Business at UWG to receive your WebMBA?

UWG and the Richards College of Business came highly recommended in several publications related to graduate programs. Richards College of Business garners very high marks in student satisfaction, flexibility, staff competency and affordability. I also noted that the strength of the alumni network was formidable. The staff was extremely accommodating and supportive and I felt their personalities, attitudes and focus on students and academics were a reflection of the school as well as the program.

Where do you see yourself when you are done with your WebMBA?

I graduate in April of 2014 at the conclusion of the Spring 2014 semester. I realized the benefit of my MBA before graduating as I was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President, Growth Platforms - AT&T Business Solutions. This promotion would not have been possible without the MBA I am receiving from UWG Richards College of Business. The MBA also directly impacted the decision by the AT&T executive leadership team to select me to participate in the 2014 class of AT&T exclusive General Manager Accelerated Development Program (GM ADP). This robust opportunity, which is reserved for fewer than 40 general managers (out of the population of 7,000 GMs) across AT&T each year, includes development activities across three broad areas: Education, Experience, and Exposure. The MBA and the experience of the program have prepared me for an entirely new dimension in my career. I am a more skilled manager, a more effective leader and a much better business person (Financial acumen, decision analysis strategy, etc.). I see myself now equipped with the necessary tools and experiences to continue to evolve as a leader within AT&T and to develop my people and reach for executive roles with higher levels of exposure and responsibility.

University of West Georgia Richards College of Business Economics Chair and Professor William. J. “Joey” Smith has been teaching economics at UWG for 12 years. He’s also made a career of providing economic information to the community that affects their lives every day. But that career began simply as a class that Smith took just for fun.

“I was a biology major, initially, but was taking classes in philosophy and economics because of a personal interest,” Smith said. “Before I knew it, I was graduating with a degree in both economics and philosophy.”

However, after Smith discovered his job options were limited due to the early 1990s recession, he then decided to pursue a graduate degree in economics.

“In graduate school, I worked as a graduate research assistant and eventually was hired as a researcher for a newly formed research group called the Fiscal Research Center,” Smith said. “This is where I got a lot of my experience working on estimating economic impacts or tax impacts for state government and private entities.”

Smith worked as a research assistant for 11 years, and in 2006 was promoted from a research assistant to a senior research associate. In this position, he started out working on other peoples’ projects, then moved on to developing and executing his own projects, working directly with members of the Georgia State Legislature.

“In fact, I still do this type of work today,” Smith said. “In 2006, I returned to teach at UWG as an assistant professor and became the first director at the UWG Center for Business and Economic Research, which organizes the annual Economic Forecasting Breakfast, Quarterly Updates, and other local and state publications.”

The Breakfast went from featuring one local speaker, to having various national and regional speakers. The event’s attendance has since skyrocketed, and tickets now sell out weeks in advance.

“We have attracted a wider audience, and in doing so, we have increased the demand for economic information in the community,” Smith said. “In 2010, we expanded to four issues [of the Quarterly Update] a year, instead of the single issue at the breakfast.”

The main reason for expanding was to cover specific industries, policies and changes in the economy that affect the west Georgia region. Currently, the Economics Department circulates a Quarterly Update to about 800 people by direct email. Smith says the team is committed to community engagement through these activities because more information improves decisions and, as a result, people’s lives.

“We also get requests regularly from local community leaders for even more information, and we continue to do our best to provide help whenever we can,” Smith said. “In fact, I continue to field questions from community members and give talks eight to 10 times per year to civic organizations and industry groups.”

Smith did not set out to become a professor when he earned his degrees. But with a mind open to new experiences, and after working in the research field for more than 10 years, he decided it was time for a change.

“To me, the most rewarding thing about teaching is seeing the clouds part for a student who is struggling with a concept, theory or problem, seeing them figure it out, not just me telling them something, but actually discovering something for themselves,” Smith said. “There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment in that, and I selfishly love sharing in that process.”

Despite his full-time position as a UWG employee and his economic research, Smith still manages to have the time to work on projects and collaborate with fellow professors.

Smith is currently working on a project with Dr. Lisa Gezon, Department of Anthropology professor and chair, Dr. Heather Bono, Department of Economics lecturer, and Macy Walker, a former economics student, in attempting to measure the impact of the Carrollton Greenbelt on a variety of housing market variables.

“We are looking at changes in price, changes in time-on-the-market, and changes in construction activity around the Greenbelt to examine how this new amenity has affected the area,” Smith said. “We have submitted one paper for review and are in the process of collecting and examining sales data for another, but hope to have results soon.

Another project Smith participated in was spearheaded by Economics Professor Dr. Hilde Patron. The project involved developing a classroom activity that used student-produced animations to learn and teach economics.

Smith is continuing his research journey with Dr. Patron, and is currently working on briefs for the Georgia State Senate.

“So far, we have provided Senate leadership with estimates and suggestions for continued refinement of the Title Ad Valorem Tax,” Smith said. “Although taxes may not seem fun, having the opportunity to see our work and research help address important policy issues for the State of Georgia is very exciting.”

Smith puts his knowledge to good use and serves as an inspiration to the entire West Georgia community.

“I have found that being excited about learning new things, no matter what it is, will open doors that you never knew existed.”

John Harris has more than 30 years of experience in the outsourced business services and information technology industry, with senior executive roles spanning sales, marketing, strategy, business operations and mergers/acquisitions, as well as extensive international experience in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Mr. Harris has been CEO of several private equity backed technology service companies.  He most recently served as President and CEO of eTelecare Global Solutions, a business process outsourcing company delivering technical support, sales, and care services to the Fortune 1000 market. During his tenure the company doubled revenues and expanded operations in the Philippines, Central America and South Africa. He also successfully led the company’s IPO, privatization and ultimate merger in 2009 that created a $1 billion BPO services company.

Mr. Harris spent 25 years with Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Under his leadership, the business grew from $65 million to approximately $1 billion serving clients in 22 countries providing outsourcing, system integration, process management, consulting, and call center services. 

Mr. Harris graduated from the University of West Georgia with a BBA and MBA.  He has held board positions with a number of public and private telecommunications and technology services companies. He has been a long term member of Young Presidents’ Organization and World Presidents’ Organization. Mr. Harris resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

What is one word that describes you, the program and your future?

Resilient

What does Go West Mean

To me the phrase "Go West" means going places you've never been before. It means conquering any obstacles that you may face on you journey to success and accomplishing your goals by any means necessary. Knowledge overcomes all barriers in life. Stay the course. Go West!

Why did you choose the Richards College of Business at UWG to receive your online MBA?

After researching the Georgia WebMBA and the six schools participating in the program, I quickly knew my home would be with UWG and Richards College of Business (RCOB). UWG and Richards College of Business are highly recommended by several resources for graduate school programs. Aside from top rankings of student satisfaction, affordability, and flexibility, the staff at UWG sets the university apart from the pack. Richards College of Business staff helped me complete the admission process seamlessly while staying informed of deadlines and procedures. Professors are equipped with vast knowledge and various backgrounds that aid in teaching students from around the various backgrounds that aid in teaching students from around the world. From preparing to take the GMAT to walking across the stage at graduation. Richards College of Business staff is by your side and wants to see you succeed. You are truly family at UWG.

Where do you see yourself when you are done with your MBA?

Once I graduated in April of 2014, I knew that I would benefit from earning my MBA degree. One of my proudest moments was graduating in the top 10% of my class, while working full time, bringing classroom knowledge and skills to the workplace. Being inducted as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society reinforced the commitment of both myself and UWG staff, while providing excellent networking opportunities for years to come. Following a promotion and new job offers after graduation, I accepted a position with PGi (Premiere Global Services, Inc.) as Senior Financial Analyst in the Financial Planning and Analysis division. Earning my MBA has equipped me with the business acumen required to succeed and make positive impacts, benefiting both my employer and myself. Employers value the dedication and drive required for professionals to work and attend graduate school both full-time. Furthermore, the WebMBA program teaches leadership, strategy analysis, and management skills that go beyond the workplace.