UW-Whitewater Commemorates a Decade of DBA Excellence: Celebrating 10 Years of Achievement with a Special Alumni Reunion

November 01, 2024

The 10-year DBA reunion, held on Friday, October 4th at UW-Whitewater, was an unforgettable celebration of our vibrant Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) community. The event brought together members from all 11 cohorts of the program—current students, faculty, staff, and over 50 alumni —who reconnected and shared stories of their accomplishments. The day was filled with exciting moments, including the lively "All Things 10" trivia, engaging industry and academic panels, and reflective discussions on the impact and successes of the program over the past decade.

During the industry and academic panels, seasoned alumni discussed the many new doors opened by the DBA. For example, Dr. Kihm mentioned how the DBA has given him legitimacy as an expert witness in cases pertaining to the energy industry. Dr. Cefalu also discussed his efforts to bring evidence-based policy in his line of work as a police officer. The academic panel discussants included alumni such as Dr. Dell, and Dr. Fairfield and they all emphasized the strong foundation the DBA provided to prepare them to succeed as academics.

Pictured, right: Dr. Henri Balani, DBA alumnae, speaks at the reunion about his experiences.

Alumni speeches highlighted the diverse accomplishments of graduates. Dr. Henri Balani, a member of the inaugural DBA cohort, shared insights from his impressive career as an industry Executive and Academic. Henri has built a reputation for his focus on anti-money laundering efforts and educating future international business leaders about compliance. In his executive role, he drives strategic initiatives in financial crime compliance, influencing policy through his leadership at Encompass' Regulatory Affairs. In his academic career, Henri shapes the next generation of global business professionals, teaching finance, economics, marketing, and strategy.

Dr. Camelia Clark, from the second DBA cohort, also addressed the attendees. A longtime Wisconsin native, Camelia has dedicated nearly three decades to the funeral industry as a death care expert. As co-owner of Paradise Memorial Family Business, she oversees a comprehensive network of funeral homes, a cremation society, a crematory, and a casket and funeral supply company. She discussed the resilience that the rigors of the DBA helped her develop. Such resilience has helped her succeed in her endeavors. Camelia’s career exemplifies the real-world leadership and business acumen that the DBA program fosters in its students.

Pictured, left: Dr. Camelia Clark, DBA alumnae, gives her speech at the reunion, reflecting on the program.

"We created the program to provide practitioners with the ability to apply rigorous academic research to solve real-world problems, without needing to quit their jobs," said Dr. Praveen Parboteeah, Director of the DBA Program. "The 10-year reunion showed the transformative effects that the program had on our alumni. They are all successful in academia and industry. The ability to empower learners to adapt and succeed in the ever-changing business landscape is what sets UWW apart."

Current DBA student, Deborah McGrath, a retired CIA officer and former U.S. Army officer, brings an impressive background in national security and leadership to her studies in the program. Deb retired as an executive of the CIA after a long career, and she is now focused on her Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on Ethics. An active political advocate for women’s and veterans’ issues, Deb also ran for Congress in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, showcasing her commitment to public service. Her diverse career and passion for meaningful impact make her a standout member of the DBA community.

Pictured, right: Dr. Praveen Probateeah, Director of the DBA program at UWW, thanks everyone for attending.

When discussing her experience in the DBA program, Deb expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled about the program, because it answers my own desires to study more and make a difference, and the schedule works very well for an executive lifestyle. And the cohort is fantastic!”

Deb highlights the program's diverse and dynamic environment, noting “It brings together students from all over the nation with diverse experiences, along with professors who offer their own unique insights, creating a robust learning environment.”

As UW-Whitewater’s Doctorate in Business Administration program celebrates its 10th anniversary, the reunion marked not only a moment of reflection but a look toward the future of continued excellence. With a strong foundation of alumni success, current student achievements, and a growing network of professionals and academics, the DBA program continues to be a beacon of leadership and innovation. We are proud of the program's impact over the past decade and excited for the journey ahead, empowering the next generation of business leaders to excel in their fields. The UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics is the only AACSB-Accredited DBA offered in the Universities of Wisconsin.

Learn more about our DBA program here: https://www.uww.edu/cobe/doctorate