Nathan Ticknor

Nathan Ticknor’s mission is to inspire change and promote access to opportunity for people with disabilities. In the Questrom Online MBA, he’s hoping to apply business theory and best practices used in the private sector to his public sector objectives.

“The application of business practices in management for sustainability is something that really excites me,” says Nathan, “so I can make a bigger impact in my current job.”

Nathan works at OCALI, the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence. The organization serves families, educators, and professionals working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and low-incidence disabilities—including hearing impairments, visual impairments, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, and other health impairments. Through leadership, research, training, professional development, technical assistance, and technology, OCALI ensures that people with disabilities live their best lives, for their whole lives.

The module structure of the Questrom MBA appealed to Nathan, especially the sections focused on Leading with Integrity and Fostering an Innovative Mindset. Nathan hopes to develop his own innovative mindset, and bring that new perspective to his daily work. And then there was the affordability.

“Obviously the affordability of this program makes a huge difference,” says Nathan, who is working full time while also raising a family. The flexibility was also a key factor. Nathan wasn’t looking to leave his job and uproot his family in order to complete an MBA. But he was looking forward to connecting with a highly motivated, diverse group of professionals he knew he’d find at Questrom.

“I’m really enjoying interacting with people from all different industries, all different places, and all different experiences,” says Nathan. “I’m not only learning from the program, but also from my peers.”

And that learning works both ways. While Nathan is getting the advantage of his classmates’ private sector experience, he’s happy to be sharing his public sector expertise. A win for everyone.

“My career goals are to make a difference, both where I work and with the work I do,” Nathan says. “I hope that any organization I work for is a better organization because I’ve been there, but also that the communities I serve benefit from the work I do and the value I create.”

“My career goals are to make a difference, both where I work and with the work I do.”

– Nathan Ticknor