TLU professors have a reputation for working hard to get to know their students. But how well do TLU students know their professors? 

Take Dr. Fernando Garza, department chair and associate professor of business, for instance. Students will recognize him from courses like Principles of Management, HR Management, and even FREX classes. But would they ever guess that away from the classroom, he’s working toward becoming a master gardener? Or that he’s a classically trained double bassist? Or that he’s absolutely sure that RUSH is the greatest band that’s ever existed? “I attended at least one show for each of their tours since the Presto tour back in the early ’90s,” he says. “I was in Austin to see their retirement tour. RIP Neil.”

If you decide to pursue your MBA at TLU, you’ll get to know Garza, who teaches courses in management and international business within the program. And he’ll most definitely get to know you, so that he can help you reach your goals. 

He says people decide to pursue an MBA for numerous professional reasons—reasons like greater potential for advancement and higher earnings. “In addition, MBA graduates enjoy increased job security and access to a wide range of industries, including finance, consulting, tech, healthcare, and operations,” he explains, adding that there’s is a marked difference between salary and opportunity when comparing the MBA to an undergraduate degree alone—so while a bachelor’s degree is great on its own, an MBA can give graduates an edge in the job market. “In a nutshell, pursuing an MBA over and above an undergraduate degree makes a substantial, statistically significant difference in career trajectory, compensation, opportunities, and personal development for most business professionals.”

But Garza also points to personal reasons to pursue the advanced degree. “Personally, it’s about the desire for greater knowledge. MBA curricula emphasize strategic, cross-functional thinking, and building connections, which is not always as deeply covered at the undergraduate level. If a person loves learning, an MBA is an effective path.”

So say you’ve decided to go for it and pursue your MBA. With so many different programs to choose from, what sets TLU’s apart? “The practical side of the mission of TLU is being student-oriented and student-focused. Our MBA goes further,” says Garza. “Each student is treated as an individual with a different background and personality.”

Those are the signature qualities of a TLU education: Professors like Garza really take the time to know their students and help them to reach their goals, and that cultivates confidence—and that spills over into everything they do. “It’s about relationships and deeply understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the MBA students. Our faculty are committed to guiding students to higher levels of education and professional development in all aspects of their life.”