Increased Work Responsibilities Led Her to Earn an MBA

Mandy Mitchell Davis (MBA 2008) started her MBA program at Millsaps College one week before Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005.

“I did not have a background in business administration and always regretted not having it in my undergraduate work,” said Davis. “This was my second master’s degree – the first one is in public policy and administration – and I had to quickly decide if this was something I really wanted to pursue, because my work responsibilities also increased because of the hurricane.” Davis is currently the Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Public Safety. 

Davis was attracted to the Millsaps MBA because it offered an accredited business program near downtown Jackson, where she lived and worked. The class scheduling was also geared towards working professionals. “The Else School of Management’s accredited MBA program had a solid reputation of excellence among the public and private sectors,” she said, “and it was important for me to invest my time and resources in a quality program.”

She was not disappointed.

“The quality of the professors was exceptional, and they provided me with a rewarding classroom experience that has continued to enrich me throughout my life and career,” Davis said. “My Millsaps education gave me a greater foundation from a business and management standpoint. I feel I have been more qualified for positions throughout my career because of my time at Millsaps. The network of alumni contacts has also been very beneficial.”

Asked if she had advice for anyone considering pursuing a graduate program, Davis urged others “to go out of their comfort zone and pursue something that may seem out of reach. A lot of things are within reach if you grab and take hold of it. Just don’t let go!”