TWO BUTLER UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS SHARE THEIR STORIES AS MBA FACULTY

Butler University is known for its first-in-class business school. So what’s it like to shape some of our brightest local minds? We spoke with two incredible faculty members about their experiences.
Butler University Campus in fall

If there is one thing we know for sure, it’s that the Indianapolis area is full of intelligent women making an impact, and the Butler University campus is no exception. We recently had the chance to talk to two professors about their work experiences, what they love about the Butler community, and their advice for fellow women in business.

Dr. Jane Siegler 

Dr. Jane SeiglerDr. Jane Siegler is an Assistant Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Analytics. She has been a professor in the Butler MBA program since 2019. As a college professor for more than fifteen years, Jane has taught thousands of undergraduates and graduates in Brazil, the U.S., India, and Europe. Jane is a proud mother of two Butler graduates and has two little ones at home.

What makes this program special or unique? Why should prospective students pursue it?

I think three main points make this program special and unique. 

  • The classes are designed with care and delivered by passionate, well-educated, and experienced faculty. The success of every student is a priority for all of us involved in the development and delivery of all courses, which includes the relevance of the topics and their application in and outside the classroom environment.
  • The quality of the students. A big part of any learning experience is the quality of peer interaction. The caliber of Butler students and the Butler alumni community enhance this area and serve as phenomenal networking opportunities.
  • The quality of Butler staff. There is a lot more to a successful MBA program and student experience than what happens inside the classrooms. The dedication and commitment of our graduate program staff support the success of everyone involved. 

Any student who wishes to take their career to the next level, should definitely consider our Butler MBA program. I’m available to anyone who would like to learn more about what we do at Butler and invite you to sit in one of my classes if you want to have an idea of what the program looks like. 

As a female in supply chain management, what have been some of your highs and lows? What advice do you have for fellow women?

Oh my goodness, there are so many stories! My area has traditionally been very male-dominant. In addition to being a female in the field, I am also an immigrant, which adds another layer of complexity. Despite all of that, I have been fortunate to have earned the respect and even admiration of many of my peers. My advice for my fellow women in business is threefold: continue to dedicate yourself to the best of your ability; be yourself—your talents are a gift that only you can share; and finally, leave the perfectionism behind—you can embrace not being perfect and still add a lot of value to all of those who have the honor to interact with you. 

“Leave the perfectionism behind”

What makes Butler unique or exciting to you? 

I love the international aspect of Butler. It is amazing how many different opportunities are available to students and faculty to interact and learn from people from all over the world and visit some of these places as part of their formal education. 

Dr. Stephanie Fernhaber

Dr. Stephanie FernhaberDr. Stephanie Fernhaber is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has been at Butler for nearly 13 years and teaching within the MBA program for 9 years. She currently serves as the department chair for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. In addition to teaching, Dr. Fernhaber conducts research in the areas of international entrepreneurship, grassroots innovation, and new venture strategy.

What makes this program special or unique? Why should prospective students pursue it?

While there are many unique aspects of the Butler MBA program (e.g. flexibility, leadership coaches, emphasis on experiential learning, and global business experience), I would like to highlight two courses I am involved in. 

First, back in 2014, I helped launch a required core class called The Entrepreneurial Mindset. I firmly believe that we all need to cultivate and leverage an entrepreneurial mindset in whatever career path we take. 

Second, we recently revamped our Impact Practicum course where students learn about the role business and individuals have in co-creating societal impact. Working in teams, students engage with community and business leaders to develop an impact-oriented deliverable. My students this semester are working with impact entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kenya. 

As a female in this industry, what have been some of your highs and lows? What advice do you have for fellow women?

My “high” is all the amazing women that I have met along the way: the many women mentors throughout different phases of my life, the women that I get to teach and research alongside, the women in my classes who embrace learning and personal growth, and the women business owners and leaders who keep persevering and innovating, to name a few. They inspire me and keep me going.

In reflecting on my experience working in the corporate world and academia, a “low” involves experiences when women were not at the table—whether that be a speaking event, collaborative team, or management. I am thankful that this is shifting and have learned that sometimes it is necessary to use your voice to spur change.

My advice for women is to intentionally make space to reflect on what you want and need in whatever phase of life you are in. Then, find a way to creatively make it happen. You don’t have to stay in the lines or follow what everyone else is doing.

“...make space to reflect on what you want and need in whatever phase of life you are in.”

What is your favorite thing about the Butler community?

The common thread is that student learning matters. I have some great colleagues that are doing such neat things both within and outside the university. Because of this, we each bring a different perspective and approach to the classroom. 

What excites you about your role in the program? 

I love all things innovation and am especially passionate about spurring social innovation at the community level. 

RELATED: THINKING ABOUT HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL? BUTLER UNIVERSITY OFFERS A TOP NOTCH MBA PROGRAM

Jalysa King is Indy Maven’s Sales Maven as well as a freelance writer in Indianapolis who loves all things healthcare, education, and storytelling.

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