Meet Garrison and Amber

Garrison Boling

Garrison Boling

  • Hometown: Hernando, Mississippi
  • Why did you choose your degree program?  I chose the AU MBA program because several people I know spoke very highly of the program and the real-world practical knowledge that students could use in their professional careers. Additionally, several of my co-workers have obtained their MBA from AU, and they are very impressed with what they learned during their time at the school. This program impacts my career by putting me in a position to grow into the next role in my organization. The part-time option has allowed me to work a full-time job while attending class at the same time.
  • What is the greatest words of advice you have learned from your professors? The greatest words of advice I heard from one of my professors at AU has been, “if you cannot apply it in real life, why learn it at all?” This statement reflects the real-world experience that many of the professors who teach the curriculum have. The MBA program allows me to bring in my professional experience and combine that in a comprehensive learning environment with other diverse business professionals.
  • What have you found most beneficial and enjoyable about your program at AU? The most beneficial/enjoyable aspect of the MBA program at AU has been through my cohort. For the first time in my higher education journey, I am surrounded by like-minded students who have a desire to learn and a commitment to obtaining their MBA. Their dedication has led to many group discussions and collaboration. They are also very efficient, which is important to me.
  • Please share words of advice for someone considering this program at AU? Make sure you are committed to obtaining this degree. The MBA program is nothing like undergraduate programs and will test you in many aspects. However, everyone at the university is committed to learning and is very willing to help you succeed. It is a great place, and I am thankful to get my degree here.
  • Have you been involved in any activities?  I have attended the Augusta economic outlook event on campus as well as the Wayne Brown-Aggressor presentation. Both were very informative, and I learned a lot. Both were also great networking opportunities.
  • What have been some of your most rewarding moments while in your program? Working with my cohort and truly having a group that shares the workload. Also, the moment when I realized that I can do this, I can get this degree, and that others around me are here to do the same.
  • What courses in your program curriculum stand out as most helpful for your specific career goals? Finance with Dr. Wendy Habegger has been the best class in the MBA program by far. She is tough but fair and makes her class very interactive. The position I want to reach next deals a lot with accounting and finance, and her class taught me many aspects of finance.
  • What AU resources have been most helpful? The library at AU has been my biggest resource. Although I am not always on campus, when I need to use a campus computer, they always have the software I need. It is a great feeling to know that your university provides you with the tools you need to be successful.
  • What is your Favorite AU memory? My favorite AU memory was when I first got accepted. I had a lot of pride that I was going to obtain my MBA from AU, and the first thing I did was walk around campus and buy a t-shirt from the bookstore.
  • What do you do for fun (hobbies etc)? In my very limited free time, I like to read, fix up my house, attend church, fish, walk my dog Presley, and spend time with my beautiful soon-to-be wife, Victoria.

 

Amber J. De Los Santos

Amber J. De Los Santos

  • Hometown: Everywhere! Military Brat
  • Why did you choose your degree program? The Hull College of Business at Augusta University offers a degree program that is accommodating for working professionals. It was important to me to be in a degree program that supports growth in the professional world and encourages networking, team building, inclusivity, and diversity in the workplace.
  • What is the greatest lesson or words of wisdom you have learned from your professors? It’s hard to pick one lesson or phrase of words of wisdom, but I will say that Dr. Furman always instilled in us as students to advocate for ourselves as professionals and not to be afraid to speak up.
  • What have you found most beneficial and enjoyable about your program at AU? The relationships I have built with fellow students and professors have been incredible. My networking circle has grown so much in the program and has presented me with new opportunities that would not be available outside of the program.
  • Please share words of advice for someone considering this program at AU? The program is targeted for young professionals and is essential in growing in your career! The program is accommodating and encourages you to grow not only professionally but personally.
  • What are your career goals? My short term goals include publishing an article in the next year and attending a leadership workshop. My long term goals include moving up in my organization and starting my own small business.
  • What courses in your program curriculum stand out as most helpful for your specific career goals? I achieved one of my long-term goals thanks to the MBA program’s tools in interviewing skills and the leadership traits that it taught me. I started my professional career as an Intern for the Career Program 29 for Installation Management Command at a level of a GS-5. I successfully completed my internship in 2020 at the GS-9 level. In 2022, I applied and interviewed for a GS-11 position and received it. The program encouraged me to look for promotion opportunities and take them. It was difficult to find the right promotion opportunity for me, but what I learned in the program pushed me to keep looking.
  • What AU resources have been most helpful? The workshops that AU offers have been extremely helpful as a working professional. AU Career Services offers workshops for interviewing, resume writing, leadership, and more.
  • What is your Favorite AU memory? It’s hard to pick just one! I will say that the class discussions that all professors in the program encourage. There have been times in class I’ve walked away with a completely new perspective on something from something my classmate shared. We can learn so much from truly listening and being tuned in to those around us.
  • What do you do for fun (hobbies etc)? Reading, Traveling, and Video Games.

 

Former Student

Jamie Hill

"I earned two Bachelor degrees from Augusta University and I loved my experience here.  It was a natural decision to choose AU to pursue a graduate degree. I chose the MBA program at AU because it's highly respected, affordable, and the local network of alumni is invaluable." 

Jamie Hill >>

 

Frazer McGilvray

"I enjoy that my cohort and professors have a diversity of backgrounds and professions represented. This has really added to the learning experience because it creates a rich dialogue between the students and professors. This allows us to see how the principles of management apply in different industries and careers." 

Frazer McGilvray >>