Mary Layton Lancaster

Auburn University, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business Online MBA Program

“Diligent Pharmacy-MBA student: dedicated, multitasking, ambitious; committed to learning and serving with compassion and excellence.”

Age: 24

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Fun fact about yourself: I am the first Auburn University PharmD/MBA dual degree student.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Clemson University – BS in Biochemistry

Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy – PharmD (current, graduating May 2025)

Where are you currently working? Full time student pursuing both my MBA and PharmD and working part time at East Alabama Apothecary.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of my accelerated educational and career growth even while I am still a student. Balancing and excelling at pursuing a Masters of Business Administration, Doctor of Pharmacy degree, numerous extra-curricular activities, and working actively in my professional field part-time is my most defining professional achievement thus far.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose Auburn University’s online MBA program because both the Harrison College of Pharmacy and the Harbert College of Business were ranked in the top 30 colleges for their respective degrees nationally when I was applying to schools in 2021.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? It was the flexibility to balance work, life, and study commitments to both the pharmacy and MBA program, while connecting and networking with other professionals and colleagues throughout the country.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was most surprised by the engaging interactions that I have had with other peers and professionals despite physical distance and asynchronous schedules. Additionally, I was really impressed with the various perspectives that people brought to the table based on their different professional backgrounds to complete group projects.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My online experience offered more flexibility than my in-the-classroom experiences. However, it required intentionality with my classmates, strong discipline, and organization. I enjoyed this as I was able to study at my own pace and in the learning style that works best for me.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Stay organized, prioritize time management, actively engage and communicate with peers, seek support, and embrace continuous learning and adaptability.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My MBA has helped me strengthen my skills in management, finance, and leadership beyond the level of my colleagues. I’ve had opportunities to form relationships with upper-level management within my organization by connecting based on similar education experiences and sharing my career aspirations with them.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Not applicable

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I pursued an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program so that I could complete my MBA while attending a full-time residential PharmD program. This has helped me to manage my workload and achieve my academic and professional goals as a multi-degree full-time student.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 8 hours

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to become a pharmacy executive director and work in hospital administration to enhance patient outcomes.