Meet Michael Henderson: Online MBA Student Spotlight

I chose UofL to pursue my Online MBA because it was convenient for my family, and I also stood by the current mission statement that the College of Business holds for its students, which is ‘offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate business programs that prepare our students for responsible and rewarding careers,’” explained Michael Henderson, Demand Generation Specialist at GE Appliances and fall 2020 Online Master of Business Administration cohort member.”

Louisville is deeply rooted in Henderson’s life, so it was a natural next step for him to pursue his graduate degree at UofL. “I moved to Louisville when I was 10 years old, so all I know is #L1C4. [I] received my bachelor’s from the College of Education at UofL in Sports Administration in 2019.” Cardinal pride runs in Henderson’s family as well, sharing that “I recently [became] engaged to my fiancé who just received her master’s in Social Work from UofL.”

The need for both stability and growth in his professional career is what led Henderson to move forward with pursuing his MBA. “[Between] going from job to job after I earned my bachelor’s and Covid-19 hitting, I knew the summer of 2020 was my time to hit the ground running again and further my education. I always wanted to learn the ins and outs of the business world, how businesses work, and the basic principles of what makes a business run.”

Adapting his education to his schedule without sacrificing traditional MBA program features such as the international travel component for MBA and Master of Accountancy (MAC) students fueled Henderson’s decision to pursue his MBA via UofL’s online platform. “What I appreciate most about the online learning system is that I can go at my own pace. The program is very convenient and flexible, with the bonus of still being able to participate in the Global Business International Trip!”

The OMBA program has also helped me network with others and receive my first promotion at GE Appliances in January of 2021.”

While participating in global immersion events may provide life-changing adventures, Henderson’s most valued experiences in his OMBA program revolved around his collaboration with his student group. “Even though we do not have that face-to-face interaction, we work well as a team, and I know that I have access to bright business students that I can call on as a friend.” These opportunities for collaboration and networking are not just accessible for MBA alumni but also current students and have the potential to impact their professional advancement prior to graduation. “The OMBA program has also helped me network with others and receive my first promotion at GE Appliances in January of 2021.”

Committed to the company at which he works, his professional development as a leader, and the continuation of his higher education, Henderson shared that, “with earning my MBA from UofL, it will put me in a position professionally at GE Appliances that stands out to higher executives within the company. Many professionals I have spoken to, including my direct supervisor…told me that they see me as a future decision leader in the company due to my MBA degree. I also plan to receive my PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from UofL.” Henderson also plans to participate in Ignite Louisville, a program offered by the Leadership Louisville Center that “prepares high-potential professionals, between 25-45 years old, for expanded opportunities in career and community leadership.”

While Henderson remains committed to his professional growth, he also commits to quality time with his fiancée, daughter, cat, and two dogs “to create those long-lasting memories.” Henderson also believes in spending time with those close to him and engaging in physical conditioning to bring balance to his busy life. “I like to workout at Boombox Fitness and go out with friends and family. These activities help me clear my mind from anything going on and just focus on the present moment.”

My mother died at a very young age, [and] I had my daughter [during] my sophomore year at UofL. I use my past work experiences, personal experiences, and my four-year-old daughter as motivation to keep going and achieve everything in front of me!”

Motivation, not just commitment, has led Henderson to achieve his goals, and he encourages others to find what motivates them and to not stop pursuing their professional dreams. “Whatever it is that you want to do work wise, education wise, do it! Don’t let anybody or anything stop you from that. My mother died at a very young age, [and] I had my daughter [during] my sophomore year at UofL. I use my past work experiences, personal experiences, and my four-year-old daughter as motivation to keep going and achieve everything in front of me!”

Would you like to nominate someone to be featured for the OMBA Student Spotlight? Email us at bizonline@louisville.edu.

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