A juggling act 

Busy professionals across the region who want to advance their careers have discovered a way to juggle work, families, and an education: by earning a Master of Business Administration through the new online Professional MBA program at Pitt State.  

The largest cohort yet — 48 students from across the region — graduated last year. Among them: a police officer, a bank executive, and an analyst. 

“Earning my MBA allows me to continue to grow professionally and become a more valuable member of the organization,” said Melissa Beasley, assistant vice president of the Labette Health Medical Group. “It also validates the credibility and trust that is needed for a leadership position.” 

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Health care administration

Beasley oversees the daily operations of 10 rural health clinics and six specialty clinics, supporting more than 140 staff, physicians, and non-physician providers. 

“I have a very fast paced, sometimes very demanding job and I have to be able to be flexible. If all of a sudden something comes up and I have to stay late at work, I knew I didn't have to worry about being late or missing a class.” 

She knew the reputation of Kelce College of Business and knew the program would give her credibility. 

Enrollment has continued to grow — from 40 students in Spring 2019 to 285 this fall. The degree can be earned in just 12 months in one of four emphasis areas: human resources, accounting, international business, and general administration, which accounts for the largest percentage of enrollment. Soon, there may be more emphasis areas, including construction management, healthcare administration, and marketing. 

“Inquiries come from around the country, and we have interest from around the world,” said Associate Dean Bienvenido Cortes. 

 MBA moore

City Manager

The bulk of interest comes from the Midwest from students like Melissa Moore, city clerk in Miami, Oklahoma, who dreams of being a city manager one day. Also a busy wife and mother, she needed flexibility and affordable tuition. 

“I’m very happy with my choice to complete this program through PSU,” she said. 

So much so, in fact, that she has recommended the program to several acquaintances.  

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Law Enforcement

For Pittsburg Patrol Sergeant Thomas Cuppett, who also is a sergeant first class with the Army Reserves, the degree was a critical step forward in his career. Both jobs carry heavy administrative duties. 

“The shorter classes and flexible periods were essential due to my changing schedule and an attempted deployment. I was able to take a partial semester off when I was supposed to be transitioning to Iraq, but when the mission was off-ramped, I was able to come back and get into the program without any difficulty.” 

Cuppett says the culture at the PPD includes a focus on furthering education; many of his colleagues are pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and even a doctorate. 

“We push each other to become better, and I’m happy to contribute to that culture,” he said. 

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