For Benjamin Fambrough, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) was about more than taking the next step toward advancing his career or professional growth. It was personal.
“I was told in undergrad [at a different university] by multiple people that I would never be accepted into any advanced degree program, let alone graduate from one,” Benjamin said. “So not only did I want to prove them wrong. I want to prove to myself I could do it and show my daughter that anything is possible.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning and Service
Born in Watkinsville, Georgia, Benjamin’s journey began with a love for music and aviation. He started playing drums for his local church at the age of 12 and later picked up the bass guitar at 15. After graduating from Oconee County High School in 2008, he attended college in Florida, where he studied Aviation Management and flew small aircraft while pursuing a career as a professional pilot. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management in 2013.
After several years working in residential construction, Benjamin made a life-changing decision in 2017 when he enlisted in the United States Army. Following basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he served as a heavy vehicle operator and supervisor for five years. During his service, he completed a rotational deployment to Korea and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Carson, Colorado, before retiring in 2022.
Finding the Right Fit at SNU
After transitioning from military life, Benjamin began working for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in the Child Support Division before accepting his current role as Rental Coordinator for Summit Fleet. He decided it was time to advance his education and began looking for a graduate program that would align with his professional goals and family life.
“I chose SNU because of the inclusive and family atmosphere,” he said. “The moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcome. The students and staff were genuine and treated me as if I had known them for years.”
Benjamin said that the structure and support of the MBA program stood out immediately. “As I got into the program, I loved the cohort concept and class sizes,” Benjamin explained. “They weren't too small, yet I never felt like just a number to anyone. The qualifications of the staff and course instructors, along with the course design, set SNU apart.”
He especially appreciated the dedication of his professors. “The courses were challenging in the right ways, and instructors were not simply there just for a paycheck. Instructors came from all walks of life, cared about the job they did, and everyone brought something unique to the experience. Dr. Toles and Jeff [Seyfert] were extremely engaged with us and cared about the feedback we gave. We mattered. Our success mattered.”
Balancing Work, Family, and Education
Benjamin, who lives in Oklahoma with his wife, Whitney, and their 4-year-old daughter, Ramsie, said the once-a-week, in-person class format made all the difference. “Balancing work and family is never easy; this was a challenge, but a necessary balance for someone like me who benefits from some in-person interactions and not just online coursework.”
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Since earning his MBA in May 2025, Benjamin says the experience has transformed his vision of the future.
“I believe that earning my degree has absolutely set me up for success. My self-confidence has risen, and I feel that attaining my professional goals that I set when beginning this journey are within reach now.”
Benjamin is also a proud member of the Veterans Honor Society and continues to apply the leadership and perseverance he developed both in the Army and during his time at SNU to his professional journey.
For Benjamin Fambrough, earning his MBA was more than reaching an academic milestone. It was the next step in a life journey built on purpose, service, and determination.
