Online MBA Archives | UofL Online Programs

Pathways to Leadership: Online BS OLL and Online MBA

By Conner Mackowiak | November 17, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Great leaders are vital to an organization’s success, now more than ever before. Managers, innovators, motivators and force multipliers are needed in almost every industry to drive meaningful change, inspire growth and improve performance. The University of Louisville recognizes this demand and offers online programs like our Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) as well as our Master of Business Administration (MBA), both curated to help students who are emerging leaders develop the skills they need to succeed.

One such student is Melissa Hill, a BS OLL graduate and a current online MBA candidate. She came to UofL with decades of career experience which earned her Credit for Prior Learning and prepared her for the next step in advancing her education. Melissa knew that she was capable of more and went on to pursue her MBA online with UofL. Melissa is on track to graduate in Spring 2026.

Watch Melissa’s story below:

There’s more: BS OLL and MBA program directors, Dr. Randy Whetstone Jr. and Dr. Zac Goldman discuss how these programs benefit adult learners like Melissa Hill. Watch below:

Whether you’re just getting started with your journey in leadership or you’re a seasoned professional ready to take things to the next level, UofL has the programs to help you move along the way. Click here and jumpstart your adventure today!

Melissa Hill Online Student Highlight (BS in OLL and MBA)

By Conner Mackowiak | November 5, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Online BS in OLL Graduate, Current Online MBA Candidate

Hope is a powerful thing. It stems from a belief in the possibility of something better, of a future that can be achieved with some hard work and a little luck. Hope requires nurturing, with love and attention given in the appropriate amounts.

Hope is the exact characteristic that Melissa Hill demonstrates in her daily life. Melissa is a graduate of UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS in OLL) and is a current candidate in UofL’s 100% online MBA program. Melissa originally started her undergraduate journey at UofL in ‘91, though she wasn’t sure that college was the right fit for her at the time. She entered the workforce and spent the next few decades raising her family and building her career. After some input from mentors and conversation with her family, she made the decision to complete her undergraduate degree online with UofL’s BS in OLL program, with a track focus on Healthcare Leadership. She didn’t stop there however; after completing her undergraduate degree, Melissa made the bold move to start up with UofL’s online MBA program, something she described initially as being out of her comfort zone.

Melissa is a natural leader, and her story demonstrates that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith in life. Melissa had a hope for a better future when she resumed her undergraduate journey; she is now on track to graduate with a UofL MBA in May 2026. Watch her story below:

Do you have hope for your future? Consider what that might look like with UofL’s Organizational Leadership & Learning bachelor’s and the MBA+ program, both 100% online, on your time!

According to LinkedIn, MBAs are back in style; we say, they never left.

By Conner Mackowiak | April 10, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

A recent LinkedIn news story shared that professionals are seeking MBAs and similar graduate business degrees once again. The story cited a recent application trends survey indicating that 2-year MBA applications had grown 19% in 2024.

UofL’s online MBA program director, Dr. Zac Goldman, had this to say of the article:

“Given current economic uncertainties, these trends are not terribly surprising. When career or industry outlooks worsen, many people invest in pursuing an MBA to enhance their future prospects. Like anything, MBA applications can trend up or down year-over-year; but long-term, the MBA degree continues to be one of the most resilient and valuable credentials across industries. Those who earn an MBA consistently have greater access to promotions and other opportunities, while also earning more on average than those without an MBA. Our team in the College of Business at UofL is always ready to support and assist professionals who are ready to take this important next step in their careers.”

UofL’s online MBA is designed with the future in mind. This program was created with built-in graduate certificate opportunities and innovative electives, all meant to prepare you for leadership in the workplace of tomorrow. This program also features a 10-day business trip built into the program, intentionally added to give students a global perspective from a program which can be completed from your living room, 100% online.

This program also features the Cardinal Choice Assignment, an exciting deliverable completed throughout the course of the program which allows you to tailor your degree to the Career, Industry or Issue that matters most to you. Doing so allows you to show a prospective employer the diligent work that you completed while still a student in the program.

If you’re interested in joining the growing number of future business leaders looking to energize their future with an MBA, learn more about our program and start your application today!

The Priority Deadline for fall semester applications is May 1.

Hear from a UofL Health Surgeon and UofL Online MBA Graduate!

By Conner Mackowiak | October 8, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

We had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Kellen Choi, a surgeon with UofL Health and the Advisory Dean for UofL’s School of Medicine. Dr. Choi also completed UofL’s online MBA program, and offered some interesting insights as to how the program can be beneficial for students at any stage of their careers. Read Dr. Choi’s insights below!

Please provide your full name, title, and any credentials.

My name is Kellen Choi DO, FACOS, MBA.

Could you please share your current employer and occupation?

I work as a Urologic Surgeon at UofL Health, and serve as an Advisory Dean at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Why did you choose to pursue UofL’s online MBA?

I chose an online MBA at UofL to be part of the Cardinal family. I have been part of UofL Health and have also been teaching our students over the years at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. I was impressed with how Cardinal students are proud of their school and thriving in life. As the medical field is becoming more complex and innovative ways to maximize our healthcare are crucial, I wanted to learn how to be an effective leader in our healthcare. I am a second-generation Aggie (Whoop!) and have also met several Aggie-Cardinals in our community, helping others and making the world a better place!

Did you complete the Business of Healthcare certificate?

I took business healthcare electives courses before the certificate was available but have thoroughly enjoyed taking valuable courses, which I use daily in my practice. I look forward to teaching as a faculty member for such an amazing program!

What was your favorite part of the online MBA experience?

I loved learning about different aspects of the business world that I was not familiar with as a physician, but the real joy was making connections with my professors and colleagues I still keep in touch with.

How has UofL’s online MBA helped you advance your career?

The UofL online MBA helped me be a more well-rounded physician who helps patients and healthcare in more innovative ways.

How does earning the online MBA through UofL fit into your life story?

My husband helped me navigate MBA classes while our two daughters saw me studying all the while working full time as a urologic surgeon. Now, my husband is getting his MBA while our two daughters see him study and work full time as critical care physician. Our girls love to see us study and grow as a family and help each other reach our goals to help others effectively!

What would you tell others considering pursuing an MBA?

Just do it! You will love it!

Thank you for your answers, Dr. Choi! You can learn more about UofL’s online programs here.

Tag: Online MBA