Tennessee State University holds open house for new Executive MBA program

Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Business held an open house on May 11 to showcase its new Executive MBA program.

Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson, dean of TSU's College of Business, speaks to open house attendees. (Submitted photo)

The event, which had a strong turnout, took place at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. The hotel will also serve as the program’s weekend residency.

“TSU’s Executive MBA Program enhances the vibrancy of the Nashville area’s graduate education tapestry by offering an affordable, convenient, accredited, business curriculum for busy business professionals who desire to catapult their careers to a higher level of success,” said Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson, dean of the College of Business. “In one short year, EMBA program participants will acquire critical business knowledge, along with readily applicable global business and leadership strategies, that will enable them to make an immediate and profound impact.”

The 12-month program, which starts in the fall, is delivered in a hybrid format consisting of both in-person and online course offerings. Program participants also have the opportunity to spend 10 days studying outside the United States to broaden their understanding of global leadership.

Frederick Cawthon of Nashville was among those who attended the open house. The 48-year-old, who works in product management, had a daughter to graduate during TSU’s undergraduate commencement earlier this month, and another is a TSU sophomore seeking a degree in business.

While he likes the idea of keeping TSU in the family, Cawthon said the university’s EMBA program is appealing because he believes it will make him more competitive in the workforce.

“It’s an opportunity to network, to become more knowledgeable, more talented; to raise the bar,” Cawthon said.

Dr. Steve Shanklin is one of the program’s instructors. He will be teaching a managerial and decision-making course that he said provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of good decisions.

Shanklin believes Nashville businesses will benefit from TSU’s EMBA program, as well as the participants.

“Every small firm in town, every medium-size firm, and even those that are world-class operations in our city,” Shanklin said, “they’re strengthened by having stronger people with better decision skills and a dedication to the Nashville area. TSU plays a big part in that.”

Jim Schmitz, area president for Regions  Bank, agreed.

"Tennessee State University's Executive MBA program will strengthen Nashville's workforce by providing participants with the knowledge to be even better business leaders," Schmitz said.

Dr. Mark Hardy, TSU’s vice president for academic affairs, said the program’s instructors are top-notch.

“We believe that with the caliber of individuals who will be teaching, the program is going to be very exciting,” he said.

For more information about the EMBA program, visit www.tnstate.edu/mba.