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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—“Local yet global” is how ɫɫ�� Michigan University MBA student Steve Balaze describes his experience in the program. An assistant professor in ɫɫ��’s Department of Military Science and Leadership, he knows the value of both perspectives, “I really love how the student body and faculty in the MBA program bring a local and small class feeling to the classroom yet global experiences to our discussions. This dynamic mirrors one of my favorite things about the Army in that you have soldiers from all types of backgrounds from across the country and world working together toward a common goal.”

An Army officer in the logistics branch, he has been serving for nine years, completing two operational assignments before arriving to teach at ɫɫ��. Immediately after college he served in Fort Drum, New York, as part of the 10^th Mountain Division as a fuel and water distribution platoon leader and maintenance control officer. Prior to coming to Kalamazoo, he served in Fort Bliss, Texas, as an aviation support company commander in the 1^st Armored Division.

Wanting to keep his focus on areas like logistics and leadership, Balaze found the MBA to be the perfect fit for his graduate education. “Supply chain management, leadership and other business management classes apply in the positions I hope to hold in the future in the Army. The supply chain management classes are extremely relevant to the Army, and I can see that integrating the knowledge from the different business disciplines will contribute to success in the military and future organizations that I am a part of.”

Balaze takes each class with the purpose of finding ways to apply what he is learning to his career and the management roles he will serve in during future assignments. 

“From the Leadership for Managers course I was able to reflect on my leadership style, my impact on organizations and how I can generate purpose and engagement as a leader. Accounting for Managerial Decision Making taught me ways to use accounting to look at decisions quantitively and have better working knowledge of the accounting processes in the Army. In the data analytics courses, I’ve developed the ability to better use available data to drive decisions and familiarity with the latest tools. And Finance for Managerial Decision Making taught me advanced analytical skills and how to find ways to drive efficient use of financial resources.”

All of his course experiences have contributed to one overall takeaway: the importance of being a lifelong learner. “I can truly see how I can help future organizations and teams and how critical it is to always be improving myself and my skill set.”

Balaze notes that the professional accomplishment he is proudest of is working full time and taking graduate classes at the same time. “I never believed I would be able to have the focus and energy to balance life, work and graduate school, but I have surprised myself in how much I’ve been able to accomplish. I have to give credit to the faculty and the course content, which keeps me alert and focused during the evening classes.”

Credit too goes to Renuka Phillips, director of graduate programs, who encouraged Balaze to enroll and try MBA courses. “Ren has helped me succeed more than anyone. She has been there with me every step of the way for coursework planning and guidance from her personal experience as an MBA alum herself. I value her expertise and am excited for what I will do with the rest of my academic journey and career.”

Learn more at the MBA program website. 

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