College of Business and Economics

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Executive MBA: photo of Dr. Peace teaching EMBA students.

EMBA Alumni Graduates

"I can tell you I am where I wouldn't have been as a result (of the EMBA Program). Doors were opened to me that previously had been closed. I was given choices and as a result have become very successful in my business."

- Kathryn Lester

A vice president with First Union Securities in Charleston, W.Va., Kathy Lester believes being an inspiration to her own children is motivation enough to climb. That and using her talents wisely.

"I was raised to always do my best. I have two sons who are extremely talented, and I have tried to inspire them to always do their best. They tell me, and they are right, that my example is more important than any words," she said. "I think I was blessed with lots of talents and wonderful inspirational people in my life. When you have great examples to follow, it is easy to do well. It would be wasteful not to try to work hard and use those gifts."


"Don't wait. You can work and get your degree. Sure, it is time consuming and challenging, but what in life worth having isn't? On graduation day you will look back and realize that it wasn't as bad as you thought it might be. This program will make a difference in your life. Carpe Diem!"

- Dennis Cavender

For Dennis Cavender the EMBA was the pivot for a 180 degree turn in his life. A WVU electrical engineering graduate in 1990, then a representative for American Electric Power Company, he'd always wanted to be in business. "I chose engineering because it was challenging, and it would give me a good technical background to draw upon, but I was always interested in the business world after reading Lee Iacocca's and Donald Trump's books in high school."


"'I'm responsible for putting together operating plans, investing new business and research opportunities, writing proposals, finding potential collaborators, and managing subcontractors - working with scientists, engineers, accountants, lawyers, all kinds of people. The focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategy presented throughout the WVU Executive MBA program has better equipped me to tack all the aspects of my position."

- David Jones

David Jones is part of an economic development, high-tech boom in the Fairmont-Clarksburg area. A graduate of Ravenswood High School, he holds a certificate for the MBA Essentials programs and is just finishing an Executive MBA degree at the College of Business and Economics. Jones, who received a bachelor's degree in computer engineering in 1992 from the University of Central Florida, is Director of Civilian Government Programs at the Institute for Scientific Research, Inc.

For David, the Essentials program was a springboard to a complete immersion in today's best business practices through the 2.5 year EMBA program. That investment paid off, he said, helping to propel his career in the high-tech sector.