Pitt State MBA program has much to celebrate: 50 years and second in the state

This month, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Kelce College of Business have much to celebrate: they are marking the 50thanniversary of the MBA program - a program that was just ranked second in the state by enrollment for the second year in a row.

Dean Paul Grimes credited Chelsey Decker, assistant dean for the graduate business program, for her leadership, as well as graduate faculty and those who provide support services.

"It's worth noting that we are above three other large state universities as well as all of the other regional and private schools," Grimes said.

Decker is organizing a commemorative event planned for Sept. 13 with a celebration in Gorilla Village prior to the first home football game of the season.

Pitt State has 2,339 living alumni from the MBA program. Those graduates went on to work in a variety of career fields for a range of businesses regionally, nationally, and internationally. Their MBA made a difference, they say.

One of the earliest to earn an MBA, Roger McWherter ('79) credited his MBA for opening the doors for him in the banking industry. He retired as president and CEO at a 119-year-old community bank in Kansas.

Another MBA grad wound up staying around longer than planned.

"I came to PSU to reinvent myself after retiring from the U.S. Army," said Ron Wood ('81). "I completed my BBA and my MBA, joined the Kelce College of Business accounting faculty, and stayed for 18 years."

He served about 14 years as director of the MBA Program.

One of the most recent to earn the degree, Hannah Honeyman ('23), said she already has experienced benefits.

"Earning my MBA at Pitt State helped me build valuable connections and gain confidence to take on managerial roles, both of which have been instrumental in advancing my career as a social media manager," she said.

Soon, the Kelce College of Business will have more to celebrate: it's preparing to roll out a new MPAcc degree (Master's in Professional Accountancy), a degree designed to prepare students for advanced careers in accounting - particularly in public and private accounting - and for the CPA exam.

It offers a more specialized focus on accounting than a traditional MBA, incorporating advanced concepts, analytical skills, and practical application of accounting principles.

KCOB also just added the MSHRD (Master's in Human Resource Development) to its portfolio.

This degree focuses on human resource development and human resource management. It typically involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for roles in areas like training, organizational development, and human resources.

The anniversary, ranking, and celebrations come just as footings are being poured for the new Kelce College of Business in Downtown Pittsburg. Construction is targeted for completion in Fall 2026.

"The future looks bright," Grimes said.

MBA graduates taking part in the May 2025 Commencement will wear a special stole to mark the occasion. Pictured left to right: Tucker Jessup, Frontenac; Seth Hartman, Pittsburg; Marissa Dick, Raymore, Missouri; and Marcus Huntley, Carthage, Missouri.

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Pitt State MBA program