Lindner grows full-time MBA program with class of 2025

“We are very excited to welcome students into the full-time cohort MBA program,” said Johnny Rungtusanatham, PhD, academic director, MBA programs, Ohio Eminent Scholar in Operations Management and Quantitative Analysis, and professor of operations, business analytics, and information systems. “Our program is highly selective, with the class of 2025 hailing from eight different countries and balanced with respect to gender. Roughly half have undergraduate degrees and work experiences outside of business, from civil engineering and criminal justice, to health services and journalism. This diversity mirrors the complex world of global business, allowing our students to truly appreciate how to work well together across cultural and geographical differences.” 

Get to know the class of 2025:

• 45% of the class have degrees from areas other than business
• Students represent eight countries: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Palestine and the United States
• Average undergraduate GPA: 3.6
• 10% identify as LGBTQ+; 25% persons of color

Hear from four members of the new class about their motivations for pursuing a Lindner MBA, what they are most looking forward to and where they hope their education will take them.

Where are you from?

Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

What is your undergraduate degree and what school did you attend?

I have a bachelor’s in political science with a certificate in foundations of cybersecurity from the University of Cincinnati.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA?

My motivation for pursuing an MBA comes from hearing peers who were part of similar programs speak highly about the connections they made, the involvement of the staff and faculty and my desire to gain business acumen while learning something new and different from my undergraduate experiences. I also want to inspire Black male and female students who are interested in pursuing higher education. No matter your background, with a plan, vision and a willingness to pivot, success is possible.

Why did you choose Lindner?

Since I attended UC for my undergrad and have been living in Cincinnati for the past three years, it made sense to continue my education at the Lindner College of Business. I also have peers from my undergraduate years who are now students at Lindner and speak highly of its prestige and the opportunities it provides. When researching the college, I found that almost every review mentioned how much the staff and faculty care about their students' success. One of my key motivators is having a strong support system of individuals who want the best for you and provide the resources to help you succeed.

Where are you from?

I am from Cincinnati, Ohio.

What is your undergraduate degree and what school did you attend?

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public (PPP) and Economics from Xavier University. I am currently attending the University of Cincinnati College of Law and studying in a dual JD/MBA program.

What were your motivations for pursuing an MBA?

I chose to pursue an MBA degree because my long-term goal is to be a music executive. Therefore, understanding how a corporation functions and how to effectively be a manager and leader within a corporation is crucial to achieving this long-term goal. Further, this program will allow me to network and learn as much as I can about various industries. 

Why did you choose Lindner?

I chose Lindner because Lindner has a wonderful reputation for embracing trailblazing business leaders. Further, since the UC College of Law was one of my top choices for attending a law school, I felt that getting a dual MBA/JD degree from Lindner as well as the College of Law would be convenient.

Where are you from?

I am from Morlaix, a little city in Brittany, France. 

What is your undergraduate degree and what school did you attend?

I have a bachelor's degree in applied foreign languages that I completed in France at the University of Western Brittany. I also have a master's degree in communication and project management around sustainable development from the University of Caen Normandy.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA? 

I wanted to really develop my business acumen, as I didn't have that many business courses during my master's degree. I also chose to come to the U.S. to do my MBA because I want to live in the U.S. I did an exchange program two years ago and I loved living here! 

Why did you choose Lindner? 

I chose Lindner because I really liked the MBA program. I like that it is a one-year program (most MBAs are done in two years). I also wanted an American degree, and since I had already lived in the Cincinnati area, UC was definitely my first choice.

Where are you from?

Cincinnati, but I have lived in Washington, D.C., for the last 11 years.

What is your undergraduate degree and what school did you attend?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University.

What were your motivations for pursuing an MBA?

I was looking to enhance my management and business acumen in order to pivot out of the construction operations field.

Why did you choose Lindner? 

I was looking to get back to the Midwest, and Lindner has a great reputation in the area.