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Press Release - November 22, 2004
Penn State's Online MBA Program Graduates Its First Class
Monday, November 22, 2004
Twenty-four managers, engineers, vice presidents and analysts from such companies as Weyerhauser, JP Morgan Chase, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boeing, AT&T and Dow Corning, as well as the U.S. Navy, were the first to earn an MBA from Penn State's online iMBA program. Members of the class will participate in Penn State's graduation ceremony on Dec. 18.
Launched in September 2002, the iMBA features instruction by Penn State graduate faculty that can be accessed anytime, anywhere‹providing a learning option for people busy with career and family responsibilities. Students can complete the 48-credit program in two years, without having to quit their jobs or move.
Jeremiah Smedra, who works in global sales at General Electric in Utah, said that because of "work, family and life constraints," the format of the iMBA best suited his needs. "The online version of an MBA gave me the flexibility I needed to be able to maintain my full-time job and get my degree."
Senior Engineer for Latrobe, Pa.-based Kennametal, Inc., Jim Kasperik said he chose the iMBA "for the convenience of working at home and the reputation of a Penn State degree. I have found the quality of education excellent. Professors are very knowledgeable and surprisingly accessible and adaptive to student responses. The work is intense but rewarding."
Dr. John Fizel, iMBA program director, said that individuals from 34 states and eight countries have participated or are currently participating in the program since its inception. "We've developed a niche that will attract new individuals to Penn State. The World Campus makes it possible because we're online and better able to meet students' needs," he said. "Whether you live in London, Colorado Springs or Atlanta, you can become part of the Penn State family."
Fizel added, "We are proud that 100 percent of the graduating class survey responses indicate that they would recommend the iMBA to a personal friend or colleague at work."
The iMBA draws on the expertise of graduate business faculty members located in four Penn State colleges: Penn State Erie, Penn State Great Valley, Penn State Harrisburg and The Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal College of Business Administration at University Park campus. For information about the iMBA, see http://worldcampus.psu.edu/imba
Editor contact: Deborah A. Benedetti; 814-238-4895; dab12@outreach.psu.edu
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
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