Successful Alumni
Alumni of the St. Edward’s University graduate programs have achieved success in a wide range of careers and industries. They run their own technology firms and retail businesses, act as directors and vice presidents within national corporations and local nonprofits, and follow their passions as public servants and licensed professionals.
Some have advanced in their current fields by earning their master’s degree. Others have started companies or used their graduate degree to change careers. All have pursued their dreams, enriched their lives and contributed to their communities.
These alumni share their stories and the impact of their St. Edward’s education.
Ben Ferrell MCSD ’10
Occupation: Austin Community College, executive vice president for Finance and Administration
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Degree: Master of Arts in College Student Development
Involvement: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, member
Goal: Achieve PhD in Higher Education Administration — reach for college presidency
My Path:
Ferrell wanted to experience learning in a flexible, more personal liberal arts setting. “The St. Edward’s master’s program was perfect and made it very easy for me to participate in the classes I needed while working full time. I enjoyed the opportunity to interact one-on-one with my professors.”
As a certified public accountant, Ferrell had always been on the financial side of the academic world. St. Edward’s showed him the “human side” of college life. “My courses, such as the counseling classes, allowed me to understand the psychology of students at all ages and how college affects them. This is invaluable information for me as I move ahead in my career.”
Zack Steele DMBA ’08
Occupation: Springbox, director of Finance, Operations and Project Management
Hometown: Graham, Texas
Degree: MBA in Digital Media Management
Involvement: Internship at Springbox turning into a job offer upon graduation
Goal: To work hard, reap the benefits and enjoy life with family and friends
My Path:
Steele had always been intrigued by marketing and the digital world, and he wasn't satisfied with his career in medical billing. Enter the MBA in Digital Media Management at St. Edward's. "I was excited by the new digital media program. The upheaval in the media industry caused by the internet intrigued me. Plus, Austin had opportunities for fun, exciting jobs in this industry, so I decided to take the plunge into a full-time MBA program."
Steele landed an internship with Springbox, an interactive marketing firm in Austin. His well-rounded education impressed the company so much they offered to keep him on full-time after graduation. "The curriculum focused on the changing landscape of the digital creative industry — movies, gaming, music and marketing. It gave a broad perspective that helped me transition into this field. My professors introduced me to a lot of interesting people who are movers and shakers in the Austin digital creative space, and that opened up doors for me."
Helen T. McCullough MSOLE ’05
Occupation: Arboretum Ethics, principal
Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
Degree: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Ethics
Involvement: Traveled to 19th Annual European Business Ethics Conference in Vienna, 2006, and the fourth World Congress presented by the International Society of Business Economics and Ethics, 2008 in Cape Town to present “Deciding What Ought to be Done: Leading Teams through Espoused Values”; Action Awareness Agency, board member; Transitional Housing, mentor
Goal: Help businesses commit to ethical practices
My Path:
After moving to Austin, in the middle of the high-tech recession, McCullough searched for a graduate program well worth her time and effort. “After meeting with a St. Edward’s admission counselor, I looked into the MSOLE program. The courses ‘spoke’ to me from the foundations of leadership and ethics to strategic planning. I signed up right away.”
McCullough had her sights set on a leadership position with a technology company. What she found through St. Edward’s was much more. “My view of the world changed. I could no longer go about ‘business as usual.’ I was enlightened by my studies and the Capstone research that my research partner, Kirsten Niedzwecki (MSOLE ’05) and I conducted. Now, I present ethics workshops and encourage companies to ‘live their code of conduct.’”
Paige Newcombe MBA ’05
Occupation: IBM, worldwide executive, Cloud Support & Services
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Degree: Master of Business Administration
Goal: Become a top thought leader within my field
My Path:
Newcombe was looking for a flexible MBA program that would let her go to graduate school while maintaining the balance of her full-time job and family. “I thought this program’s global business emphasis, which combines classroom and real-world experience, would be second to none — and it was. St. Edward’s prepared me to be successful in the global business world. I honed my strategic thinking skills and was able to capitalize on the knowledge I learned in graduate school in the business world.”
During her time at St. Edward’s, Newcombe completed two Capstones and three Seminars in Global Business, traveling to the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Belize and twice to the Slovak Republic. “I strongly believe that without those global experiences, I would not have been offered the original role that got me to where I am today. I would encourage students to take at least one global business course or travel overseas. With today’s technology, nearly all business is global, and having an understanding of how to do business across borders is no longer optional; it’s necessary.”
Sherri Woodworth MAC ’05
Occupation: Austin Wellness, PLLC; Licensed Professional Counselor
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Degrees: Master of Arts in Counseling
Involvement: Student Society for Master of Arts in Counseling, member; currently facilitates workshops on topics such as parenting through divorce and conquering a fear of flying
Goal: Empower clients to heal and to overcome the challenges in their lives
My Path:
After 18 years in the airline industry, which required her to travel four to five days per week, Woodworth decided to change tracks. Her heart led her to a career helping others, and she enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at St. Edward’s. “I chose St. Edward’s for the ease of applying, the friendliness of the staff and faculty, and the beauty of the campus. I was initially concerned about working full-time and attending classes, but I was pleasantly surprised that I could take evening classes and complete the MAC program in a little more than two years.”
Woodworth graduated with confidence, practical experience and a solid network of professional connections. She joined a private practice group with several of her MAC classmates and continues to benefit from the networking which began in the classroom at St. Edward’s. “The majority of my professors at St. Edward’s are practicing clinicians in addition to being highly skilled educators. I truly benefited from their real-time examples in class. I believe that my St. Edward’s experience, along with a supportive internship, prepared me for the licensure board exams and for the successful private practice I enjoy in Austin today.”