Over the last few years, the Oregon State MBA program has grown in both size and offerings. The program now serves over 220 students in nine different tracks or specializations. In order to support this expansion, three new professionals have recently joined the team. Combined, they have over 20 years of higher education experience at several universities spanning the country.

Ashley Murphy, our new academic advisor, started in March. Prior to moving to Oregon, Ashley worked as a Director of Admissions at New York University. She’s experienced in many areas of Graduate Program administration but particularly enjoys working with students to ensure they meet their academic and professional goals. Ashley has a tw0-year-old daughter named Macy, and once worked on a documentary for Turner Classic Movies where she met Martin Scorsese (unfortunately, he wasn’t interested in earning his MBA).

Melissa (Mel) Almanza started in April as our new admissions advisor. She works with prospective students and recent applicants, answering questions and promoting the benefits of the Oregon State MBA program. Mel comes from the University of San Francisco where she served as the Coordinator of Graduate Student Programs. She’s excited to be on board and loves sharing the benefits of an Oregon State education with prospective students. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Oregon and says Crater Lake has been her favorite trip so far (although she’s open to suggestions of new places to visit). Mel also enjoys soccer and once spent two summers practicing with the U.S. Women’s team.

Brian Precious assumed the role of MBA Program Director in May. He has several years of higher education experience, serving as the Admissions Director and Associate Program Director at the University of Illinois and Purdue University.  Prior to that, Brian served as the Director of Marketing at a startup solar electronics organization in Champaign, Ill.  Brian is passionate about higher education, particularly the intersection between business education and emerging technology organizations.  Brian has an MBA in Marketing and a BS in Management Information Systems, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Brian and his wife Cheryl are expecting their first child later this year.

If you haven’t already, please stop by the Graduate Programs office (Austin 326) to meet Ashley, Mel and Brian.