Meet the MBA Faculty: Dr. Monica Hernandez

Meet the MBA Faculty: Dr. Monica Hernandez

Most TLU students know Dr. Monica Hernadez from the classes she teaches-both undergraduate offerings, like Principles of Marketing or International Business, and graduate-level courses. MBA students, for example, might get to know her in Marketing Management. Students pursuing their Master of Business Analytics will cross paths with her in Marketing Analytics. And doctoral students will know her from Applied Research Design and Dissertation.

In short, Hernandez is a very busy woman.

But many of those students of hers might not realize that she's studied and taught abroad as a Fulbright Scholar. Or that she currently leads a study abroad program in Spain-a perfect fit, considering she loves exploring culture through both travel and teaching. "I believe traveling is the ultimate learning experience," she says.

Hernandez came to TLU just over two years ago, seeking the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the university's student-centered learning environment. "The smaller class sizes gave me the space, and my academic experience teaching Digital Marketing gave me the necessary background to refresh our curricula, develop experiential learning opportunities, applied projects, and micro-credentials that allow students to build career-ready skills."

She was also drawn to TLU for the opportunity to work with students at the doctoral level. "I have the privilege of working with doctoral students, where my research experience helps guide them through their own dissertation," she says. "TLU is a place where each one of us can make a difference in the classroom, across the curriculum, and in the lives of students."

As a member of the team of professors who work within the MBA program, Hernandez has a clear understanding of the value of seeking out the advanced degree. "An undergraduate degree prepares students from a tactical perspective," she says. "An MBA elevates this foundation to the strategic level."

In a highly competitive job market, Hernandez says that earning an MBA paired with additional micro-credentials can be the deciding factor in getting a job, earning a raise, or advancing into leadership. "Having an MBA is an opportunity to develop abilities to think critically, manage organizational change and complexity, and lead with a focused vision. So, yes, it absolutely makes a significant difference."

When it comes to pinpointing what sets TLU's MBA program apart from others, Hernandez says there are three distinct factors.

First, she points to the personalized, hands-on learning experience that TLU's small class sizes make possible. "TLU students engage directly with faculty, peers, and business leaders through experiential projects and applied research that mirror real-world operations."

Second, there is the strong professional network that students become part of at TLU, connecting with faculty, the advisory board, and fellow MBA students who bring diverse industry perspectives and experiences to the table. "More importantly, students are supported by a community that values ethics, collaboration, and social justice."

And finally, Hernandez says TLU's MBA program has value and flexibility. She lists the program's unique benefits-things like experienced faculty members, strong curriculum, and emphasis on business analytics, to name only a few. "Our MBA allows working professionals to pursue their degree without stepping away from their careers, delivering a potential return on investment both professionally and personally."

To learn more about Dr. Hernandez and the MBA program at TLU, visit: https://www.tlu.edu/programs/master-of-business-administration-online.