By Jennifer Eder
The School of Business welcomed some new students last week who are no strangers to the spotlight.
A group of 22 athletes and celebrities are the first cohort of students in the school’s new STAR (Special Talent, Access and Responsibility) Executive M.B.A. program, which was created for students who already have a personal brand and want to translate their current success into a strong foundation for business leadership.
The STAR students include former Olympic gold medal winner Dominique Dawes, 12 current or former National Football League players, a professional poker player, an NFL head coach and two former Women’s National Basketball Association players. The two-year program meets three times a year in two-week modules to fit into the students’ busy schedules.
“Customized programs such as STAR are the future of business education, and the GW School of Business is leading the way in innovative programs offering more opportunities tailored to specific audiences in the future,” said Doug Guthrie, GWSB dean. “In the case of STAR, we are working with a very select group of professionals, who have a good deal of success and access to resources early in their careers, to become leaders and great contributors to their communities and society.”
The STAR program is the first fully accredited M.B.A curriculum in this field. In addition to attending classes at GW, parts of the program will be held in New York City and Los Angeles. These locations allow students to experience business in each city and to have unique access to business leaders and philanthropists throughout the U.S.
“You are investing in yourself in a way that is going to change your lives,” Dr. Guthrie said during the students’ orientation last week.
Ms. Dawes, a 10-year member of the U.S. national gymnastics team, enrolled in the program because she wants to enhance her business, the Dominique Dawes brand, which focuses on motivating young women to believe in themselves, become more physically fit and take control of their overall health.
“This is an opportunity I know I will capitalize off of, and I’m so excited to be a part of such an amazing, motivated group of people and learn from top professors around the globe and from GW. How much better can it get?” said Ms. Dawes, of Silver Spring, Md.
The former Olympian also hopes the STAR program will help her develop a sports ministry and a product line of motivational messages and images for young teens and women.
A major part of the program will focus on expanding students’ personal brand and influence around the globe. Students will be able to create their own personal business plan, guided by professors, mentors and coaches.
Duane Starks, a 10-year NFL veteran who spent his career with the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, aspires to be a television executive producer.
“I’m really looking forward to getting a better understanding of business overall, everything from product placement to negotiating,” Mr. Starks said. “Being a professional athlete teaches you dedication and determination. You can’t just show up and get an M.B.A. You have to work for it.”
The program was created in an effort to serve some students who have not had a traditional higher education path. Many have begun their undergraduate degrees but placed precedence on their careers. These students will be able to work with advisers and mentors to map out a curriculum to finish their undergraduate degrees at GW before beginning the STAR program.
GWSB is also encouraging spouses to take part in the program so that couples can learn the same business skills, language and tools.
Samari Rolle, a 12-year NFL veteran who spent his career with the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens, and his wife, Danisha Hemphill-Rolle, founder and chief editor of SET Magazine, a sports entertainment publication, are doing the program together.
Mr. Rolle aspires to be an NFL general manager, and Ms. Hemphill-Rolle wants to accelerate her magazine.
“I’m really hoping to hone the skills to take my business to the next level,” said Ms. Hemphill-Rolle. “And with four children, this program is the perfect fit for our family.”
The program will welcome a new cohort of students next summer, and the business school hopes to eventually expand the program to Hollywood celebrities and musicians.
“When I started playing in the NFL, I knew I wanted to one day go back and continue my education,” said Rocky McIntosh, a linebacker for the Washington Redskins. “I’ve got the opportunity now through GW’s School of Business’ STAR Executive M.B.A. program to do that in a way that fits with my schedule, provides me personal mentors and helps me use my current success to make a huge impact in the business world.”