Two students in Freed-Hardeman University’s Master of Business Administration program have scored in the 95th percentile nationally on Educational Testing Service’s Major Field Test for MBA students. Justin Cates graduated in December 2010 and Kevin Walker will receive his degree in May.
The percentile rating is based on nearly 5,000 individuals in academic institutions of widely varying sizes, natures, and reputations, according to Dr. Tom DeBerry who heads FHU’s business graduate program. FHU has used the test since 2008.
Cates is currently employed as an account executive with Zywave Inc. in Milwaukee, Wis. He completed the MBA online within two years. “The 100 percent online format allowed me to balance work, family, and school,” he says. In addition, he believes the business world experience of FHU teachers aided his preparation for the test. “The variety of professors with real world experience had a positive impact on preparing me for the test,” he said. “It made understanding complex business concepts easy through real life application.”
Walker, the senior staff accountant at Dollar General Corporation in Goodlettsville, was also an online student. He feels the “real world case work” was a major factor in his success. “I feel that type of work really prepared me for actually applying the knowledge gained from the material,” he said. “I found the Accounting for Decision Making and Strategic Decision Making courses particularly relevant, not only as I moved through the exam but also as I observe the business world every day,” he continued.
Both Cates and Walker find it easy to recommend the FHU program to others interested in pursuing an MBA. “Overall,” Cates said, “you cannot beat the FHU MBA for a quality, Christian graduate degree at an exceptional value.”
Walker concurs with that assessment. “I would certainly recommend the program to anyone seeking an opportunity to challenge themselves academically, broaden their business understanding, and integrate business and Christian principles.”
DeBerry said, “I am very proud of and for Mr. Cates and Mr. Walker regarding their outstanding performance on the ETS test, and I respect both men tremendously for their conscientiousness, character, and strong work ethic,” he said. “It is especially enjoyable to see ‘good guys finish first.’”
Now in its sixth year, FHU’s MBA is available online, on campus, or through a combination of the two. Students may choose a degree with an emphasis in accounting, corporate responsibility, or leadership. The program is the only MBA in West Tennessee to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Those interested in additional information may contact Jim Brown, director of graduate admissions, at (800) 348-3481 or visit the website at
www.fhu.edu/themba.