Staff Spotlight: Matthew Unruh & Nathan Bright
The Foster community doesn’t just consist of students and faculty, but also the staff that support the MBA program. These individuals are working hard behind the scenes to ensure events and systems are in order so that students have the resources they need to be successful. When you visit the MBA Program Office, it’s likely you’ll be greeted by MBA Student Affairs Program Assistant Matthew Unruh, or MBA Admissions Program Assistant Nathan Bright.
Matthew Unruh and Nathan Bright keep everything running smoothly in the MBA Programs Office and are the first point of contact for current and prospective students
What brought you to Foster? What are your responsibilities as a member of Foster’s MBA Program Office team?
Matthew: I came to Foster initially as a temporary worker through the UTemp Program. I had just returned to the Pacific Northwest and was looking for new opportunities to keep up with the rapidly changing Seattle environment. A friend recommended me to the UTemp Program, which had an almost immediate opening for part-time work at the front desk for the MBA Program Office.
My responsibilities at Foster vary. I work for the MBA Program Student Affairs department. As a Program Assistant it is my job to support all other members of the Student Affairs team, as well as Admissions as needed, in any role where they need support. This means that on a day-to-day basis my position responsibilities vary widely. This includes planning, advising, and coordinating students in the development of certain events, working with the student MBA Association, answering student inquiries, directing students towards available resources, and maintaining office operations.
Usually for any student inquiring, I say: “I might not be able to solve your issue, but I am certainly willing to help, and am likely to know who to ask.”
Nathan: I was an undergrad in Foster and really love the community here. It’s a great place to start my career in higher education. What sets Evening MBA students apart is their relentless commitment to the Foster community and to their personal and professional development. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to complete this program and they have ambitious dreams. My job is to make sure that students have everything they need right when they need it.
Fill in the blank: Foster is ________.
Matthew: Foster is People. What would Foster be without the people who make it?
Nathan: Home! I’ve lived in Seattle for most of my life and want to keep calling this beautiful place my home.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Matthew: The most rewarding part of my job is getting to be even a small part of an academic institution that meant so much to me in my early twenties and that I still hold in high regard.
Nathan: Working with students.
What is Foster’s competitive advantage?
Matthew: From my experience Foster’s competitive advantage is loyalty. The community at Foster breeds alumni who are eager to give back and remain part of Foster long after they have finished classes. Furthermore they seem very eager to develop and support the efforts of new students whenever they can.
Nathan: Definitely the network that we have with local business and industry. We have strong connections with the Seattle business community.
What do you appreciate the most about the Foster community?
Matthew: What I appreciate the most about the Foster community is how welcoming it is to other disciplines, backgrounds, and communities. Despite not having any background in Business to speak of, I’ve felt that everyone, have been exceptionally welcoming and supportive. It’s really a great atmosphere to be surrounded with at work every day.
Nathan: I love how the Foster community is diverse, supportive, and active throughout the region.
What is one interesting fact most people don’t know about you that you would like to share?
Matthew: One of the things that I do to relieve stress is read non-fiction books, particularly on the topics of history, politics, and mythology, and prepare lectures or presentations on what I’m reading. I especially find it a good way to keep my mind busy while driving long distances.
Nathan: My biggest passion is rock climbing and pursuing outdoor adventures. Ask me anything about getting outdoors around WA and the PNW and I’ll have some great ideas and destinations to share!
Wondering if the Foster Evening MBA Program is the right fit for you? To make an appointment with the Foster MBA Programs Office, call 206-543-4661 or toll free at 1-866-778-9622, or email us at [email protected].
Get to know us! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team and check out our upcoming Evening MBA Admissions Events.
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