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2026 Fall MBA Campus Summit - Tuesday September 22

Register Here!

What is the purpose of our MBA Summit?

The MBA Summit is designed to add momentum to your career by bringing together MBA students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry experts.

Every Fall and Spring, we partner Career and Professional Development to bring you on the same day as our Life Skills Career Summit!

Who can attend the MBA Summit?

The MBA Summit is open to all active MBA students, incoming (deposited) MBA students, and recent MBA alumni.

What are the benefits of attending the MBA Summit?

By attending the MBA Summit, you will have the opportunity to:

– Meet and connect with MBA peers, faculty, and industry leaders.

– Explore career opportunities and refresh your professional profile.

– Connect with Employers at the Life Skills Career Summit.

– Have fun and enjoy the campus and city of High Point

When and where is the MBA Summit?

This is held Fall and Spring.  Our next is Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026! This is during your Fall 1 Session, so plan for a daylong pause to focus on your career!

Is the MBA Summit required?

No, but it is a great opportunity!

Will there be a virtual attendance option for the MBA Summit?

No, sorry.  We want this to be an intimate in person only event.

How can I register for the MBA Summit?

Register here!

Prospective & Incoming Students – Please let Graduate Admissions Counselor, India Jones [email protected] know you registered.

Current Students & Recent Alumni – Please let MBA Director, Dr. Nasir Assar [email protected] know you registered.

Is there a registration fee?

No.  The MBA Summit is free!

What is included with registration?

Registration includes access to all sessions, workshops, panels, networking events, meals, and refreshments.  Some are eligible for a complementary hotel room.

Who is eligible for a complementary hotel room?

Participants who fly in or have more than a 90-minute drive from campus.  Let us know if you need transportation from the hotel to campus.

Will my travel expenses be covered?

No, sorry.  We must keep expenses under control so more can participate.

This is the 9/22/2026 MBA Summit Agenda – draft update as of 6/25

Time Location Event
8:30-9:30am Slane Cafe Breakfast with MBA Alumni
9:30 -10:15am Phillips Hall – Auditorium Network with Employers and hear Teena Piccione – HPU Data Expert in Residence address talent needs in the age of AI
10:30am -12:00pm Phillips 206 Boardroom Group Career Coaching with MBA Faculty and Alumni
12:00-1:30pm Phillips 206 Boardroom Power Lunch with Teena Piccione
1:30pm – 3:00pm Qubein Arena – Conference Center (take shuttle from R.G. Wanek) Life Skills Career Summit, visit employer tables
3:00-3:15pm R.G. Wanek Take Shuttle from Qubein Arena to R.G. Wanek.
3:30-5:10pm R.G. Wanek – Extraordinaire Theater (1st floor) Heather Bowers Cross – SVP at 5/3 Bank Keynote with MBA and Business Students
5:10-6:30pm R.G. Wanek the Point Grille Takeaway discussion/dinner

Life Skills Career Summit is Same Day by Design!  Do register on Handshake with your HPU Account.

We partner with Career and Professional Development’s Life Skills Career Summit.

Photos from past Life Skills Career Summit that MBA Summit participants also attended.

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For more information, please visit the Career and Professional Development website, and your HPU login on Handshake

We request a review and refresh of your LinkedIn, Cover Letter, and Resume before you arrive, so you will be ready!

This will be done by a Career Advisor or a trained Phillip School of Business Faculty member.

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Get career advice

 

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Collaborate with your peers

 

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Learn from MBA Alumni about leveraging your degree
heather bowers cross
Heather Bowers Cross – SVP of Middle Market Banking at 5/3 Bank will be the afternoon keynote!

Professional Summary from LinkedIn Profile

With over two decades of experience in the banking industry, I bring a comprehensive background in compliance management, retail center sales management, assisting with transition teams in merging and acquiring financial institutions, sales leadership management in commercial banking, commercial underwriting, and client relationship management. My career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, strategic leadership, and a passion for empowering teams and clients alike.

Key Strengths and Passions:
• Sales Performance Leadership: As a market and area manager, I have led high-performing teams by setting ambitious goals across consumer and commercial banking segments. I have successfully recruited, trained, and developed talent, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration that drives results. My leadership style emphasizes delivering the full value of the bank’s resources to every client relationship.
• Strategic Communication: I excel at building trust and aligning stakeholders around shared goals. Whether working with clients or internal teams, I bring clarity, empathy, and motivation to every interaction—helping others embrace strategies that support their financial success.
• Corporate Training & Development: A consistent thread throughout my career has been a passion for training and development. I have designed and delivered impactful learning experiences for diverse audiences, from front-line staff to senior leaders, helping elevate performance and engagement across the board.
• Client-Centered Sales & Production: My deep knowledge of compliance, accounting, and underwriting enables me to craft tailored financial strategies that help clients achieve their business objectives. I focus on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, earning trust as a reliable and knowledgeable advisor.

Triad Business Journal – Outstanding Women in Business Recipient

 

 

jade isola
The MBA summit was a wonderful way to network with your class and gain insights to the value that the program has.
Jade Isola, MBA
Aston Carter - Corporate Business Functions Recruiter
matt randazzo
I enjoyed the Business Analytics keynote speaker and had the privilege to connect professionally. I also gained valuable insight from my 1-on-1 with Dr. Assar!
Matt Randazzo, MBA
Northwestern Mutual - Financial Representative
sarah borland
It's a great way to network with each other, not only to meet your classmates to help each other out with assignments but also for applying into an industry you have connections in.
Sarah Borland, MBA
Patent Forecast - Marketing Analyst
terry dixon
The MBA Summit broadened my view of career paths an MBA can unlock. I truly valued connecting with professionals in corporate finance, manufacturing, and healthcare—highlighting the power of cross-industry insight and strategic networking.
Terry Dixon, Business Analytics MBA
AmeriCorps VISTA - Student Engagement Vista
molly welsh
The MBA Summit was meaningful to connect with professors in person, see the campus, and experience the supportive community firsthand. I was impressed by how impactful and involved the Career Center is, it was great to see their resources and dedication up close.
Molly Welsh, Business Analytics MBA
Cotality - Business Systems Analyst
gabriel brown
The MBA Summit is a great opportunity to learn how to practically connect your degree with your goals, both personally and professionally.
Gabriel Brown, Business Analytics MBA
Cogent Analytics - Marketing Intern - Management Consulting
noah thornburg
The MBA Summit allowed me to connect meaningfully with fellow MBA students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders, while gaining valuable career insights, sharpening my professional profile, and immersing myself in a day full of networking, learning, and inspiration.
Noah Thornburg - Healthcare Management MBA