Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship

Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship recipient Jennifer Maguire poses with her mother, Cora.
Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship recipient Jennifer Maguire poses with her mother, Cora.


Jennifer Maguire was the Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship recipient for the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree in English, with a double minor in Applied Business and Alaska Native Studies. She is pursuing her MBA and will plans to graduate in December 2013.

Why did you decide to earn an MBA?

I would like to be my own boss. Also, I would like to work with my family – my sister and I like to talk about business and what sort of business we could start.

You and your siblings are second-generation UAF alumni – can you share with us the degrees they received?

My father, Bob, earned his Masters of Education from UAF. My mother, Cora, received her degree in education and has worked as an elementary teacher for many years. My sister, Gail, has a nursing degree and she works for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, and my brother, Jeremy, has a Wildlife Biology degree and he works down in Seattle for a school district there.

Why did you decide to attend UAF?

I started at another school and then decided to attend UAF. I like that evening classes are offered and the classes are small. If you need help with anything, you can go to the professors. I like the small-school feel.

I’ve gone to other colleges and overall, I like UAF the best.



 

How did receiving the Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship help you?

The Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship rewards $12,500 to two MBA students every year.
The Alyeska Pipeline MBA Fellowship rewards $12,500 to two MBA students every year.


I probably would not have gone to graduate school without it, for financial reasons. I like UAF and I had heard the business program was good and I am grateful for the opportunity the fellowship gave me. It feels good to know that the community as a whole is supporting Native students going into business. Even in our own Native corporations, there are not enough managers who are Native – many times we have to hire outsiders to come in and manage us.

What do you hope to accomplish with your MBA?

An MBA shows you have the skill to run different types of programs and manage different departments.As of September 2012, I was named CEO of Interior Regional Housing Authority!

For more information on scholarships, visit the University of Alaska Foundation.