10/12/2026
Congratulations to Alexis Perry, who is graduating with her MBA from Ball State University!
Alexis decided to pursue an MBA when she reached a point in her career where she knew she wanted something more. “I wanted to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and create more opportunities for my future.” What she didn’t anticipate was that the experience would also help her discover a new professional passion: healthcare administration.
Alexis wanted a program that would make returning to academics as seamless as possible. Ball State stood out because of the reputation of the Miller College of Business. Alexis explained, “Ball State offered the combination of flexibility, quality, and opportunity that I was looking for.”
One of the biggest surprises was how practical the MBA experience proved to be. Alexis appreciated the program’s hands-on approach and the opportunity to connect coursework to real-world situations, making what she was learning more meaningful and immediately relevant.
The leadership courses helped Alexis better understand how different leadership styles affect people, the importance of effective communication, and how to approach challenges more intentionally. She has already applied those lessons while working with business owners, organizations, and teams. One lesson particularly stands out: “Leadership is not just about having a position or title; it is also about how you communicate, support others, and show up when responsibilities are placed in your hands.”
Perhaps the most transformational course, however, was Healthcare Policy and Strategy. What began simply as an elective became “a turning point in my graduate school experience.” The course sparked Alexis’s interest in healthcare administration, ultimately leading her to pursue the Healthcare Administration concentration and giving her clarity about the career direction she wants to take after graduation.
The MBA experience has also changed Alexis personally and professionally. “My MBA has made me more disciplined,” she says, while also helping her grow as a leader and become more confident navigating challenges. Most importantly, the experience showed her that she is capable of “stepping outside of what is familiar and learning something completely new.”
Alexis offers some candid encouragement for other working professionals: “It is absolutely possible, but you have to be intentional with your time.” She added that professors are understanding and willing to work with students. Her advice? “If earning your degree is something you truly want, don't let the fear of balancing everything keep you from starting.”
And if Alexis could speak to herself on the first day of the MBA program, she would offer a message that captures her entire journey: “Trust yourself, trust the process, and remember why you started.” She adds, “This journey will not only give you a degree; it will develop you into a stronger, more disciplined, and better version of yourself.”
hashtag hashtag
