Why A Doctor of Business Administration Degree? Part 2

You've been successful in business for many years, and you're looking for a new personal challenge: to achieve the highest degree in the management field, a Doctor of Business Administration degree.

Some seasoned business professionals choose to pursue DBA degrees because it prepares them for advancement in their current jobs or elevates their credentials to pursue consulting opportunities.

Others, such as Saint Leo Donald R. Tapia School of Business faculty Lorrie McGovern, Passard Dean, and Rick Weil, chose to pursue DBA degrees in preparation to launch teaching and administrative careers at the university level.

"After 25 years with the United States Air Force, I discovered that I really enjoyed the classroom environment and to make a move into full-time collegiate teaching," said Dr. Weil.

"I was interested in teaching full-time, and I knew I needed this degree to make the transition," said Dr. McGovern.

In this post, Drs. McGovern, Dean and Weil share some of their business experience before joining Saint Leo and what led them to DBA degree programs.

Editor's Note: This article is part two of a two-part series. You may want to read the first part of this series, 'Why a DBA Degree? Part 1', 'Taking a Closer Look at Saint Leo's DBA Degree Program', or 'DBA Degree vs. PhD: What's the Difference?'

Lorrie McGovern
Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Education

Describe your business experience prior to entering academia.

I had spent 10 years in the information technology industry with several Fortune 500 companies, 23 years in small business entrepreneurship with several family-owned and operated businesses, and two years in community development.

What were you doing when you decided to enroll in a DBA degree program?

I was teaching adjunct for a local college, and I was just hired to be the administrative manager for the graduate and professional studies department in the college's school of business.

Why did you decide to pursue a DBA degree?

I was interested in teaching full-time, and I knew I needed this degree to make the transition. I had waited until I was employed full-time by the college. I saw there was going to be a lot of opportunity with the growth of the adult programs.

Dissertation topic?

"A Holistic Approach to Service Quality"

What impact did the DBA degree have on your career?

The degree provided me with unlimited opportunities. Initially, I achieved the goal of full-time teaching; however, long-term, the degree provided me with enhanced administrative opportunities.

Passard Dean
Associate Professor of Accounting

Describe your business experience prior to entering academia.

Fifteen plus years in the fields of accounting and finance.

What were you doing when you decided to enroll in a DBA degree program?

I had just been offered the position of director of finance. I had been working for the company for five plus years and this would have been my sixth promotion during that time period. You could say I was on the fast track to becoming a vice president in that organization.

Why did you decide to pursue a DBA degree?

I decided to pursue a DBA because I wanted to eventually work as an accounting professor. I chose a DBA because I had done some research on both DBA and Ph.D programs and was convinced that a DBA program would best prepare me for a teaching career.

Dissertation topic?

"The Impact of Implementing SFAS 133: A Look at the Electric Utility, the Regional Banking, and the Aerospace & Defense Industries"

What impact did the DBA degree have on your career?

Having a DBA has significantly impacted my life. I have been able to teach at a few universities where I am privileged to influence the lives of countless individuals. I have been afforded numerous consulting and speaking engagements that would probably not have happened if I did not have a DBA. I am recognized as respected accounting faculty in many circles. While my DBA is not completely responsible for this, it sure helps.

If I had to do it again, I would not hesitate to do so.

Rick Weil
Assistant Professor of Management

Describe your business experience prior to entering academia.

Twenty-five years in a leadership role with the United States Air Force. Training manager and adjunct for a local community college. The program director for a local college for adult education and adjunct professor.

What were you doing when decided to enroll in a DBA degree program?

At the time I made the decision, I was working as a training manager.

Why did you decide to pursue a DBA degree?

I discovered that I really enjoyed the classroom environment and decided to make a move into full-time collegiate teaching, I need to obtain the doctoral degree. The question was whether it would be the DBA or PhD.

After doing a lot of research into the various programs, and speaking with mentors and faculty at Saint Leo, I chose the DBA over the PhD because the DBA was based on both theory and practical application in its design.

The DBA program also offered me a lot more flexibility, which was important to me to have so I could still work, attend classes, and be available for my children.

Dissertation topic?

"The Impact of Education, Training, and Development of Human Resources on Organizational Development.

What impact did the DBA degree have on your career?

The degree has provided opportunities and avenues that would not have been available.

My goal was to become a full-time faculty member at the collegiate level. I also wanted the flexibility to move into the corporate arena should that avenue present itself.

I was able to secure full-time faculty member status with a university; however, that was only the first step.

I wanted to teach for Saint Leo University. I enjoyed my time as a student at Saint Leo and the faculty and staff that I met. I wanted to provide to others the opportunities to get a valued higher education and have a wonderful experience – the Saint Leo University experience.

Tell us why you're considering enrolling in a DBA degree program?

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

Taking A Closer Look At Saint Leo's DBA Degree Program

Why A DBA Degree? Part 1

Saint Leo Welcomes First DBA Degree Program Cohort

Photo Credit: Saint Leo University Communications