Starting something new takes a leap of faith. Georgia Tech Scheller’s incoming Executive MBA (EMBA) class has headed back to school, ready to take that leap. Equipped with expertise in accounting, big tech, strategy and more, they are unafraid of the hard work inherent in new beginnings.
The newest EMBA class came to Scheller for different reasons. There was the College’s reputation at the intersection of business and technology, Georgia Tech family traditions, and the potential of building a vast network. They all, however, hope to learn, create community, and make their mark across different markets and industries. Here’s just a few of Scheller’s newest and brightest Executive MBA students.
Greg Gibbs
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Current Role: Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
What (and/or who) brought you to study at Scheller?
I studied Management of Technology at Southern Polytechnic State University, but I've considered myself to be a Yellow Jacket by marriage for many years. My wife, Stacy, is an alumna of the College of Business at Georgia Tech (MSM '98). Additionally, both of our children will be enrolled at Georgia Tech this year. My son, Chris, is in his second year studying ISyE. My daughter, Anna, will be a first-year student and plans to major in Biology. When I decided to pursue my MBA, the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business was the only logical choice.
What are you doing now to prepare for the new school year?
It has been a long time since I was a student, so my primary concern coming into the EMBA program was the math knowledge required for the quantitative courses. I've been reviewing relevant math concepts, working practice problems, and even facilitating study sessions. I have also been actively networking with Scheller EMBA alumni to learn about their experiences in the program.
Finally, I have been getting to know many of my fellow EMBA classmates, and I have been impressed by each and every one of them. I love the diversity of our class, and I'm looking forward to working together.
What do you want your future classmates to know about you?
I've worked in the software industry for over 27 years at companies like Sybase, SAP, and Microsoft. Outside of work, I enjoy watching soccer and listening to all types of music. I also play drums at my church and in an acoustic trio at wineries across northern Georgia. I try to be an open-minded servant leader, problem solver, and ally.
Danielle Hall
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Current Role: Vice President of IT, Backoffice and Operations Applications, International Market Centers
What (and/or who) brought you to study at Scheller?
Being an Atlanta native, I've always known the significant role Georgia Tech plays in the city of Atlanta. Scheller is literally at the center of "Tech Square," with the evolving Atlanta innovation and technology space. I applied to Scheller wanting to add value and contribute to this growing community.
What are you doing now to prepare for the new school year?
With the approaching school year, I am reorganizing my schedule to have ample time for studying and connecting with my classmates.
What do you want your future classmates to know about you?
I am excited to join my classmates and build strong friendships. I look forward to learning, being challenged, creating memories, and hopefully sharing a few karaoke/game nights.
Dante Jackson
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current Role: Director of Insider Threat, Truist Bank
What (and/or who) brought you to study at Scheller?
The idea of pursuing an MBA while surrounded by such a diverse group of industry leaders made the Scheller College of Business an easy choice. During my selection process, I evaluated several programs. Although each program provided its own unique offerings, no college could compete with Scheller’s combination of global brand recognition, premier instruction, course variety, and diverse student body.
Additionally, Scheller’s prospective student evaluation process afforded me several experiences which were not offered by other institutions I considered. The ability to not only meet with alumni but also participate in live EMBA classes as an observer, while also meeting with faculty and staff, led me to the conclusion that I was destined to be a Jacket!
What are you doing now to prepare for the new school year?
In preparation for the upcoming school year, I have focused my efforts not only on the assigned prep courses but also on developing rapport with my future classmates and Scheller alumni. I understand this journey at times will be a collective effort. I have also made it a priority to express my program commitment to not only my family and friends but also my co-workers. Through conversation with alumni and staff, it has become abundantly clear to me that a student’s success is dictated by his/her support network. My family and co-workers could not be more excited and supportive of me!
What do you want your future classmates to know about you?
That I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from them. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and perspectives, and working with people in an effort to advance towards a common goal. On a personal note, I am an avid Houston sports fan (Go Stros!), Crossfitter, and traveler. I am extremely excited to see where this journey takes us!
O'Neal Wanliss
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Current Role: Customer Experience Strategist, UPS
What (and/or who) brought you to study at Scheller?
I have always heard great things about Scheller's EMBA program from friends and colleagues who are alumni, however I was completely hooked once I attended the Open House. Meeting with the recruiting managers, professors, and recent alumni, I learned more about the unique experience of the EMBA program. It was the great pride everyone had when speaking about the program and the sense of community that really sold me. After that night, I knew that the EMBA program was the right fit for me!
What are you doing now to prepare for the new school year?
Some advice that I have received from recent EMBA alums is to get to know your future classmates. With that in mind, I've been intentionally connecting with my classmates via LinkedIn and Teams, and trying to attend various Scheller MBA networking and career events.
What do you want your future classmates to know about you?
I'm someone who is very eager to learn and make the most of the EMBA experience. Outside the classroom, I value spending time with family and friends, and frequently seek opportunities to give back to my community. I'm a track and field enthusiast, an avid Jeopardy watcher, and I enjoy eating Caribbean cuisine.