Born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union, Vladimir Stepania is a retired professional Basketball player. During his time with the NBA, he played for the Seattle SuperSonics, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers. Holding a Master of Science in Sports and Media Management from New York University and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Washington, Vladimir is now a student in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Entrepreneurship program through the Anaheim University Akio Morita School of Business.
AU: Could you tell us briefly about your career in the NBA?
STEPANIA: I played for six and a half years in four different teams between 1998 and 2005.
AU: Why did you choose Anaheim University?
STEPANIA: I own four businesses and knowledge is very important to stay ahead and improve the quality of service. My goal is to build and own a mid-size company in health care or food services that could grow and be acquired years from now.
AU: Why did you choose to study in the DBA in Entrepreneurship program?
STEPANIA: I received tuition relief through the National Basketball Association’s Retired Player’s Association. I loved the idea to learn entrepreneurship and wanted to gain networking opportunities with students and professors as well.
AU: How has your experience been so far with Anaheim University?
STEPANIA: So far, very great! I like the professors, their flexible approach to teaching, and having them share their experience. The course reading materials are also valuable resources of information and knowledge.
AU: What do you do for a living and how is studying at Anaheim University helping your career?
STEPANIA: I own a couple of small businesses based in Seattle — a long-term care for the elderly service, as well as a regional food brokerage company that specializes in supplying retailers and some wholesalers. I would love to teach some courses as an adjunct professor, perhaps at your school, once I complete my studies.
About Anaheim University 
Anaheim University is a nationally accredited online institution of higher learning headquartered in Anaheim, California. The school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an accrediting commission based in Washington D.C. and established in 1926. The DEAC is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
For more information about Anaheim University and our programs, please visit our website at www.anaheim.edu, or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..