MBA graduate recognized in the Marquis Who’s Who

After several colleagues suggested she consider it, and carefully weighing the pros and cons, Shari Thomas enrolled in Ashland University’s MBA program.

“I decided to enroll in the MBA program specifically because of the program’s flexibility and support of a work/life balance,” said Thomas who completed the program in 2002. “As a mother of two young children and working full time, I intentionally chose to attend one course, each semester, for four consecutive years.

“Although the process was grueling, strenuous and time-consuming, I focused on the end goal of graduating with an advanced degree,” she added. “This was my motivation and north star that helped me to graduate with honors.”

All of that hard work has paid off in many ways.

Most recently, she was recognized in the Marquis Who’s Who, which according to a news release from Marquis publications, has chronicled for 125 years the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment.

Factors, such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field, are all considered during the selection process, according to the release.

“Ashland University solidified my educational foundation and helped project me into a successful and satisfying business career,” Thomas said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be recognized in Marques Who’s Who and appreciative to be the U.S. Small Business Administration’s inaugural chief diversity officer.”

As the chief diversity officer since 2022, Thomas leads the Diversity and Inclusion Program Office of the organization and, among other responsibilities, is involved in the development and execution of its strategic vision, goals and priorities, said the release, which added that the U.S. Small Business Administration has been an independent agency of the federal government since 1953 that assists small business owners and protects the interests of small businesses throughout the country.

In the four years before her new position, Thomas served as the diversity and inclusion program manager for the U.S. Department of the Navy.

Other jobs in her 25-year career have included being a budget analyst and budget team lead for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection organization in Springfield, Virginia; a credit manager for Veyance Technologies in Akron, Ohio; and a financial analyst and credit manager for Goodyear in Akron.

She also is a member of CHIEF, an organization devoted to women in executive leadership, and the Pittsburgh Alumna Chapter of INROADs, a leader in advancing diverse youth in corporate America.

Among the awards she has won for her work in diversity is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award from the National Diversity and Leadership Conference.

Thomas began her career in 1981 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University. “As a proponent of continuous learning,” she also has completed several diversity and leadership programs throughout the years, including the Duke Leadership program from Duke University.

Because she was able to continue her career without a break in employment to earn an MBA in executive management, Thomas recommends Ashland University to anyone looking to take a similar career path.

“I would definitely recommend getting an MBA from AU for individuals who want a quality education that offers flexibility while balancing their work/life environment,” Thomas said.