5 Reasons These Executives Chose the Rice MBA
Source: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/5-reasons-executives-chose-rice-mba Parent: https://business.rice.edu/admissions-blog/a-message-from-our-dean
Houston has a lot: the world’s largest healthcare center, global energy connections, growing tech and innovation spheres, and more. It’s also home to one of the nation’s top-ranked Executive MBA programs.
If you’re an experienced professional looking to make a greater impact with an Executive MBA, Rice may be just the place for you. Get to know a few of our Executive MBA students from the Class of 2027 as they share what brought them to Rice.
From industry access and program reputation to strong curriculum and global learning, here are the top five reasons they chose Rice Business.
Why Rice for Your EMBA?
Leadership Development
The Rice Executive MBA is designed for leaders who want to grow not only in capability, but in character — giving them the tools and support to lead with integrity.
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Brent Smith, senior associate dean for Executive Education and associate professor.
“Rice’s Executive MBA stood out because of its strong reputation for cultivating principled, data-driven leaders who balance analytical rigor with leadership — values that resonate with my own,” says Cherrice Browne.
“Rice is committed to developing leaders who make a tangible impact not just within their organizations, but within their communities.”
On-Campus Experience
Rice Business also stands apart for its immersive learning and community-building opportunities — giving students the chance to build meaningful relationships with peers, professors and alumni in person.
“I chose Rice Business because it offered a dedicated, on-campus experience that other programs — often relying on remote or satellite locations — couldn’t match,” says Ramy Kamal. “For me, the value of an MBA lies in the immersive environment and the ability to build deep, face-to-face connections.”
Interested in Rice Business?
Strong Academics
With a rigorous curriculum and a reputation for academic excellence, Rice Business attracts professionals ready to sharpen their leadership and strategic perspective through leadership forums, executive coaching and more than 100 elective options.
“I chose Rice Business for its stellar academic reputation and strong network in Houston. In my career as a CPA/controller, I want to go further in financial leadership, and I felt Rice was the best place to hone my leadership skills, strategic thinking and executive presence,” says Natalie Hinkley.
Hear why current student Anu Desai chose Rice:
Healthcare Access
“I chose Rice Business for the opportunity to engage with the ecosystem of the largest medical center in the world,” says James Morrison Jr., DMD.
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The Texas Medical Center neighbors Rice University in the heart of Houston.
The Texas Medical Center is one of the largest in the world, and it’s just minutes from the Rice campus. Our STEM-certified curriculum and exposure to the medical field give MBA students unmatched networking, learning and growing opportunities.
Personal Growth
“I moved to the U.S. in 2022 after building a successful consulting career in Russia,” shares Peter Korolev.
“After two years of living and working here, I realized that I could still benefit from some structured support, like upgrading some skills, strengthening my communication and building my local network. The Rice EMBA program appeared to be the best option to help me!”
For students navigating career transitions or new professional landscapes, Rice Business offers the structure, support and community needed to grow with confidence and intention.
\ For many of the Executive MBA students in the Class of 2027, the decision to attend Rice was about much more than just pursuing a degree. It was a conscious choice to join a tight-knit community that prioritizes personal growth, uplifting one another and making impacts in Houston and beyond.
Continue reading about our Executive MBA program and where it can take you. \
Featured Students
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Cherrice Browne ’27
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Ramy Kamal ’27
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Natalie Hinkley ’27
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James Morrison Jr. ’27
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Peter Korolev ’27
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