As a Quinnipiac undergrad, Lucas was an active Bobcat who served as a Resident Assistant while earning her bachelor's degree. Upon graduation, after a year as a long-term substitute world language teacher, Lucas, a certified EMT since age 18, launched a career in public service.

Lucas went on to work at Hartford HealthCare last year. Lucas also signed on to assist her alma mater as a QU EMS faculty adviser. At the same time, Lucas was looking to take her education to the next level.

“I found a career that couples my two greatest passions in life, but there was something missing. I had my master's in organizational leadership, but I wanted my MBA and I wanted my MHA,” said Lucas. “I connected with Dean of Graduate Student Affairs Gina Frank, who remembered me from my undergraduate years — which, to me, epitomizes the heart and soul of Quinnipiac and what it means to be a Bobcat. Through Dean Frank, I found out about the Professional MBA program.”

The two-year, online program is designed for those with three or more years of professional experience. Quinnipiac’s PMBA courses build on current experience while preparing students to think critically about complex business challenges; shaping innovative, data-driven leaders who will make effective decisions for their organizations.

The program provides an integrative approach to key functional business areas and builds skills to adapt in the ever-changing business environment by incorporating business analysis, managing people and organizations, innovation and strategic integration. It also offers a number of career-focused electives aligned with career goals in areas ranging from finance and marketing to entrepreneurship and healthcare management.

Lucas is on track to earn her PMBA with a concentration in healthcare management.

“I cannot say enough about the program,” Lucas said. “It is rigorous, but it is convenient and it is catered to the working professional. There’s an ample amount of work to understand and grasp, while simultaneously allowing for an ample amount of time for you to finish the work. Quinnipiac continues to put the student first.”

Online students have access to the same dedicated, full-time faculty who teach in the on-campus program. The exceptional support is one reason that Quinnipiac’s program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Lucas said she’s finding that Quinnipiac’s PMBA online experience also builds community among students.

“Not only are the professors awesome and responsive and available, but the people you meet in class are awesome and helpful and engaging,” said Lucas.

As a result, she has made meaningful connections with new colleagues.

“That tells me that this is the community I’m looking for. These are the people that I want to associate myself with as a professional,” said Lucas.

For Lucas, the journey to earn her PBMA at Quinnipiac also writes another chapter in a full-circle story which began when this Connecticut native was 10 years old.

“I was part of the Young Educators Society in fourth grade and our teacher took us to visit Quinnipiac as an institution that really values education. I remember saying to myself, ‘I’m going to go to school here.’ I knew that I wanted to come to Quinnipiac,” said Lucas. “And now, I’m continuing my journey as a Bobcat. I’m so proud to tell people that I’m an undergraduate and a graduate student. For me, earning my Professional MBA from Quinnipiac will be one of the proudest moments of my life.”