Find out how one local MBA graduate is making an economic impact on the Shoals area

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Sam Mashburn—UNA MBA graduate—and his family beside the Tennessee River
Sam loves the flexibility UNA’s MBA offered him to spend time with his family. (UNA)

Sam Mashburn thought he was going to be a lawyer his whole life. He even started out working at a law firm before deciding it wasn’t for him.

Read on to learn how he found his true passion and is helping the Shoals grow economically.

How Sam gives back through business

(Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Meet Sam

Sam beside the Shoals Community Theatre, which originally opened in 1948.
Sam beside the Shoals Community Theatre, which originally opened in 1948. (UNA)

Sam and his wife, Madelyn, currently live in the Shoals area with their golden retriever and newborn son, Samuel.

Growing up in the Shoals, Sam’s family ties to the community run deep. His parents went to the University of North Alabama in the 90s, and his dad was the first in his family to graduate from college.

“I was always aware of UNA, but it wasn’t until I set foot on campus that I truly understood the opportunities the university offered and the significant role it plays in the community.”

Sam Mashburn, UNA MBA Graduate

Sam’s journey from law to business

Sam hanging out by the Tennessee River, which runs beside Florence.
Sam hanging out by the Tennessee River, which runs beside the Shoals. (UNA)

Sam has always been interested in community development but didn’t envision how he wanted to live out that passion until recently.

“Initially, I thought I wanted to go to law school. Like many people, I was influenced by what I saw in my daily life. I knew attorneys were involved in community development, which appealed to me.

However, after some experiential learning in a law firm during my time at UNA, I realized that law might not be the right path for me.”

Sam Mashburn, UNA MBA Graduate

Sam began to dip deeper into his true interests, eventually securing a fellowship with the Regional Workforce Council through the UNA Sanders College of Business and Technology.

“This experience opened my eyes to community and economic development, helping me understand industry needs in our community and the roles that nonprofits and government play in meeting those needs.

I began to ask myself, ‘How can I work in a space where my full-time job involves making the Shoals a better place to live, work and play?'”

Sam Mashburn, UNA MBA Graduate

As a Political Science graduate, Sam had extensive knowledge about the government and the nature of private and public partnerships, but he knew his business knowledge was lacking. That’s where UNA’s MBA came in.

UNA’s MBA may be your next step, too—apply today.

The valuable flexibility of UNA’s MBA

Sam Mashburn—UNA MBA graduate—working on coursework beside The Shoals Community Theatre.
UNA’s MBA allows you to knock out coursework from anywhere. (UNA)

Sam started his MBA at UNA during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop him from getting a ton out of it. Check out how it’s given him a leg up:

  • The program was online, helping him have the flexibility he needed while working full-time.
  • The program’s eight-week course structure, with periodic breaks, made it easier to maintain a balance between work, study and personal time.
  • Even though the program was online, Sam still got to collaborate with his classmates across diverse industries, which helped him learn how to communicate with different business owners.
  • Sam worked full-time while getting his MBA, so he could immediately apply what he was learning to his job.

Making an economic impact on The Shoals

Sam Mashburn—UNA graduate—in downtown Florence.
Sam loves investing in downtown Florence. (UNA)

Sam currently works as the Director of Public Policy & Governmental Relations at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce. In his role, he helps entrepreneurs get started and grow their businesses. His schedule is far from the normal 9-5, and he credits his ability to manage his time well to the MBA’s emphasis on organization and project management.

Through his role, he’s also been impressed to see how UNA has made the Shoals better through its economic impact on the area.

“Without UNA, the Shoals wouldn’t be the same economically. The university contributes over $380 million annually to the local economy and is one of the region’s largest employers.

UNA’s presence here allows businesses and individuals to thrive without needing to leave the area. The university meets the exact needs of our local industries, which is crucial for economic mobility and growth.”

Sam Mashburn, UNA MBA Graduate

Here’s what you need to know about UNA’s MBA:

  • Cost: $585 per credit hour + fees, meaning you can get your MBA for less than $20k
  • Time to complete:
    • Full time: 12-18 months
    • Part time: 18-24 months
  • Format: 100% online
  • AACSB accredited, making UNA in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
  • No GMAT required.
  • The next semester start date is March 5 + UNA is still accepting applications—apply now.

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North Alabama - Sanders College of Business and Technology
Lacey Muenstermann
Lacey Muenstermann
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