Ball State MBA

Ball State MBA Like this page for information about Ball State's #14 ranked Master of Business Administration.

The views and opinions expressed in user comments on this social media site are those of the comment author and not those of Ball State University. For four decades, Ball State University has been providing innovative and relevant curriculum to develop dynamic thought leaders. Our AACSB-accredited program in the Miller College of Business delivers quality education and unique experiences outside t

he classroom, including executive conversations and domestic or global consulting. The Ball State MBA courses are offered live via webcast and on-campus. Flexible delivery to working professionals and full-time students, with recognized value, makes the Ball State MBA Program a clear choice for those that seek a nationally-recognized, top quality graduate business program.

Congratulations to Chris Kearsing, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!Chris serves as t...
07/23/2026

Congratulations to Chris Kearsing, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!

Chris serves as the General Manager of Story Land theme park and Living Shores Aquarium, part of Herschend Enterprises - the world's largest family-owned attractions company. Leading two premier attractions in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley, his days are spent balancing strategic planning, operational leadership, guest experience, and team development. During the operating season, you'll find him walking the park and aquarium, engaging with guests and employees, while the off-season is dedicated to analyzing performance and preparing for the future.

Having entered the workforce immediately after completing his undergraduate degree more than 20 years ago, Chris reached a point where he knew additional education would help him continue growing as a leader. Looking back, he believes the timing was exactly right because he was able to connect decades of professional experience with the concepts taught throughout the MBA program.

When evaluating graduate programs, Chris took a data-driven approach. Using U.S. News & World Report rankings and tuition comparisons, Ball State quickly emerged as the clear choice. As he explains, "Ball State offered the best value, or the highest-caliber education for the best price, by a significant margin." In fact, he found that "the cost per credit hour at Ball State is less than half that of comparable programs. It is a great deal."

One of Chris's biggest surprises was how naturally the program fit into his busy lifestyle. "I was surprised by how seamlessly my studies integrated into my lifestyle." Instead of spending evenings watching television or scrolling on his phone, he devoted that time to coursework, while the flexibility of Ball State's asynchronous format allowed him to work around business travel and vacations.

The MBA delivered immediate value on the job. Chris credits his Managerial Finance course with giving him a much stronger understanding of capital budgeting, investment decisions, and financial risk - knowledge he now applies directly when preparing capital expenditure budgets and evaluating long-term investments for his organization.

Several courses stood out during his experience, including Global Strategic Management with Dr. Imran Syed, Construction Leadership with Dr. Jennifer Warrner, and Risk Management & Insurance with Dr. Juan Zhang. Their case-study approach made the coursework especially engaging and relevant to the complex decisions he faces as a business leader.

Professionally, Chris says the Ball State MBA has increased both his confidence and his ambitions. "Earning my MBA has boosted my confidence and raised my career aspirations." He also believes the degree strengthened his credibility as a leader while deepening his understanding of the business principles that drive organizational success.

Congratulations to Georgia Branson, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!Georgia serves a...
07/16/2026

Congratulations to Georgia Branson, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!

Georgia serves as a Product Manager at Capital Group/American Funds, where she leads strategic product initiatives by managing requirements, prioritizing backlogs, collaborating with stakeholders, and guiding cross-functional teams across retirement services projects.

Returning to Ball State was an easy decision. As a Ball State alumna with a degree in Financial Planning and a minor in Business Technology, she already knew the value of her alma mater. Living in Indiana, combined with alumni benefits that waived certain fees and coursework, made the choice even more compelling.

One of Georgia's biggest surprises was how immediately practical the MBA experience proved to be. After graduating from Ball State 28 years earlier, she expected a very different classroom experience - and she certainly found one. "Everything was online now, a world away from the classrooms I remembered." More importantly, she discovered that "the program wasn't theoretical; assignments and discussions kept circling back to problems I was actually facing at work." She also found tremendous value in learning alongside classmates from diverse industries and professional backgrounds.

The impact on her career was immediate. Leadership, operations, and business analytics courses transformed how she approaches complex business challenges. Today, she relies more heavily on data, builds stronger business cases, and communicates recommendations in ways that inspire stakeholders to take action.

For Georgia, one of the defining strengths of the Ball State MBA was its faculty. While attendance at live class sessions was optional, she made them a priority. "It was where the real learning happened, and where I built actual relationships with professors." She credits those interactions as one of the most rewarding aspects of the program and believes the faculty's investment in students is what truly sets the Ball State MBA apart.

Reflecting on her journey, Georgia says the MBA fundamentally changed how she shows up as a leader. "I think more strategically now, weighing operational, financial, and organizational impacts before I make a call instead of after." Even more importantly, she discovered "an appetite for learning that I don't think is going away."

Her advice for prospective students is reassuring: start with one class if needed, establish a routine, and protect time for what matters most. By completing coursework early each week, she was able to keep weekends free while successfully increasing her course load over time.

If she could speak to herself on the first day of the program, her message would be simple: "All progress happens outside your comfort zone." Looking back after nearly three decades away from school, she encourages others to trust the process, lean on the support around them, and never be afraid to ask questions.

Congratulations to Dr. Ammar Abbasi, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!Dr. Abbasi is a...
07/13/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ammar Abbasi, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!

Dr. Abbasi is a physician, executive, entrepreneur, and healthcare leader who serves in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer and Partner at Elevation Wellness, President of Luna Rehabilitation Consultants, and Physiatrist and Medical Director at University Orthopedic Care. His work spans clinical care, executive leadership, organizational strategy, quality improvement, and business development across multiple locations throughout Florida.

Stepping into increasingly complex leadership positions, Dr. Abbasi realized that while his medical training provided exceptional clinical expertise, healthcare leadership demanded a deeper understanding of business strategy, finance, and organizational management. Participation in a Physician Leadership Academy, combined with mentorship from healthcare executives, ultimately inspired him to pursue an MBA.

When choosing a graduate program, Ball State quickly distinguished itself. Dr. Abbasi was drawn to the Miller College of Business because of its nationally recognized reputation, exceptional value, flexibility, and emphasis on practical leadership development. He appreciated that the program allowed him to continue working full time while immediately applying what he learned. Rather than pursuing a physician-specific MBA, he intentionally chose Ball State to broaden his perspective beyond healthcare and learn alongside professionals from a wide range of industries.

Looking back, Dr. Abbasi was surprised by how immediately applicable the curriculum proved to be. "Concepts in strategy, operations, and leadership directly translated into my daily work." He also found the program intellectually challenging, praising the faculty for creating an experience that was rigorous, engaging, and supportive.

Among the many courses that shaped his experience, Global Strategic Management with Dr. Imran Syed had the greatest impact. The course transformed how he approaches business strategy and decision-making, while the mentorship he developed with Dr. Syed continues today through ongoing conversations about leadership and business.

Professionally, Dr. Abbasi says the MBA has been transformational. It helped him transition from being primarily a physician to becoming a business owner and strategic leader. "The program empowered me to take calculated risks, think more deliberately about growth and opportunity, and confidently speak the language of business across diverse settings." Today, he leads with greater confidence at the intersection of medicine, business, and organizational leadership.

If he could speak to himself on the first day of the program, his advice would be simple: "Stay disciplined, stay curious, and trust that this decision will position you for a much larger impact than you can see at the start."

Congratulations to Chloe Voskuhl, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!As an Office Coord...
06/26/2026

Congratulations to Chloe Voskuhl, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!

As an Office Coordinator in Ball State University's Teachers College, Chloe plays a vital role in supporting students, faculty, and operations. From managing budgets and coordinating travel to overseeing events, websites, and social media, her work helps ensure future educators have the resources they need to succeed.

While working in higher education, Chloe became increasingly curious about the business decisions taking place behind the scenes. Wanting a deeper understanding of strategy, finance, leadership, and organizational management, she saw the MBA as the perfect opportunity to broaden her knowledge and position herself for future growth. As she explains, "Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step to expand my knowledge and create new opportunities for professional growth."

Like many working professionals, Chloe realized there would never be a perfect time to return to school. Rather than waiting, she chose to invest in herself and her future. Looking back, she says, "I'm glad I started when I did."

One of the most impactful parts of Chloe's MBA experience was Ball State's Artificial Intelligence concentration. The coursework challenged her to think differently about technology and business while introducing new tools and skills that are increasingly valuable in today's workplace. Through the program, she gained experience with R, Python, SQL, and HTML while learning how AI, analytics, and automation can support better decision-making and organizational effectiveness.

Reflecting on the program's impact, Chloe notes that earning her MBA has increased her confidence as a professional and expanded the way she approaches challenges. The program strengthened her strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and leadership skills while helping her better understand how the different functions of an organization work together to achieve success.

For prospective students wondering whether they can balance graduate school with work and personal commitments, Chloe's advice is encouraging: "It's absolutely possible." She credits planning, discipline, and flexibility, while emphasizing that Ball State's MBA is designed for working professionals and supported by faculty who understand the realities of life outside the classroom. "The investment of time is significant, but so are the rewards."

If she could offer advice to herself on the first day of the program, it would be simple: "Trust yourself. You are more capable than you think." It's a message that captures not only Chloe's MBA journey but also the transformational experience many Ball State MBA students discover along the way.

Congratulations, Chloe! We are proud to welcome you to the growing network of Ball State MBA alumni and look forward to seeing where your leadership journey takes you next.

Congratulations to Joe McFarren, who graduated this past weekend with his MBA from Ball State University!After an impres...
05/14/2026

Congratulations to Joe McFarren, who graduated this past weekend with his MBA from Ball State University!

After an impressive 24-year career in the U.S. Army, Joe recently transitioned into a new role as a County Veteran Services Officer, where he continues his commitment to serving others. As he looked ahead to this next chapter, he made a deliberate decision to keep growing: “I wanted to continue to push myself and learn new skills and gain more knowledge. Especially after leaving the military for so many years, I wanted to dive into modern business practices.”

Like many professionals, Joe navigated timing challenges before starting the MBA. His advice is both practical and direct: “If you’re waiting till the timing is right you will never find it. Stand firm with your decision, re-prioritize things in your life, and figure out the schedule to tackle it head on.”
A proud third-generation Cardinal, Joe’s decision to pursue the Ball State MBA was rooted in both legacy and confidence in the program: “I did my undergraduate here too and knew of the reputation of BSU’s MBA program. It really wasn’t a difficult choice for me.”

Throughout the program, Joe focused on going beyond the minimum. Reflecting on his experience, he shares: “I strived to produce graduate-level work rather than just trying to graduate.” His work with Dr. Faisal Kalota stood out as a defining influence, helping him understand “the difference between doing the minimum and truly pushing the boundaries of assignment to produce something that could be published.”

Looking ahead, Joe is focused on impact - both professionally and within his community. After years of service away from home, he is eager to “dive into my local community and work on making an impact with local leaders…and give back in a big way,” while also exploring leadership development and mentoring opportunities.

His advice for MBA success: “It’s not as daunting as you may think; compartmentalizing it helps tremendously.” With strong time and task prioritization, the path becomes manageable and rewarding.

Congratulations to Natalie Trice, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!Natalie currently ...
05/06/2026

Congratulations to Natalie Trice, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!

Natalie currently serves as an ISA Operations Coordinator at eHealth Insurance, where she has been building her professional experience over the past two years. Her path to the MBA reflects both persistence and adaptability. After initially pursuing admission to PsyD programs, she pivoted her approach and realized that “pursuing my MBA was the better choice.”

Like many graduate students, Natalie had moments of uncertainty, but once she committed, she moved forward with clarity and determination. Her advice to others is simple and powerful: “Pursue your dreams and continue your education… there’s nothing wrong with wanting to better myself.”

Natalie chose Ball State because of her existing connection to other certificate programs, sharing that “it made sense to pursue my MBA as well.” This seamless transition highlights the accessibility and flexibility of Ball State’s graduate offerings for students exploring multiple academic and career pathways.

One of the most impactful lessons from her MBA experience centers on support and engagement: “Never be afraid to ask for help. The professors are a resource to help you better understand the material.” This emphasis on faculty accessibility and student support is a defining element of the Ball State MBA experience.

Looking ahead, Natalie plans to continue gaining professional experience before reapplying to a PsyD program in Clinical Psychology - bringing with her a strong foundation in business that will enhance her future career path.

Her advice for success in the MBA? “Practice self-care and manage your time well… you can’t do your best if you’re not feeling your best.”

Congratulations to Casey J. Lindeman, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!Casey serves a...
04/29/2026

Congratulations to Casey J. Lindeman, who is graduating this term with his MBA from Ball State University!

Casey serves as Legal Counsel at French Lick Resort, where he has spent nearly six years supporting the organization at a strategic level. After transitioning from a traditional law firm into a corporate counsel role, he recognized the growing importance of business knowledge in his work. As he explains, “I felt that an MBA would be beneficial for my new role and opportunities moving forward.”

Like many working professionals, Casey carefully considered the timing of his decision. Over time, it became clear that the MBA would elevate both his impact and career trajectory. His advice is direct and compelling: “Get it as soon as you can…it will only help your understanding and knowledge of the work you are in and make you more of an asset for the company you work for.”

When it came to choosing a program, Casey prioritized quality, flexibility, and value. “With a busy schedule I wanted a quality online program that was flexible and in-state…Ball State checked all the boxes.” The combination of affordability and employer tuition support made the decision even clearer.

Throughout the program, Casey found immediate, real-world value in the curriculum. He highlights courses like Leadership and Global Strategic Management, noting they “provided the most insight that I could utilize right now.” The Leadership course, in particular, “required a lot of self-reflection and…improved my overall thought process…understanding the ‘why’ to a lot of things.” Even stepping outside his comfort zone proved valuable, as he shares about Statistics & Quantitative Methods: “It forced me outside of my comfort zone and provided quite the challenge, but it was good.”

Looking ahead, Casey plans to continue in his current role while exploring new opportunities as they arise – and now equipped with a stronger business perspective and expanded strategic toolkit.

His advice for success in the MBA? “Have a plan and work the plan.” He emphasizes that while each course may differ in structure, finding your rhythm and staying disciplined is key to success.

Congratulations to Alyssa Seifert, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!Alyssa currently ...
04/20/2026

Congratulations to Alyssa Seifert, who is graduating this term with her MBA from Ball State University!

Alyssa currently serves as a Central Office Operations Graduate Assistant in the Office of Housing and Residence Life, where she has been part of the department for five years. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to Ball State and a passion for supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom.

While completing her undergraduate degree in Marketing at Ball State, Alyssa knew she wanted to continue her education but was unsure of the path. Conversations with friends in the MBA program, combined with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working at the university, ultimately led her to pursue the Ball State MBA.

For Alyssa, choosing Ball State involved more than convenience - it was about community. After weighing the pros and cons, she realized she had already found a place where she belonged.

One of the most impactful lessons from her MBA experience: Growth comes from challenge. Alyssa emphasizes that learning to embrace mistakes - and not striving for perfection - has been one of the most valuable takeaways from the program. It’s a mindset that has strengthened both her academic journey and her personal development.

After graduation, Alyssa plans to continue her career in higher education, where she is passionate about helping students grow and succeed. She sees endless opportunities ahead and is excited to apply her MBA in a field she truly loves.

Her advice for future MBA students: “Learn to enjoy the uncomfortable. In group projects, awkward zoom classes, or even if you aren’t sure how to start off your next paper that is due. Being a little uncomfortable teaches discipline and understanding that some things take time and a little more effort than we are used to.”

Thank you to all of our donors for supporting One Ball State Day. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on our MBA stud...
04/02/2026

Thank you to all of our donors for supporting One Ball State Day. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on our MBA students and the opportunities available to them. We are truly grateful.

There is still time to make a gift! We are so close to reaching the finish line for One Ball State Day. Help us make the...
04/01/2026

There is still time to make a gift! We are so close to reaching the finish line for One Ball State Day. Help us make the final push!
oneballstate.bsu.edu/mba

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