Posted on October 10, 2024 by Wendy Frost
The Executive MBA (EMBA) program in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first program graduates during a luncheon celebration this month. Bob Lengel, associate professor emeritus of management, was honored for founding this visionary leadership program.
EMBA alumni participants
“This is like coming back to my childhood home,” said Lengel, who was recognized at the program for his visionary contributions. “We created something that was unique and allowed professionals to step out of their busyness. It is good to come back and see all my kids grown up.”
The EMBA was launched in 1997 with the goal of providing seasoned executives with a blend of traditional business knowledge and leadership development. The 21-month cohort-based program focused on personal leadership development and on the application of new approaches to organizational change. A gift from Ultramar Diamond Shamrock helped establish the program.
“This program made such an impact in my life and my career,” said Cheryl Garcia, senior vice president of government transportation at U.S. Bank and a graduate of the first class. “Program founder Bob Lengel helped me and so many others find our purpose in life and connect with each other.
The inaugural class consisted of 22 top-level executives from San Antonio and the surrounding areas, representing companies across various industries, such as Six Flags, H-E-B, USAA and SBC Communications. Today the program is home to over 700 alumni.
“The UTSA EMBA was my touchstone to find my balance and center my focus on how to grow my company and determine my next steps in my life and career,” said Garcia.
The Center for Professional Excellence, where the EMBA program is housed, serves as a hub for leadership training and executive education for the Alvarez College of Business. Learn more about the college’s customized professional development programming.
— Wendy Frost
