Kitty Whitehead

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“Mom of three girls, Smithsonian Operations professional who enjoys dog walks, family hikes and desserts.”

Age: 45

Hometown: Raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and living in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Fun fact about yourself:  I’ve run four marathons, several half marathons, and a sprint triathlon.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Loyola University Maryland, Bachelor of Arts

Where are you currently working? Smithsonian Enterprises, Senior Director of Internal Operations

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Without a doubt, I’m most proud of the effort I’ve put towards earning my MBA.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I pursued my MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School for several reasons. First, the UNC online MBA program consistently ranks among the top programs, ensuring that my investment of time and money would be in one of the best educational experiences available. Second, UNC is personally significant for me, as my parents have lived in Chapel Hill for over two decades. Lastly, my late twin brother attended UNC for his undergraduate studies, although he passed away before graduating. By earning my MBA from UNC, I aim to fulfill a shared aspiration and earn a UNC degree for both of us.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite aspect of being in an online MBA program is the convenience it provides. Balancing the responsibilities of being a mom to three kids while my husband and I work full-time can be challenging. With the online format, I can integrate my studies into my daily routine. After work, I can still attend my kids’ sporting events, help with homework, have dinner with the family, and then head to my home office for a class or study group. The flexibility of the online program allows me to manage my time effectively and pursue my educational goals without sacrificing family or work commitments.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? One of the most surprising aspects of the online learning environment was how quickly I formed strong connections with my classmates. Despite being physically distant, I found it easy to get to know my peers and build meaningful friendships. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of communication and collaboration, even with classmates located in different time zones.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Looking back on my undergraduate years spanning over two decades ago, I recognize a shift in how I approach learning. During undergrad, my focus fluctuated between academic demands and social endeavors. (There was a lot of fun had!) Fast forward to my time as a graduate student: while I still value social connections, my perspective on education has matured significantly. I now have a deeper appreciation for this learning opportunity and have better skills to apply what I am learning to my personal and professional life. This appreciation fuels a more intentional commitment to continual growth across all facets of my journey.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online education has been instrumental in shaping me into a more versatile and skilled professional, greatly benefiting my current role. The knowledge and insights gained from my online courses have directly translated into practical applications within my job, allowing me to approach tasks with a broader perspective and innovative solutions. By challenging me to think creatively and critically, my online education has empowered me to step outside my comfort zone and explore new avenues of problem-solving. Moreover, the confidence I’ve gained through the program has enabled me to become a more effective individual contributor and leader within my organization. Overall, my online education has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth, equipping me with the tools and mindset needed to grow.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes!  I was promoted from director of internal operations to senior director of internal operations.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I chose to pursue an online MBA program over a full-time residential program primarily because I wanted to maintain my commitments to both my family and job. Opting for the online format provided me with the flexibility to balance my personal and professional obligations while still pursuing a top-notch education. Unlike a traditional residential program, which would have required me to significantly adjust my schedule, the online format allowed me to continue meeting my responsibilities without compromise.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 10 to 16 hours per week

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to continuously grow and develop, becoming a more impactful and confident leader in my field. I aspire to ascend to the C-suite, leveraging my skills, experiences, and passion to drive strategic initiatives and foster organizational growth. By committing to ongoing learning and self-improvement, I aim to make significant contributions to the success and sustainability of the companies I work for, while also empowering those around me to reach their full potential.

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