The MBA program let me sharpen my
business understanding, and will
continue to be an asset to my career
in the future.”

Mark Auernheimer, ’97
CEO of Sealpac USA LLC

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After 27 years of active duty in the Army, Wayne Childress knew he needed more than just his military experience to be marketable in the civilian workforce. He needed an advanced degree and he found the means to obtain that degree at Averett.

After looking at a number of different options Childress chose Averett because of the interaction involved and the fact he could complete the course work in an accelerated format. He was also attracted to Averett because of the practical work experience of its instructors and the convenient scheduling of classes.

"I traveled more than two hours to get to class and to group sessions," Childress said. "If the program wasn't worth it I don't think I would have tolerated it.

"I would recommend (Averett) simply because of the structure of the program. When doing things independently it's easy to not go to class. With Averett it's like a small family."

Childress retired from the Army July 28, 2003. He graduated from Averett's Graduate and Professional Studies Program in December 2004 with a master's degree in business administration.

"Getting my master's degree helped me obtain my current position," said Childress who is now a senior program analyst with the Army at Fort Monroe, a position he has held for more than 18 months. "This job is in resource management and the courses offered in the business program made me more attractive out of the more than 150 people that applied for the position.

"I think of all the instructors I had Dr. (Alice) Obenchain did an outstanding job. She really cared about us and gave a lot of credibility to the class. I couldn't have asked for too much more in a program."

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