Testimonials
Meet Angela Hamilton
“I wanted to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of higher education. Earning a doctorate was a personal goal I aspired to achieve for myself and children, showing them the importance of education.”
Angela is currently enrolled in RMU’s Ph.D. program for Instructional Management and Leadership. While enrolled in college, she is also working as VP of Student Affairs at the Community College of Beaver County.
For Angela Hamilton, earning her Ph.D. has been a transformative experience—one that’s not only advancing her career in higher education but also setting a powerful example for her children. As she continues her doctoral journey at Robert Morris University, Angela reflects on the path that brought her here.
When Angela first considered pursuing a doctorate, she knew she needed a program that would fit her busy life. As a professional in higher education, she was already familiar with the importance of leadership development, but she also needed a flexible program to balance work, family, and academics. “The program’s flexibility and focus on leadership development aligned perfectly with my career goals and my lifestyle,” Angela shared. “I had a great experience earning my Bachelor’s degree from RMU, and I was eager to continue my education here because I knew it would offer the support I needed.”
For Angela, this journey is about more than just professional growth—it’s deeply personal, too. “I’m a lifelong learner,” she explained. “I wanted to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of higher education. Earning a doctorate was a personal goal I aspired to achieve for myself and children, showing them the importance of education.”
Angela’s experience in the RMU doctoral program has already helped her develop professionally. “The program has equipped me with practical tools and strategies to tackle challenges as a leader,” she said. “It’s taught me to think more critically, to network with professionals from different sectors, and to step into new opportunities with confidence.”
One of the highlights of Angela’s RMU experience has been the virtual, collaborative learning environment. “I’ve really enjoyed connecting with peers and professors who bring diverse perspectives to the table,” Angela shared. “The coursework is directly relevant to my work, which makes the learning experience incredibly valuable. I’m able to apply what I’m learning right away, which is so rewarding.”
As Angela continues her Ph.D. journey, she has some advice for others considering going back to school: “Take the leap! Investing in your education is investing in your future. Find a program that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle, and you’ll set yourself up for success. The skills, knowledge, and confidence you gain will open new doors for you.”
Angela is also taking advantage of RMU’s corporate partnership discount, which she expressed has helped in furthering her educational goals.
We’re incredibly proud to have Angela as part of our RMU community and look forward to all she will continue to accomplish as she moves closer to earning her Ph.D.
Meet Laura White
“I have learned that it is good to look at things from every angle, what the leader sees, what the employee sees, and then what they are seeing together.”
Laura is currently enrolled in RMU’s Leadership and Organizational Change certificate and receives a corporate discount through her job. While enrolled in school, Laura also works full-time at UPMC Workpartners as a Senior Clinical Prevention Specialist for KnovaSolutions.
When Laura White decided to pursue further education, she had already built a successful career in healthcare. As a nurse, educator, and now a Senior Clinical Prevention Specialist at UPMC WorkPartners, Laura had spent years helping others grow, learn, and heal. But despite her deep expertise in healthcare, she felt there was one piece missing: business knowledge.
“I have spent my career in healthcare as a nurse. I received a great education at my nursing school and have learned a world of knowledge in healthcare, but I didn't have much business knowledge.” Laura reflects. “As a nurse educator, I help develop and positively help people grow. This program has aided me in this and I have learned better ways to produce more positive outcomes.”
This desire for broader insight led her to RMU’s Leadership and Organizational Change graduate certificate program. “RMU has a great reputation for its business programs and the Leadership and Organizational Change graduate certificate. Along with that, the partnership between UPMC and RMU is a valuable one. Having one of the top healthcare systems in the world partnering with RMU means it is highly regarded and provides world-class programs to the employees at UPMC.”
Laura says she values the flexibility of the program as well as how the professors can connect real-world experience to their courses. As she began her coursework at RMU, Laura quickly discovered how the program was designed to challenge and expand her thinking. “I have learned that it is good to look at things from every angle, what the leader sees, what the employee sees, and then what they are seeing together.”
We are very proud to have Laura White in our RMU community and can’t wait to see how she uses her education in the workplace!
Meet MBA student Tim Kawiecki, Manager of Sales and Operation Planning at United States Steel Corporation
“It is very helpful that Pittsburgh Young Professionals partnered with RMU which provides me with a corporate discount on my tuition. It is one of the main reasons I was able to go back to school and earn my MBA.”
Tim is already noticing how the MBA program at RMU has positively impacted his career. He says he has seamlessly been able to apply his teachings to the workplace.
Tim recently spoke on a career panel at Westinghouse high-school where he referenced topics and trends he learned in an MBA leadership course.
Meet MBA student Brad Jenkins, Managing Director at FedEx
“With my demanding work schedule and family activities, finding a program that was 100% online was a must for me.”
Brad is earning his MBA to better position himself for career advancement opportunities at FedEx and further distinguish himself from the rest of his talented colleagues. Thanks to the Corporate Partnership discount between FedEx and RMU, Brad receives tuition reimbursement for pursuing his MBA at one of the top online programs in the country.
After Brad graduates with his MBA from Robert Morris in the Fall, he is considering enrolling in logistics courses to expand his educational background and continue utilizing the Corporate Partnership discount offered by RMU.
Brad says the mentorship he has received through the MBA program has made him a better leader.
“My potential is what this program is helping me unlock.”
Meet MBA student Pradeep Nallathambi, Head of People Team Engineering at BNY Mellon
Pradeep is earning his MBA to take his skill set to the next level and keep up with market trends. The online flexibility and structure offered by the MBA program at RMU has allowed Pradeep to balance his hectic work schedule and classes.
“Being a Director of Software Development at BNY Mellon, my work schedule is very very hectic. Robert Morris structures the program in a way that allows me to manage work and school. Kudos to the MBA team at RMU.”
The Corporate Partnership discount between BNY Mellon and RMU has been a tremendous help financially, enabling Pradeep to further his education and advance in his career.
Meet MBA student Maddie Mastic, Sales Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific
“The tuition benefits provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific through the corporate partnership with RMU have been instrumental in facilitating the pursuit of earning my MBA.”
For Maddie, not only does the tuition reimbursement alleviate financial burdens, but it also demonstrates Thermo Fisher’s commitment to investing in her professional development. She says the synergy between the MBA education and her job has been remarkable. Maddie has been able to apply newfound knowledge and insights directly to her role as Sales Manager, enhancing her performance and contributing to her career growth.