Though Stacy Gensler hasn’t yet earned her Executive MBA in Management of Technology (MOT), she says the degree is already paying off at work.

“My boss says he’s definitely seen a big difference and thinks I’ve added value based on what I’ve learned,” says Gensler, an internal audit manager for Cousins Properties Inc., who started the 19-month EMBA-MOT program in May 2007.

Designed to prepare leaders to excel in the fast evolving world of high-tech business, the EMBA-MOT program attracts both technical and business professionals who are ready to transition into upper management and strategic leadership roles. Beyond MBA core courses, students learn how to leverage technology for sustained competitive advantage, manage innovation, and hone their entrepreneurial skills.

Gensler’s next career goal is to to transition into an information technology (IT) governance role, developing IT strategy to effectively support business goals. The EMBA MOT degree will provide a solid foundation to achieve that objective.

Prior to joining Cousins Properties, one of the country’s top diversified real estate development companies, in 2004, Gensler held auditing positions at KMPG and Coca-Cola Enterprises. A 1991 economics/business graduate of St. Mary’s College in Maryland, Gensler spends a lot of time in her current role focused on ensuring compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as well as finding ways to improve efficiency throughout Cousins Properties.

“It can be a high pressure job, but I thrive on stress,” says Gensler, who enjoys outdoor photography when she finds the time. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be going to school while working full time.”

Students in the EMBA-MOT program meet for classes every other Friday and Saturday, and the program culminates with an international trip.

Gensler appreciates all the years of professional experience that her fellow students bring to the classroom and the perspectives they share on various companies and industries. “You gain much more than just book knowledge in the program,” she says.

Professors in the program also have much practical experience to share, Gensler adds. “One of the things I really appreciate is that all of the professors have real-world work experiences in addition to their excellent scholastic abilities,” Gensler adds. “I’ve enjoyed all of my classes so far, and I’ve gained much from each of them.”