Patricia Stewart-Flaherty

“Business strategist, passionate about saving lives, forging connections, mastering customer experience, and thriving in dynamic environments”

Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware, now resides in College Station, TX

Undergraduate School and Major:  University of Phoenix – Bachelor of Science in Business
Northeastern University – Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Compliance Concepts International, Vice President of Quality and Compliance

What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Bringing lifesaving medicine to patients. I’ve helped rescue companies on the brink of regulatory compliance collapse and built new facilities around the world for new drugs coming on the market.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?

Leadership – so many Aggies have gone on to Fortune 500 CEO positions and even as Ag Secretary in Washington!

What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you to choose the program, and why were they so important to you?

Online is the most important reason. I travel extensively for work, and I can’t attend in-person classes. The second is that I’ve always wanted to be an Aggie since High School. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to university, let alone one halfway across the country. I’m getting my Aggie Ring in November and graduating this December!

What course, club, activity, or experience excites you the most and why?

The overall diversity of the program and the certificate programs brings a broad perspective of business in each class.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

Texas A&M University was recently ranked the No. 1 public university for the number of Fortune 500 CEOs, according to Strategas Research Partners. It’s also the only Texas institution to make the top 10. It’s not a coincidence to have that many CEOs from one school; there has to be something amazing there! I wanted to be a part of that!

What are two things you have learned that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

Academically, the use of AI is becoming so prevalent, with its use to help with assignments, performing research, and even assisting professors with grading.

Non-Academically – we were still able to forge friendships even with all of us being remote! We have coordinated dinners and even met up when others were traveling to their cities.

-What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into your MBA program?

-The more years of work experience you have, the stronger you’ll be as a student and teammate.

-Be academically prepared and have a strong background in finance, analytics, engineering, etc.

-Apply early!

-Emphasize how you align with the Aggie Core Values: Leadership, Integrity, and Service.

-Once you graduate, you’ll be joining the Aggie Network. They say that the Aggie Ring is powerful; what it is – is a sense of personal responsibility to help other Aggies on their Journey.

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