Q. Why did you choose Anaheim University?

I chose AU for my MBA because it was one of the few online programs for Sustainable Management.  My research on the program found that the faculty were global experts on Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility.  Having completed the program, I can attest that it was even better than I had anticipated.

Q. Why did you choose to pursue a DBA after you completed your MBA with Anaheim University?  

I chose to pursue a DBA because I want to be a Professor and teach sustainability at the graduate level to business professionals.  I also want the credibility in the industry and at my company as a sustainability professional. 

Q. What do you like best about the program?  

What I liked best about the program was analyzing case studies for sustainability solutions that have been tried, tested, and proven to be viable options for reducing negative impacts.  Studying these examples and working through the challenges in class helped me develop new solutions that I have implemented at my company.  

Q. What is your favorite memory from the program?

Finishing the program was my favorite memory.  It was a lot of work but very rewarding. 

Q. How did you feel attending and speaking at the 2017 Graduation Ceremony?

Speaking at the graduation was such an honor.  I am proud to be part of the AU Alumni and I love telling others how AU helped change my career and my life.  I have to admit, I really liked being introduced as Dr. Reiter.

Q. Please describe your experience with studying online.

Online studying was nice because it was flexible with my demanding schedule.   However, it requires a lot of self-management and dedication to stay on track.  As with any graduate program, there is a lot of writing, reading, and research every single day.  You cannot let yourself fall behind or it will be very difficult to recover.  Stay the course and it’ll be over before you know it.  

Q. Do you feel you are part of a learning community?

I absolutely feel that I am part of the learning community.  Clearly it is not the same as going to a brick and mortar university, but I received all the perks of getting a great education from Anaheim University.

Q. What was the most unusual location where you joined an online class or discussion forum?

I was on vacation in Palm Springs getting ready to go to a fancy dinner.  While I was under pressure to get the online class done, it turned out to be one of the best lectures I’ve heard on greenwashing.  I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

Q. What would you say to someone who is hesitant about studying online?

I would tell someone to thoroughly think about what it will take to complete the degree.  Ask yourself if you have the time to drive to and from a traditional college campus and sit in lecture halls for hours on end?  For me, the answer was no.  There is no way that I could maintain my job requirements and attended college full time.  I choose the online MBA and DBA programs at AU and it has made all the difference.

Q. Please tell us briefly about your career.

I am currently the Executive Vice President and Chief EHS&S Officer for a medium-size General Contractor and Sustainable Construction Consulting firm.  Prior to my current position I was Sr. Principal Advisor for Strategy and Sustainability at Edison International.

Q. Do you feel the MBA has helped your career?  How will the DBA further your career?

My MBA helped me get an Executive position with a higher salary.  The DBA will help me become a professor and expert in sustainability.

Q. Do you think the field of sustainable management is becoming more important in business? What are the merits to studying sustainable management?

Sustainability is not a question of “if”, but “when.”  Most large corporations have realized the benefits of being sustainable and those that haven’t will be forced to either by regulations, shareholders, and/or stakeholders.  If your goal is to be in business and manage sustainability, then learning how to actually “manage” sustainability is the direction you want to take.  Studying sustainable management will give you the skills to manage companies from a triple bottom line where profits, people, and the planet are all factored into the decision making of the corporation from the top down.