Why this college football champion went straight through for his MBA

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When it was time for Luke Wingo to choose a college, the University of North Alabama was perfect for him. He played football for UNA and loved the school so much, he got his Master of Business Administration (MBA) there. Here’s his story.

Meet Luke Wingo

Born and raised in Tuscaloosa by parents who’d attended The University of Alabama, Luke Wingo graduated from Hillcrest High School. He played baseball and football, and the University of North Alabama recruited him for their football team.

Next, Wingo went to Florence to visit, and he fell in love with UNA’s campus. In addition, his coaches thought it was a great opportunity, so the decision was easy.

Wingo had an outstanding career at UNA as the team’s quarterback.

Here are just a few highlights:

• A four-year starter at UNA
• Led UNA to three consecutive Gulf South Conference (GSC) Championships
• Selected first-team All-GSC
• Selected GSC Offensive Player of the Year
• UNA’s all-time leader in total offense (9,532)
• UNA’s all-time leader in most touchdowns responsible for (94)
• Second in career passing yards (8,374)
• Second in career touchdown passes (60)
• Second in career pass completions (598)

After graduating, Wingo completed his MBA in 2018. Next he worked in Huntsville for a year, then moved to Birmingham with his wife and toddler.

Why the UNA MBA was the right step after graduation

For the final year of his Business Management degree, Wingo knew he wanted to try to get into UNA’s MBA program. He’d heard great things about the program and already knew some of the professors.

He also knew that studying for his MBA right after undergrad was the best case scenario. Once he started a family and began a career, he knew it wouldn’t get easier.

Flexibility in UNA’s MBA program was key

Because Wingo still lived in Florence, he appreciated being able to take some classes in person and the rest online.

“There were times when balancing work and the MBA was difficult. Because of the flexibility and help that I received from UNA, I was able to do it. You have to be very organized and structured with your time. Thankfully, taking undergraduate classes while playing football forced me to learn how juggle multiple things.”

Luke Wingo

Check out University of North Alabama’s MBA program today.

From UNA’s MBA to the workforce

Now Wingo works as a Project Developer at Blackwater Resources, LLC, a full service commercial real estate firm that does retail, multifamily and Publix grocery store projects throughout the Southeast.

During the MBA, Wingo worked for the University of North Alabama’s facilities department in a graduate assistantship position. Since he knew he wanted to work in construction project management, this was a perfect fit. There were plenty of campus remodeling and maintenance projects to work on. 

Next, Wingo took a sales position for a Muscle Shoals-based company for a year. After graduating, he took another sales position for a company in Huntsville.

A year later, he and his family moved to Birmingham. Now he works in commercial real estate with Blackwater Resources, LLC.

The MBA has helped in many ways

Wingo found that the MBA has helped his career in several key ways:

• Knowledge of finance and accounting
• Advancement in leadership roles
• Project financing
• Prioritization and organization

“It was a great experience for me overall, and I’m very thankful that I did it.”

Luke Wingo

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If UNA’s MBA sounds like a good fit for you, here are some nuts and bolts you need to know:

• Cost: The cost of the MBA program is less than $18,000.
• Quality: UNA is among the 5% of business schools in the world to hold the prestigious AASCB accreditation.
• Flexibility: There are 5 different eight-week terms per year, and you can apply and start before any one of them. UNA works closely with students. They help you design a schedule that will help you reach your goals while meeting your current commitments.
• New start scholarship: The next eight-week session begins October 11. Register now and get your first class free.

Know you want to go? Apply today + follow UNA’s College of Business and Technology on Facebook or UNA on Instagram.

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