Ball State MBA

Congratulations to Joe McFarren, who graduated this past weekend with his MBA from Ball State University!

After an impressive 24-year career in the U.S. Army, Joe recently transitioned into a new role as a County Veteran Services Officer, where he continues his commitment to serving others. As he looked ahead to this next chapter, he made a deliberate decision to keep growing: “I wanted to continue to push myself and learn new skills and gain more knowledge. Especially after leaving the military for so many years, I wanted to dive into modern business practices.”

Like many professionals, Joe navigated timing challenges before starting the MBA. His advice is both practical and direct: “If you’re waiting till the timing is right you will never find it. Stand firm with your decision, re-prioritize things in your life, and figure out the schedule to tackle it head on.”
A proud third-generation Cardinal, Joe’s decision to pursue the Ball State MBA was rooted in both legacy and confidence in the program: “I did my undergraduate here too and knew of the reputation of BSU’s MBA program. It really wasn’t a difficult choice for me.”

Throughout the program, Joe focused on going beyond the minimum. Reflecting on his experience, he shares: “I strived to produce graduate-level work rather than just trying to graduate.” His work with Dr. Faisal Kalota stood out as a defining influence, helping him understand “the difference between doing the minimum and truly pushing the boundaries of assignment to produce something that could be published.”

Looking ahead, Joe is focused on impact - both professionally and within his community. After years of service away from home, he is eager to “dive into my local community and work on making an impact with local leaders…and give back in a big way,” while also exploring leadership development and mentoring opportunities.

His advice for MBA success: “It’s not as daunting as you may think; compartmentalizing it helps tremendously.” With strong time and task prioritization, the path becomes manageable and rewarding.

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