University of Cincinnati
05/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2025 14:12
MBA grads dedicate themselves to ethical business leadership
MBA grads dedicate themselves to ethical business leadership
Students celebrate end of academic journey, beginning of new chapters
5 minute read May 6, 2025 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
In the lead-up to graduation, students from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) full-time, cohort program gathered to celebrate accomplishments and make a pledge toward ethical business leadership.
Johnny Rungtusanatham, PhD, academic director of the MBA program, welcomed students before offering the mic to Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD, to offer her words of wisdom.
"I study tensions, so I think about them a lot. The tension I want you to think about from a program perspective, from a leadership perspective and a life perspective is between caring and demanding. And great leaders are always both," offered Lewis. "They use their heart and their emotions to care deeply about the people around them, and they set high bars that are clear, that are set in that way from the beginning and that you continue to work toward."
Lewis ended her remarks with a rallying cry to stay connected as students grow in their careers.
"I hope you have felt cared about. I don't say it lightly. We love you and it matters because we're here for you. We are here for your growth now and in the future. Our job is to continuously increase the value of your degree."
Assistant Professor of Management Eli Awtrey, PhD, addresses students at the MBA Oath ceremony.
Faculty members then took to the microphone to chime in with their reflections and advice for students.
"These relationships are ones that you will continue to have throughout your careers. Lean into those," recommended Eli Awtrey, PhD, assistant professor of management. "Lean into those relationships that you built because those will lead to other relationships. You'll be surprised the connections that lead back to your UC MBA."
Others celebrated the joy students brought to the program.
"Thank you for allowing me to be passionate about what I do. You are the ones who connect the dots. I put it out there, I pull it all together, I set high bars, and I ask you to rise, and you do every time. Thank you for letting me do what I do, and providing a space for you to have fun while you're doing it," said Michelle Johns, PhD, assistant professor-educator of management.
The night then took on a lighter tone as the MBA program ambassadors awarded superlatives to students such as best smile and most likely to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
As their final action, led by Rungtusanatham, students took the MBA Oath, a product of the Harvard Business School. Students pledged to "... refrain from corruption, unfair competition or business practices harmful to society" and "... invest in developing myself and others, helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainable and inclusive prosperity," among other tenets.
"These relationships are ones that you will continue to have throughout your careers. Lean into those. Lean into those relationships that you built because those will lead to other relationships. You'll be surprised the connections that lead back to your UC MBA."
Eli Awtrey, PhD, assistant professor of management
More to celebrate
In addition to its latest graduating class, the MBA program celebrated several rankings milestones.
The full-time, cohort program is currently ranked among the top 75 MBA programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The program offers students an accelerated one-year track to earning their degree while making vital industry connections. In addition to their MBA, many students further specialize with a certificate in one of the more than 20 disciplines offered by Lindner. The fall 2025 deadline for students wishing to enroll in the full-time cohort program is June 15.
The part-time program recently climbed in the U.S. News and World Report rankings to No. 52 in the nation and No. 2 among Ohio public institutions. Ideal for working professionals, the part-time program offers the flexibility of in-person, evening and online courses to aid students in obtaining an advanced degree.
The online program also achieved success as the No. 1 public online MBA program in the state of Ohio. Offering the greatest degree of flexibility and accessibility, Lindner's online MBA program meets students where they are at, allowing them to earn a degree at their own pace.
For those wishing to enroll in the part-time or online MBA degree programs, the next deadline for applications is July 1.
Featured image: Lindner's MBA graduates gathered to take the MBA Oath in April. Photos by Haley Fite.
Earn your MBA at Lindner
Want to build your professional skills and develop your talents in a way that will open the right doors for you? Lindner's MBA program is small, personalized, customized and immersive. Our full-time, part-time working professionals and online programs have all gained national acclaim. Request more information or join us at a future event.
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