Alumnus attests: UIU MBA + Certification = GREAT Job!

While working as a human resources generalist for Wisconsin Energy (WE), Lee Hubert began looking for a master’s program that would suit all of his needs – cost per credit, accreditation, use of technology and scheduling.

He looked to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., and actually started the program there. However, Upper Iowa University quickly captured his attention as it met all of his expectations in a master’s of business administration program. Plus, having the UIU Milwaukee Center close by was an assurance to Lee that if he ever needed face-to-face instruction, it would be there.

“There is no doubt in my mind that my career has been enhanced by my UIU MBA and SPHR certification,” he said. “To sit in my last two chairs, a master’s degree was required and in one, the SPHR was required.”

In 2002, he graduated from Upper Iowa with an MBA and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. The combination, in addition to the knowledge and experiences gained professionally while attending UIU through its Online program and Independent Study program, catapulted Lee from a good job to a great one!

Lee stayed with WE for two more years after graduating before taking a position with MCI-Verizon where he was a senior human resources generalist. With his degree and certification, Lee was able to grow through promotion in the human resources field. He has been employed with Carilion Labs, and at one time owned a management consulting firm called HR & Training Consultants.

Lee is currently the Assoc Director of Human Resources for HCA / Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, Va., a 521-bed medical center that is part of the largest private sector hospital chains the United States.

“My natural market is dealing with people, translating strategic intent for upper management into deliverables for the people who make our business go,” he said. “And we do GO…fast. My position also supports front line managers in the application of human resource policies and processes, all while keeping us legally compliant.”

Lee lives with his wife Jane at Smith Mountain Lake on a golf course near the Blue Ridge Mountains of southern Virginia since moving “out of the cold” nine years ago.