Viterbo University: How an advanced business degree can help you make a positive impact in the world
Promoted by Viterbo University

Viterbo University: How an advanced business degree can help you make a positive impact in the world

Himani Naik already had a Master of Public Health degree when she became aware of the gap between medical and business expertise. For her to contribute more to the field, she would need to fuse her medical knowledge with strategy, leadership, and decision-making skills. Viterbo University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Leadership (HCL) was the key to achieving this.

Viterbo’s MBA programme develops informed, ethical, and influential leaders across all sectors. It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programmes. The curriculum is developed through feedback from regional employers on skills needed for the data-driven businesses of tomorrow.

Libby Weber, CEO of The Weber Group, did not expect to step into the position she is in now. While she knew she would remain involved in her family business, she did not foresee the company growing as large as it has or that her responsibilities would be as significant as they would be.

As the head of the company that encompasses businesses in the hospitality, healthcare and wellness, and real estate development sectors, efficient leadership skills are crucial. Her MBA helped her navigate the rough waters that COVID-19 caused in the hospitality industry. “Viterbo gave me a supportive space for me to break out of my shell as a young professional,” says Weber. “I became more confident in myself and my passions, which allowed me to become a more confident, yet empathetic, leader in my work and community.”

Specially designed for healthcare professionals seeking to develop their leadership and business skills, Viterbo’s MBA in HCL equips them with skills in healthcare management and organisational behaviour. “The programme enabled me to navigate healthcare systems more adeptly, drive innovation, and advocate for patient-centred care,” says Naik. “Ultimately, the combination of medical knowledge and business proficiency enhanced my capacity to improve healthcare delivery and address the evolving challenges of modern medicine.”

It’s meaningful work, one that Viterbo’s Dahl School of Business prepares all its students for.

Viterbo University’s Dahl School of Business offers future-ready business programmes grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Source: Viterbo University.

Here, programme curricula are designed to help students make a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s in their organisations or communities, Viterbo lays the foundation you need to champion change.

“Selecting Viterbo University for my five-year academic journey was a pivotal decision that has profoundly shaped my career trajectory,” says graduate Kolin Huth, now the Chief Financial Officer at Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

“The MBA in HCL programme laid a robust groundwork, instilling in me the confidence necessary to step into leadership roles within the healthcare sector,” says Huth. “I frequently reflect on the arsenal of skills and knowledge Viterbo equipped me with, propelling me towards success in my current position.”

Intimate class sizes play a part in fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Here, lecturers can offer keen attention and students can build a global network as they learn to be better leaders.

“Sharing my prior experiences of corporate travelling and projects across the globe lets students learn and relate with those experiences,” says Associate Professor Dr. Perwaiz Ismaili. “Providing examples of cultural views of ethics and having a personal understanding of various languages seem to not only enlighten students but create a stronger student-faculty bond.”

Tom Thibodeau (centre) founded the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation. Source: Viterbo University.

Future-ready business programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition

Those seeking to enhance their leadership skills or become servant leaders can opt for the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership (MASL) – the only programme of its kind in the US. Led by nationally renowned experts like Mr. Thomas Thibodeau and Dr. Richard Kyte, the programme emphasises ethical decision-making, theological reflection, leadership skills, and public activity. Mr. Thibodeau is an Associate Professor, Servant Leadership and Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership while Dr. Kyte is a Director and Endowed Professor, Servant Leadership.

An annual national conference in servant leadership is held every summer, allowing students to join this one-of-a-kind event and explore the topic more. Here, adult learners with life and professional experience engage in conversations articulating and promoting servant leadership philosophies and practices.

Dr. Scott Rathgaber, CEO of Wisconsin’s Gundersen Health System, already earned his doctoral degree 30 years prior and had built his medical career as a gastroenterology specialist before enrolling in Viterbo’s MASL. After taking up the position of CEO, he sought a leadership mentor outside the field of medicine and found Thibodeau. Their discussions resonated with Rathgaber as they aligned with what he sought to instil in Gundersen, pushing him to enroll in Viterbo’s MASL programme.

But Viterbo’s physical programmes aren’t the only ones that help you create a positive impact. The Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership is ideal for leaders seeking to meet the demands of 21st century organisations. It explores leadership philosophies and ethical decision-making skills to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation. Real-world experiences are embedded and the degree culminates with a dissertation. Past research questions include transformational leadership in practice, culturally responsive leadership in communities, emotional intelligence and leadership, and more.

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