Impact of a Broadwell MBA: In Their Own Words

After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University in December 2023, I made a bold leap into the Master of Business Administration Marketing program at Fayetteville State University, becoming the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree. From day one, I immersed myself in opportunities that aligned with my passion for marketing and diversity. My first semester led to a pivotal internship with Caidya, a global clinical research firm, where I supported DEI-focused marketing efforts—an opportunity sparked by my  undergraduate capstone project. I later joined Ally’s Gaming & Innovation team as a Marketing Intern, which led to a full-time offer in their Early Talent Marketing/PR rotational program starting in July 2025.

As a Graduate Assistant under Dr. Burcu Adivar, I helped launch the college’s first newsletters—an experience the most rewarding of my MBA journey, blending leadership, creativity, and connection with faculty and peers. Beyond academics, I support community outreach through service on the Marketing Committee of the Charlotte Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (2024-25), the Young Alumni Committee of the Queen City Aggies Alumni Chapter, and as a volunteer Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line. Fayetteville State empowered me to stand out in an industry where Black women are still underrepresented. As a proud two-time HBCU graduate, I remain committed to making space for Black women in marketing, leadership, and community impact.

Laia Garland (MBA - Marketing)

Since transitioning from a successful military career, I began my MBA in Project Management at Fayetteville State University (FSU) in August 2023. This journey has profoundly shaped my professional development and career direction. Through the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, I have had the privilege of serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant, interning with the Mary S. Peake Fellowship, and participating in the MedPro Foundation of Insurance.

I have also taken on meaningful leadership roles, including Vice President of the FSU Red Cross Club and member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a student ambassador for FinTech, I have expanded my professional network and deepened my engagement with the evolving landscape of financial technology.

The mentorship and unwavering support from faculty, staff, and fellow students at Fayetteville State University and Academic Affairs/Military Affiliated officials have been pivotal in my transformation. I encourage every student to take advantage of the many resources available—ask for help, and you will receive guidance.

I appreciate my wife and kids’ support. I am especially grateful to Almighty God for this journey and honored to be selected as a Summer 2025 intern with MedPro Group as a Project Manager (Data Science)—an opportunity made possible by the support and commitment of the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to further solidify my career path. The future is bright! Thank you, Fayetteville State University (FSU). “BRONCO PRIDE”

Clement Mdoe (MBA - Project Management)

I joined the MBA program at Fayetteville State University to strengthen my business foundation and enhance the work I have been doing in the human resources space. With a concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, my goal is to use data to drive more informed, strategic decisions that benefit both employees and the organization as a whole. The skills I gained through the program have already made an impact—I recently earned a promotion and has been able to apply data tools and techniques to improve workforce planning and streamline key HR processes.

I have also taken what I learned outside of the workplace. As Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina, I put my growing financial and analytical knowledge to use supporting a mission I am passionate about. I credit the MBA program’s collaborative environment and real-world focus with helping me grow in ways that are both practical and meaningful. After graduation, I plan to continue blending HR strategy with data insights to help build stronger, more people-centered organizations—starting with my own community in Asheville.

Alyssa Moudy (MBA - Business Intelligence and Data Analytics)

My journey at Fayetteville State University has been nothing short of transformative, especially in the face of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of disruption ignited my passion for learning and personal growth, prompting me to strengthen my data analytics skills. My first step was obtaining a graduate certificate in Enterprise Resource Planning and SAP S/4HANA, which set the stage for my MBA specialization in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.

These experiences have equipped me with essential tools to navigate the ever-evolving work landscape. I've had the incredible opportunity to represent the Broadwell College of Business at Graduate Education Week at the state legislative in Raleigh and compete at prestigious events like the MBA Exclusive Business Conference at Howard University and the Three Minute Thesis Competition in Dallas, TX. These experiences have sharpened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of the complexities that define the business world today.

Being an active participant in the BCBE Consulting Club and engaging with esteemed organizations such as ASUG and Beta Gamma Sigma has not only enriched my academic experience but also profoundly expanded my professional network.

As I prepare to graduate, I'm thrilled to embark on the Microsoft Data Center Pathway Fellowship through Hiring Our Heroes, marking an exciting transition from military service into a full-time career this summer. I am immensely grateful for my professors and advisors' invaluable support and guidance throughout this journey. I eagerly anticipate participating in alumni activities and proudly representing my university in all my future endeavors. The rich knowledge and experiences I’ve gained from my MBA program have prepared me for what lies ahead and inspired me to make meaningful contributions to my field.

Roguens Stinvil (MBA- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics)

Pursuing my MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration at Fayetteville State University has been a transformative experience that allowed me to reimagine the intersection of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial leadership. The program’s rigorous curriculum and mentorship opportunities provided the foundation for me to launch Practice Muse, LLC (www.practicemuse.com), a platform designed to elevate clinical practice, mental healthcare administration, and entrepreneurship. Through this venture, I have been able to channel my passion for innovation and client-centered care into tangible solutions that serve practitioners and their communities. The coursework, collaboration, and strategic thinking cultivated during my MBA studies have been instrumental in expanding both my professional vision and impact.

Another major milestone during my MBA journey was my participation as a member of a winning team in the prestigious HBCU/IM Business Proposal Competition. This experience further honed my skills in strategic planning, teamwork, and persuasive communication, and reinforced my belief in the power of diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving. Overall, the MBA program has not only broadened my business acumen but has also instilled a deeper sense of confidence, resilience, and commitment to continuous growth, preparing me to lead and innovate in an increasingly complex world.

Tom Murray, PhD (MBA- Healthcare Management)

Before pursuing my MBA, I was a dedicated technical specialist, focused on delivering solutions in the technical and operational space. While I excelled in execution, I knew I needed to expand my vision to lead at a higher level. The MBA journey was a turning point; it challenged my thinking, pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and refined my leadership skills. I developed a stronger sense of strategic insight and executive presence through immersive coursework, case studies, and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds. Today, I don’t just solve problems, I shape outcomes. The MBA didn’t just add credentials to my name; it transformed how I see opportunities, lead teams, and create impact.

Favour Iyore (MBA - Digital Enterprise and Cloud Management)

My journey of personal growth and career transformation began when I decided to shift from a technical role as a data engineer to a more strategic position in product management. With a strong foundation in building data pipelines and cloud solutions, I was increasingly drawn to the business impact of data and how insights drive decision-making. Pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics helped bridge that gap. The program sharpened my analytical thinking while expanding my understanding of market dynamics, customer behavior, and strategic planning. Courses in data-driven decision-making, leadership, and product strategy gave me the tools to not only manage technology but also influence business outcomes—ultimately empowering me to step confidently into product leadership roles.

Pawan Kumar (MBA - Business Intelligence and Data Analytics)

Rooted in Fayetteville, I'm a 2020 Morehouse graduate and a Global Program Manager at Google, driven by a deep-seated commitment to my community. My mentorship with the inspiring Dean Ulysses Taylor, born from our shared passion for nurturing local youth, fuels this dedication. This led me to establish The Two-Six Project, a vibrant initiative empowering historically under-resourced youth through transformative exposure, education, and community activation – cultivating their leadership, creativity, and voices. My MBA journey ignited a belief in entrepreneurship as a catalyst for community growth, directly inspiring me to raise over $100,000 to launch Two-Six Labs at the historic Orange Street School. This incubator now bridges the digital divide, sparking youth creativity through technology, skills, and vital community connections. The Two-Six Project remains my central focus, a nonprofit that has already channeled over $500,000 towards empowering marginalized youth across the Southeast through powerful collaborations with Nike, Dreamville, and Microsoft, impacting thousands of lives. This work has been recognized by Forbes and President Bill Clinton, and I was honored to receive the 2023 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.

Grant Benett (MBA - Entrepreneurship)

As a two-time graduate of Fayetteville State University, I'm thrilled to be earning my Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management—a significant milestone in my career journey. Having previously earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from FSU, I returned to my alma mater with a clear goal: to gain the strategic and operational skills necessary to move into a leadership role in the corporate world.

In addition to my academic achievements, I proudly serve in the United States Air Force Reserves and knew FSU was the perfect school to support my needs. My military background has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and mission-focused execution—qualities that have directly contributed to my success in both the classroom and real-world environments.

Today, I work in Global Operations at Bank of America, where I apply my project management expertise to support regulatory processes, streamline operational workflows, and contribute to high-impact initiatives. The MBA program at Fayetteville State has played a pivotal role in strengthening my leadership capabilities, enhancing my analytical thinking, and preparing me to lead projects with precision and accountability.

With plans to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, I continue to expand my credentials and impact. My journey is a testament to the value of higher education, the strength gained through military service, and the transformative opportunities made possible through Fayetteville State University.

Alexis McNeal (MBA - Project Management)