Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
This remarkable Huntsville dad is a mentor for “Man Up” + is getting his MBA—check out how he does it all
Sponsored
This Huntsville father of three does it all. You can find him working as a Senior Contracts Manager, traveling to his son’s baseball games, investing in his community and completing classes for his MBA at The University of North Alabama.
But it hasn’t always been easy for him—read on to learn how he rose above difficult childhood challenges and how he manages his time like an expert.
UNA’s MBA at a glance:
- Cost: $495 per credit hour + fees
- Time to complete:
- Full time: 12-18 months
- Part time: 18-24 months
- Format: 100% online or hybrid
- AACSB accredited, making UNA in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
- No GMAT required.
- The next semester start date is August 16 + UNA is still accepting applications—apply now.
Rising above challenges
Gary Lambert makes hard work and success look easy, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t faced challenging times. When he was only nine years old, his father passed away. Then at the age of 20, his mother passed away, leaving him orphaned in the middle of his college years.
Thankfully, he had housing through his university and was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Several years later, in 2015, he moved to Huntsville where he would meet his wife, build a family and begin to thrive.
Father of three
In Huntsville, Gary and his wife started a beautiful family now comprising three children ranging from one to twelve years old. He loves nothing more than investing in them.
His twelve-year-old son is a baseball star, and the family spends many summer weekends on the road traveling to elite tournaments. Not to mention, his seven-year-old daughter practices dance several times a week, and his one-year-old finds plenty of ways to keep the family busy.
Nonetheless, Gary finds time to prioritize his studies and career advancement.
Flexible MBA program
Gary had debated getting his MBA for a while, but when COVID-19 hit, he took it as a sign.
“I had been working for the federal government for years and wanted something that would separate me from my peers. When COVID-19 hit, I knew the timing was right. I came across UNA’s affordable program and decided to enroll.”
Gary Lambert, UNA MBA student
Because’s UNA’s MBA can be completed online at students’ own pace, Gary still has time for family activities and his full-time job as a Senior Manager of Contracts for GE Aerospace.
“I’m a very busy person. I have three kids, three dogs and a lot of extracurricular activities. But at the end of three years, I’ll be able to come away with my MBA, and I couldn’t be happier with how things have played out.”
Gary Lambert, UNA MBA student
UNA actually offers six start dates per year for the MBA, so students can enroll whenever it aligns best with their schedule. Plus, classes are offered in eight or sixteen week courses to accommodate students’ full-time jobs and hobbies.
Ready to advance your career without giving up the hobbies you love? You can still register for the fall semester—apply for UNA’s MBA today!
Community impact
When Gary’s dad passed away, he was only in middle school, and he desperately missed having a father figure during these years. Because of his circumstances, Gary has chosen to be a positive influence in the lives of middle school boys in the Huntsville community.
A few years ago, he started became a mentor for a program called “Man Up,” consisting of 70 young men at Sparkman Middle School.
“My goal is to let the youth know that they’re there not their statistics, their past or their parents. Success is up to them. My middle school years after my dad died were very difficult, and I could have have allowed my geographical surroundings to hinder my success, but I didn’t. And I want those kids to know that there are opportunities for them out there.”
Gary Lambert, UNA MBA student
Advance your career with UNA’s MBA
UNA’s MBA program prioritizes quality while maintaining affordability. There are numerous scholarship opportunities for military members and corporate partner employees. Plus, newly-enrolled students get their first course free.
UNA students also get to pick an MBA concentration that reflects their career goals. Check out the 10 concentrations offered:
- Accounting
- Data Analytics
- Executive
- Finance
- Global Business
- Health Care Management
- HR Management
- Information Systems
- Project Management
- Sales + New Business Development
If they wish, students can also choose their own path instead of selecting one of these concentrations.
Gary is pursuing the Executive MBA, and because he has been so pleased with the program, he has decided to pursue his doctorate upon successfully completing his master’s degree.
“UNA’s resources are top notch—especially for students who have never stepped foot on campus. I live in Huntsville and do my schoolwork online, but I feel like I belong to the UNA community.”
Gary Lambert, UNA MBA student
You can live and work in the Huntsville area, all while completing UNA’s flexible and affordable MBA program. The next MBA start date is August 16—apply today!
Sponsored by: