Tiffany Huffman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“Project management leader passionate about travel, meaningful impact, and creating fun memories with friends and family.”

Age: 33

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a newly converted Disney fan and runner, training for a Disney Half Marathon benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital this January!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration

Where are you currently working? Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) – Naples, FL – Director of Enterprise Project Management Office

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of navigating one of the most transformative periods of my life – balancing the demands of an MBA program while becoming a first-time mom and stepping into a new leadership role. It wasn’t a promotion or project milestone, but the ability to adapt, grow, and thrive across multiple life dimensions. It reminded me that success isn’t just measured in titles or outcomes, but in how to rise to any occasion and keep work-life balance.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s online MBA program because it offered the ideal combination of flexibility, affordability, and strong curriculum. As a full-time working professional and mom, I needed a program that could adapt to my schedule without compromising the quality of education. UNL’s curriculum stood out for its focus on strategic leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship – areas that directly aligned with my professional goals in healthcare management. The reputation of the faculty, strong alumni network, and supportive learning environment made it clear that UNL was the right choice for both my current needs and long-term aspirations.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of the online MBA program was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of students from various industries, backgrounds, and stages of life. Engaging with peers from across the globe challenged my thinking and expanded my perspective both academically and professionally. The range of experiences and insights brought into discussions enriched the coursework and allowed me to approach problem-solving and decision-making in my own career with a broader, more strategic mindset. It reminded me that leadership is strengthened by inclusivity, open dialogue, and continuous learning from others.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? While I valued my undergraduate education, the online MBA experience took my professional development to the next level. It was highly interactive and aligned with my career goals, allowing me to sharpen my skills in a more focused and practical way. I was pleasantly surprised by how relevant the coursework was to real-world challenges and how meaningful the connections with classmates became even in a virtual setting.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My best piece of advice is to prioritize building relationships. Networking is truly invaluable. Take full advantage of the many opportunities to connect with classmates both online and in person. These connections can enhance your learning experience, open professional doors, and contribute to your personal growth along the way.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online MBA education has significantly enhanced my performance as a healthcare project leader. The program sharpened my strategic thinking and deepened my understanding of innovation, change management, and organizational dynamics. I apply these skills daily in my role leading enterprise-level initiatives, whether it’s aligning cross-functional teams, driving governance frameworks, or executing complex projects like hospital openings and system-wide transformations. The coursework gave me the tools to think critically, lead with confidence, and adapt strategies that directly align with our organization’s evolving goals.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes – during the program, I transitioned to a new organization and advanced from Senior Project Manager to Director of Enterprise Project Management where I am a leader on the EPMO team.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? When I began considering graduate education, stepping away from my career wasn’t financially or professionally feasible. I needed a program that offered both flexibility and value – allowing me to continue advancing in my role while pursuing a meaningful degree. The online MBA at UNL provided the perfect balance, enabling me to grow academically without putting my life or career on hold. It allowed me to apply what I was learning in real time, making the experience both practical and immediately impactful.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? We integrated AI tools into strategic and operations coursework, which taught me how to leverage AI for forecasting and decision-making. With AI tools always expanding and changing, I learned to stay agile and up-to-date on the latest technology.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: I spent around 12-15 hours each week on coursework.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term goal is to advance into a healthcare executive role overseeing project management or a service line I’m passionate about – ideally one that drives innovation and improves patient care. Equally important is maintaining a healthy work-life balance, where I can lead with impact while being present for my family and personal life.

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