The Executive MBA program at Bradley University is a new, 15-month program designed to equip executives with decision-making skills to enhance their natural leadership. Classes meet every other Friday and Saturday. The EMBA class, with a size of 20 to 30, stays intact for the duration of the course and is formed to foster teamwork, networking, and mutual support. Typical participants have an undergraduate degree, a minimum of five years of managerial experience, and sponsorship from their employer.

Each EMBA class includes a 8-day international trip, slated to be China this Oct. 10-18, designed to provide a deeper, first-hand understanding of the global business world and to foster cultural interaction with residents of the host country.

Tell me about your background, family, current position within your organization, etc.

Barbra Moran: I grew up in Decatur and graduated from Niantic-Harristown High School in 1983. I graduated magna cum laude from Bradley University in December 1986 with a triple major in theatre arts, broadcast journalism, and radio/TV production. I moved to New York the summer following graduation to pursue a career in acting. After graduating from law school in May 1995, I practiced law in Long Island and New York City, specializing in mergers and acquisitions and corporate and securities law. In September 2000, I joined Caterpillar Inc. as an attorney supporting Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. I’m currently in the process of relocating to Oakland County, Mich., where I’ll continue to provide legal support to Caterpillar’s logistics subsidiaries. In June 1996, I married Andrew Moran. We have two children: Drew and Riley.

Barb Horst: I’m a Colorado native and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, obtaining in 1987 a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an economics minor in 1987. I began my affiliation with State Farm as an office manager for an agent in Greeley, and in 1989 I joined State Farm as an underwriter trainee in the Mountain States Regional Office, also in Greeley. I traveled to Bloomington in 1999 for what originally started out to be a six-month internship; currently I manage the Customer Segment Marketing Team, which develops strategies and plans for targeting different customer groups.

Tricia Glenn: I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I’ve worked in the social service field for the past 12 years and with the Human Service Center in Peoria for the past seven years. My positions here included case manager, assistant supervisor of residential programming, and in July 2000, I became the senior clinician for residential services. I’ve been married for almost three years to Darrell, and we have a 19-month-old son, Nolan, and a 3-month-old son, Landon.

Stacey Cignetti: I grew up in Peoria, and after high school I headed off to do undergraduate work at the University of Iowa. There I majored in communication studies and minored in business administration and human relations. After college I worked for Target stores in Iowa for about four years and was recruited later by Gap Inc. I moved to Lincoln, Neb., and worked there for one year before moving back to Chicago, where I currently live and continue to work for Gap Inc. I’m the human resources manager at the flagship store on Michigan Avenue.

Jennifer Roberts: I’m a 25-year-old single woman without children. I received my bachelor’s degree from Bradley University in 1998 in physical therapy. Since graduating, I’ve worked in many different settings. Over the last three years, I pursued a specialty in pelvic floor dysfunctions and developed three programs. Outside of work, I’m also pursuing medical school and am very active in my church.

Vicky Rice: I grew up on a farm north of Peoria between Wyoming and Bradford. I attended one of the last one-room schools operating in Illinois at that time. I attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in English education. I started my teaching career, but I soon found teaching wasn’t my passion. I took a job with the company I now work for—York International Corporation dba/Natkin Service—to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. That was more than 27 years ago. When I started in the corporate world, I didn’t know a payable from a receivable, but I learned all I could and eventually became the district manager. Our principal business is heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration service for large commercial and industrial clients. My husband, George Sales, is also a long-time employee of the company.

Why did you enroll in the EMBA class at Bradley University?

Moran: I enrolled in the EMBA program because I don’t have formal business education other than corporate law. I thought the program would help me better understand some of the business issues facing my clients within Caterpillar on a daily basis.

Horst: One of my development goals was to complete an MBA program to further refine my technical skills and broaden my understanding of the impact of the larger business community in State Farm and the insurance and financial services industry in general. While evaluating various MBA programs, I learned Bradley was offering an EMBA in leadership. The philosophy of the program fit well with my own, and I was attracted to the unique design of the integrated curriculum. I also felt the program would be a good investment in my future.

Glenn: While I find the social service field rewarding and ever changing, I felt the need to broaden my knowledge of the business world. I was excited about the EMBA program from the moment I heard about it because this was the first year it was offered, and I like participating in new projects.

Cignetti: I enrolled in the EMBA class at Bradley because it was the right time, both personally and professionally, to go back to school. I was finally back in Illinois doing a job I loved, but I knew there was a lot more I needed to learn about the world of business. The EMBA program was a way for me to challenge myself, open up to new ideas and opportunities within the Peoria area, and still give me some time to be closer to my family. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see if HR was truly the right fit for me, or if there were other aspects of business I enjoy more.

Roberts: I had several reasons for enrolling in Bradley’s EMBA program. First, I wanted to pursue an MBA because I knew so little about business but knew I needed a great working knowledge of this for my future. I chose Bradley’s EMBA program because it was issue-based, exposed me to many business leaders, had an international aspect, focused on leadership, and was a fast-track program. My goal is to be the medical director of a large hospital. This program is one of the key components in progressing toward that goal.

Rice: I’ve wanted to pursue an MBA for quite some time but never found a program that was as good a fit as this one. The moment I heard about Bradley’s program, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. How can you not find value in a curriculum sub-titled “Things That Keep You Awake at Night?” It’s a practical program I can and do use immediately in our business.

How difficult was it to complete the assignments with your work/family schedule?

Moran: The workload has been very manageable in the EMBA program. I applied for the program before I found out I was pregnant with my second child and I would likely be traveling more for my job. Given both of these factors, I was very apprehensive about starting the EMBA and almost decided against it. I was also concerned in the beginning about the team projects. I knew if I had class work to complete individually, I would get it done somehow, even if it meant getting up at 3 a.m. to do it. But given my travel and family commitments, I wasn’t sure how I would be able to coordinate my efforts with five other people to get projects done in a group. It’s worked out very well, though. My teammates are all very supportive of each other.

Horst: For the most part, the assignments have been reasonable. However, I accepted a new position during the program, and the additional hours I’m devoting to work have made completing the assignments a bit more difficult. There are challenges everyone faces in balancing family, work, and school; it’s a constant juggling act, and you come to realize its cyclical. If you can just hang in there, the pressure will ease up and allow you some room to breathe again. I’ve discovered learning is a very different experience this time around, however. The concepts are more relevant and applicable. Also, I’ve had the great fortune to be assigned to a learning team committed to supporting each other throughout the program.

Glenn: While the assignments are challenging, they’re not impossible. Time management skills are a must for this program. My quiet time to read is late at night after the boys are in bed. My husband is very supportive of the program and helps with evening activities on the nights I meet my team for preparation work for group projects and presentations.

Cignetti: The assignments are challenging and you have to manage your time wisely. My group has been very understanding and flexible. We all have priorities and family obligations, and we can’t stop living. Yet sacrifices need to be made to accommodate homework and projects. On a couple of occasions I had to drive down from Chicago on my day off to meet my group and finish up projects. It doesn’t happen every week, but it does happen. It takes some planning and communication.

Roberts: I keep a very busy lifestyle. I’ve been able to juggle my personal life, remain active at church, and take other classes while completing this degree. There have definitely been times over the last few months when I’ve had too much on my plate, and my personal life has taken a back seat. But the assignments are relevant and possible.
Rice: The outside assignments have been very reasonable, and for the most part, quite interesting. They’re designed to make you think about your role as a leader and to adapt that role as conditions require.

How supportive has your employer/family been to you through the 15 months of the program? Tell about any extraordinary support you received from either work or family.

Moran: My husband deserves all of the credit for my being able to participate in this program. He gave up his career temporarily when we moved to Peoria and now takes care of everything around the house and yard. When we move to Michigan, I’ll fly back to Peoria for class. This, of course, will be in addition to the traveling I have to do for work. If I didn’t have such a wonderful husband who supports me and takes such good care of our family, I couldn’t possibly do it.

Horst: My friends and family have been extremely supportive, providing encouragement to pursue the program in the beginning and sustenance for late nights spent studying. They also have been very patient and understanding during this period when I don’t have much time to spend with them. State Farm has also been extremely supportive, providing financial support and a flexible work schedule, as well as encouragement to pursue personal development.

Glenn: I’m receiving tremendous support from both my family and my employer. Having a toddler and newborn, my parents help my husband so I can attend class. My employer has been incredibly flexible with my schedule; they understand and work around me not being at work every other Friday. My peers and the staff I supervise are also supportive of my decision to further my education.

Cignetti: My family has been incredibly supportive through this entire process. Every other weekend I drive down from Chicago and stay with them for the weekend. Regarding work, I’ve arranged to work every other weekend I’m not in school. I knew going into this it was going to be a sacrifice, but my decision is really paying off—it’s been worth it.

Roberts: My mother and aunt have been extraordinarily supportive and helpful during this program. Without their occasional help with small tasks such as laundry and shopping, I would have really struggled to keep my head above water.

Rice: Everyone in the program must have the permission and support of his or her employer to participate; most employers are paying for their people to attend. In my case, my employer is paying 90 percent of the cost as long as I maintain As or Bs. They realize the value they’ll receive from the knowledge gained from the program. My husband was delighted I wanted to enter Bradley and continues to be very supportive of my efforts. Bradley does a good job of keeping spouses and children involved in the program. Life/work balance is a priority with the faculty and staff. We’ve had family get-togethers and counseling sessions sponsored by the EMBA program.

The international trip to China is required. Was that a major attraction to the program? How are you preparing for the trip?

Moran: The China trip was neither an attraction nor detraction. I haven’t done much preparation yet other than making contact with our Caterpillar district office in Shanghai and arranging a visit there during the trip.

Horst: Although I’m looking forward to the trip to China, it wasn’t a major attraction. The major attraction was the actual program design and leadership focus. We’ll be preparing during class sessions that lead up to the trip. I also have some reading planned for the next couple of months, which could actually end up happening during the flight.

Glenn: The trip to China is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’ll experience their culture and learn about their economy. A few of our instructors recently returned from China, and they shared information. With every story and detail, our class becomes excited. In preparation for the trip, I’ve been reading about China’s history and articles about women’s traditional occupations and current trends.

Cignetti: The trip to China is something I’m very much looking forward to. It was a huge attraction to the program, and I’m preparing by seeking outside reading to learn about the customs and culture—most specifically how human resources plays a part in the work force and what issues they seem to experience in their country.

Roberts: The trip to China was definitely an attraction to the program. We’ve been provided some information on China’s business climate and culture, and we’re also responsible for setting up a one-day visit to the business of our choice while in China.

Rice: The trip to China was a definite attraction. It wasn’t something I would very likely do on my own. The future of international business lies in China, so I expect this trip to be very enlightening. So far, I’ve done some research on my own, and we’re gearing up for the International Section of the program. I’m excited about visiting my company’s facilities in the Shanghai area.

Has the program improved your effectiveness on the job? Personally?

Moran: The program prepared me to be a better manager and potential leader. I read an article in a law journal shortly before beginning the EMBA program that talked about how law schools effectively teach law students about the law, but they do a very poor job of teaching law students about the business of practicing law. As a result, many of the partners who run law firms—and in-house attorneys that manage business units—aren’t effective managers. I’ve found especially useful the modules that deal with people: how to build teamwork, attracting and developing talent, compensation structures, etc. These are valuable tools I can take back to the office and use right away, as well as share with my colleagues. I honestly believe it’s helped me be more effective in dealing with people, both professionally and personally.

Horst: The program reinforced the importance of strong leadership, while strengthening key technical skills. I believe it helped me better understand the broader context of business decisions made in the insurance industry and beyond. On a micro level, it helps me make better decisions by identifying key points to consider and why. The program really helps you put all the pieces together. And while trying to keep all the balls in the air is sometimes a bit overwhelming, this program helps you understand the important thing is to learn how to pick up the ball and get it back in the air when it falls.

Cignetti: I never could have imagined how relevant the topics we talk about are in my organization. It never fails; as soon as a weekend of class concludes, the very next week something at work comes up, and I put into practice the skills we just talked about. For me personally, the program helped me work on thinking more globally and being able to take these new ideas and communicate more effectively.

Roberts: This program definitely improved my professional and personal life. Not only do I have more knowledge, but I’ve been able to immediately apply the leadership techniques, can view problems and situations from different angles, and am stimulated and interested in my work and hobbies.

Rice: The program helped me with strategic planning particularly. I hope I’m becoming a better leader—our company has great employees, and they deserve the best support I can offer them. Being with the other students made me realize I’m never alone; we all experience the same challenges and can support each other in problem solving.

What were your goals for completing the program? Are they being met?

Moran: My goals for the program are to continue to put tools in my “toolbelt” that will make me more effective at my job and help me provide greater value to my company. So far, this objective is being achieved. I believe I’ve already learned a great deal in this program that will help me be a more effective employee and prepare me to be a leader in our organization.

Horst: My goals for completing the program included broadening my understanding of the business decision-making process at the micro and macro level and further honing my leadership abilities. This program has been a good match for meeting those objectives.

Glenn: My goal is to advance my career upon completion of the EMBA program. I’ve been involved in coaching sessions at Bradley, and I’ve channeled into possible opportunities inside and outside of my agency. This degree is necessary for advancement within my organization.

Cignetti: My goals for completing the program were to develop networking partners within this community and gain an advanced understanding of the world of business today. This program allowed me to work toward the completion of my goals by helping shed some light on the issues in the workplace we all encounter; whether our issues lie within a retail market, a Caterpillar business unit, or a real estate transaction, the skills are transferable.

Roberts: My goals were to learn about business and running businesses and learn from business leaders in my class. My goals have been met and exceeded, especially in the area of learning from classmates’ experiences and ideas.

What have you enjoyed most about the program? Least?

Moran: The thing I’ve enjoyed most is the insight shared by classmates. A lot of what the professors teach us could be easily learned from textbooks and the latest management or business bestsellers. However, the hands-on experience shared by my colleagues in class is invaluable to the learning experience. I learn a great deal from listening to the different ideas kicked around by my fellow classmates.

Horst: I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie of my learning team and the class as a whole. A smaller class size gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students and your instructors. I’ve also enjoyed the focus on leadership and further understanding just how critical those skills are in our personal and professional lives.

Glenn: I’ve enjoyed the diversity of the class. It’s so interesting to engage in conversation with professionals in different stages of their careers. I find the lectures stimulating and the conversation that emerges from the lectures fascinating. Right now, the hardest part of the program for me is giving up my Saturdays, and that’s because I have two babies at home. I keep reminding myself this program is only temporary, I’m half way through, and it will benefit my family in the long run.

Cignetti: I most enjoy coming to class every other weekend and learning from everyone around me. At Bradley it’s not only the professors and faculty you learn from, but the people you sit next to and who are at the other tables in the room. Every day I get the opportunity to learn about life as a small business owner, or what it’s like to be an engineer or how a heating and cooling company runs its business. Although the businesses may be worlds apart, the similarities far out weigh the differences, and we’ve all found shared learnings.

Roberts: The thing I’ve enjoyed the most—and also the most valuable part of this program for me—is the discussions and networking with my classmates. I’ve learned so much about business, managing, leadership, and life from my classmates. I’ve been exposed to situations and experiences I never would have had otherwise.

Rice: The diverse group is the best part; we’ve developed some very strong bonds during our time together and have had some great fun and sharing of ideas. I imagine we’ll all stay close after the class is over.

What surprised you most about the program?

Moran: What surprised me most is the dynamic between my teammates. As already mentioned, I was a little apprehensive about the team projects when I began the class. We also have a very diverse group of people, and I think we all wondered in the beginning if we were going to get along. However, I found working with my team a very rewarding experience. Not only have we been successful at completing our projects and learning together, but we’ve managed to have a good time doing it.

Horst: The relatively small number of women who enrolled in this initial class. I think this is a tremendous opportunity and would encourage more people of all genders and backgrounds to take a look at the program.

Glenn: My biggest surprise came early in the program. I’m the only one in the class from the social service field, and I wasn’t sure how much I would have in common with those from the business setting. I quickly learned I face similar challenges in my day-to-day work as others in the class. Whether it’s dealing with a person in crisis, as in my work, or dealing with contract negotiations, the work environment can be a stressful place. Another surprise was how few women were in the class. Out of 22, only six are women. From information received, I learned this is an accurate percentage of those in upper management positions.

Cignetti: What surprised me most about the program is the way every participant—no matter how experienced or inexperienced, old or young, small business or large—has come together and really created an effective learning experience. Every participant has taken a very active role in class to share their perspective or lend some encouragement or support to another participant or member of their group. I can honestly say I’ve learned something from every member of my class.

Rice: The diverse population. Bradley did an excellent job in the selection process. We have a brain surgeon, farmer, people from the construction industry, health care—you name it. It’s a fascinating bunch of people who all bring a unique perspective to the class. Without these differences, the program would not be nearly as interesting or useful.

Having almost completed the program, at what stage in a woman’s career would you encourage her to begin her graduate studies?

Moran: I think it’s important to have some good, solid work experience behind you before you begin graduate studies. I’m certain I have a better grasp of some of the concepts we discuss in class because of my experiences in the workplace. I also feel there is much more camaraderie and less competition between students who not only attend school, but are also working full time. I found this true both in law school and in the EMBA program at Bradley. I think it’s much easier to put class work in perspective when it’s not your only focus.

Horst: Personally, I think the 10 years of experience I had at State Farm before I started the program have been very valuable to my understanding and ability to apply the concepts we’re discussing. In many instances, I find I’ve had some experience or exposure to the topics but may not have completely understood them. The class discussions, assignments, and projects have helped me fill in that gap.

However, I think this is a very individual decision, and for a different person, this program might provide them with a very good foundation for beginning their career. I would encourage anyone considering this or any program to talk with the school and the students, and to sit in on a class to determine if it would be right for them.

Glenn: I encourage anyone to further their education, particularly if that person has gone as far as they can with the education they presently have. One year ago I came to this realization. I have 30-some years left to work, and I’ve gone as far as I can in my company with a bachelor’s degree. This program is designed to encourage education at any age and at any stage in a person’s career.

Cignetti: That’s a very personal choice for each woman. For me, I began thinking about graduate studies after I had been out of college about four years. I had experienced enough to know I still had a lot to learn, and what better way to really learn the ins and outs of business than to surround myself with other professionals who had been a part of the business community for many years? The diversity of this group astounds me every day.

Roberts: For this particular program, work experience was required. However, for any other graduate program, I would highly recommend students begin immediately after finishing undergraduate studies. I’ve only been out of school for four years, and it was still an adjustment to go back to school and work full time.

Rice: I don’t think there is any ideal time to begin graduate studies. Obviously, younger is probably better, but older is better than never. It will be exactly 30 years since I received my BS when I receive the EMBA.

As a female in today’s workplace, do you believe advanced degrees are necessary for advancement in organizations?

Moran: I really don’t think advanced degrees are any more important for women to obtain than for men. I think they’re equally important for both sexes. We’ve moved from the industrial revolution to the knowledge revolution. Intellectual capital and technology are quickly becoming the most valued assets of corporations. Additionally, as we’ve learned in class, true leaders are agents of change. They’re constantly looking for ways to improve and challenge the status quo. This is true both in the workplace and personally. As a result, it follows that those who’re going to be successful and the true leaders in corporations are those who continually seek ways to learn and grow. An advanced degree should be a necessary step in that learning process.

Horst: I believe continuous learning is absolutely necessary, and the workplace is becoming more competitive all the time. An advanced degree will help level the playing field, and in some cases, it may be necessary for getting in the game at all.

Glenn: Absolutely. As more women are moving into upper management positions, it’s necessary to have advanced degrees. I’m a woman who believes in having a family and a career. It’s a delicate balancing act.

Cignetti: I believe an advanced degree is the right choice for me. The decision to further my education has been a challenge, something I’m extremely proud of, and something I will continue to put to good use in the years to come. As far as helping women move forward in an organization, I believe a graduate degree shows you have taken steps to better yourself, and I think that’s always a positive thing.

Roberts: Times have changed, and for both men and women, advanced degrees are necessary. Master’s degrees are now looked at like bachelors degrees were a few years ago. The educational bar has been raised, and knowledge is your best asset.

Rice: Male or female—advanced degrees are looked upon favorably in most organizations today, but I don’t think any degree can completely replace experience. The EMBA program requires that candidates have solid management experience before entering the program, so it’s the best of both worlds.

What would you like to say about the program that hasn’t been asked?

Moran: One of the things I found impressive about the EMBA program is the faculty’s interest in tailoring the material to issues important to us. If we express an interest in a particular topic, the professors are more than willing to try to find a way to address the topic in greater detail or get more information for us. The faculty is flexible and very responsive.

Horst: I’m impressed with the level of dedication and commitment the school demonstrated for this program. The administrative staff and the professors have worked hard to put together a strong program, and I believe their flexibility and willingness to listen to their customers will allow for it to continue to get even better over time.

Glenn: This program is designed for those striving for career enhancement. It’s fast paced and demands team players. The diversity of the class and the unique style of teaching offer a nice blend to professionals returning to school.

Cignetti: I have friends attending other MBA programs in the Midwest, and they continue to envy the experience I’m having at Bradley. I would encourage anyone interested to look into the program—-you won’t be sorry.

Roberts: This program constantly helps me change and improve myself as a person and leader. We have coaching sessions and team discussions that are very valuable, and most things we learn can be applied immediately. I’m very happy with my decision to join this program.

Rice: Bradley has done an excellent job with this first class, and it can only keep getting better. They constantly ask for feedback from us about what should be changed, added, etc. and actually act on the information. It’s gratifying to help shape the future of the program and make it more valuable for future participants. TPW