Our faculty is made up of subject matter experts and industry leaders who are trained to understand and meet the needs of online students. In this three-part Q&A series, learn more about the program and its benefits through the perspectives of our MBA program director and faculty members!  

Why are you excited about teaching as part of CSU Global’s inaugural MBA courses? 

Dr. Debora Sepich (DS): I am excited because we created context both inside and outside the course. Students are able to apply their learning to a case study we developed, as well as bring their own experiences to the classroom. Faculty bring experience too, but I find the richness in the student experience to be the best part of teaching. This has been a program that many have wanted CSU Global to develop, so being a part of a high-demand program is also very exciting. 

Dr. Kevin Cabe (KC): CSU Global has developed a reputation for quality curriculum and instruction. My experience with students in the Master of Professional Accounting program has been wonderful, and I look forward to working with MBA students as well. I enjoy covering the accounting topics within an MBA framework, and I love the accounting course already!  

Dr. Stephanie Mayer (SM): The excitement I have to teach some of CSU Global’s inaugural MBA courses is based on my personal goals. I’ve taught at the undergraduate level across different institutions for over eight years. I began my teaching career directly out of college due to the passion I had for assisting others to activate confidence in themselves. I received my PhD to challenge and push my skill sets further to teach all degree stages. The opportunity to teach at CSU Global is a goal for myself to challenge my skill sets gained from college and further grow personally. Additionally, I am able to do what I love, in watching others grow to their fullest potential.

Dr. Jessica Perez (JP): The programs at CSU Global are top in the industry. MBA students are able to think through the coursework as if they were in an actual role; for example, a marketing executive or finance analyst. They are then able to work through problems from a realistic perspective. It’s an excellent application to what they are learning in the classroom.

How does CSU Global’s MBA program prepare its students for a fast-changing, competitive industry?

DS: Every class is applied. We aren’t just reading and researching, we are applying and arguing. We talk about resilience and what builds it, as well as reflect on times when we were resilient. One of the key elements of being able to embrace a fast-changing environment is to have a growth mindset. The faculty work with students to support not only their knowledge but also prepare the students to use the knowledge, and thus, adapt to change. 

KC: CSU Global is committed to up-to-date curriculum and instructional methods. Bringing in current, relevant topics is a primary concern for faculty.  

SM: CSU Global’s MBA is a very challenging program. Through the condensed semester schedules, this provides the reality of the work required and expected in a fast-changing competitive industry. The course materials also provide first-hand experience into the type of information and skills asked for in a competitive industry. 

JP: By practicing what they are doing in the classroom and applying the knowledge hands-on, students are able to think critically through business problems.

What real-world experiences do you bring to the classroom? 

DS: I am an entrepreneur. I started a software company that we eventually sold and after that, I was an interim CEO for two firms, looking for funding. I talk about these experiences of building a startup. I worked at a Fortune 500 company and a smaller company that supported Fortune 500 companies. This gave me considerable experience on a worldwide scale. My experiences doing business in Jamaica, Canada, England, China, Brazil, India, and Mexico create some amazing opportunities for stories! 

KC: As an active CPA, I bring up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and practices to the classroom. While many MBA students will not work in accounting full time, it is important to have a conversant understanding of the most important concepts. 

JP: As the president of a consulting firm, I have first-hand experience in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and communication across all levels.

SM: I have a number of years working in the corporate world, specifically within accounting and finance fields. I started working in an accounting position during the first year of my undergraduate degree as an intern for a major accounting firm. This opportunity allowed me to work within many other corporations to understand how accounting and financial practices are conducted in different industries. Along with working in corporate accounting and finance, I have a number of years conducting research on financial practices to improve policies within higher education with a focus on student loan debt. 

The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) at CSU Global is an applied degree designed to provide professionals at all stages of their careers with the business principles and skills necessary to make informed and impactful decisions. If you’re looking to make a change in your professional life, learn more about CSU Global’s new MBA program (which can be completed in under two years) here.