Service to success: How KU’s online MBA empowers veterans

The University of Kansas (KU) online MBA (OMBA) program stands as a transformative opportunity for military members and veterans eager to transition into leadership roles within the civilian workforce.

Renowned for its veteran-friendly culture, KU equips military-affiliated students with the advanced business knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in their active duty and post-service careers. Approximately 2,000 current students at KU are military-affiliated, which includes 425 graduate students; 12.7% of KU’s School of Business students are military-affiliated.¹

KU’s dedication to supporting veterans has earned its online MBA program the distinction of being ranked #6 Best Online MBA Program for Veterans and #7 Best Online MBA Program by U.S. News & World Report.² This recognition highlights KU's commitment to delivering exceptional education tailored to the unique needs of those who have served.

Through the experiences of students like Matthew Leonard, Christian O'Rarden and Greg Schwarga and insights from faculty like Professor Steve Boylan, it’s clear that KU’s MBA is an exceptional choice for those seeking to blend leadership, management, and strategic expertise.

KU's military-friendly MBA program offers comprehensive support, a strong network, and a flexible learning format, making it an ideal choice for veterans looking to advance their leadership careers in business.

University of Kansas: A proud Yellow Ribbon school

As a Yellow Ribbon School, the University of Kansas (KU) offers significant benefits to military students by partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make higher education more affordable for eligible veterans.³

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a tuition assistance initiative designed to help cover out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® cap. Participating schools, like KU, agree to contribute additional funding, which is matched dollar-for-dollar by the VA.⁴

While KU is a Yellow Ribbon school, KU online MBA students do not need to apply for Yellow Ribbon assistance. This program offers a flat-rate tuition, which is under the Post-9/11 GI Bill VA cap.

By participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, KU goes beyond financial support, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for veterans. The KU online MBA program becomes an especially attractive option for those transitioning from military to civilian careers, offering not just education but also resources tailored to the unique needs of veterans.

With these benefits, KU underscores its dedication to serving those who have served our country, paving the way for military students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Steve Boylan: From Army aviator to educator

Steve Boylan’s journey from Army aviator to educator and military programs director and professor of the practice at KU School of Business highlights his ability to blend military experience with academic insight, making him a cornerstone of KU’s military-friendly MBA program.

With 27 years of service in the U.S. Army as an aviator and public affairs officer, Boylan brings a wealth of leadership expertise to his role as a director and lecturer. His background equips him to offer real-world perspectives that deeply resonate with military-affiliated students.

“In Japan, I started teaching online for a while and realized I enjoyed teaching. Part of public affairs (that I was involved in during my military career) was teaching; I had to teach others, including senior leaders, how to interact with the media,” he explains.

A career defined by leadership and adaptability

Boylan’s professional journey began with a bachelor’s degree in communications and minors in broadcast/film and journalism. Initially unsure of his career path, he joined the ROTC program after finding enjoyment in activities like mountaineering and rifle marksmanship, which also led him to form a collegiate rifle team.

Encouraged by a senior ROTC instructor to explore multiple assignments, he committed to the military and thrived.

Shifting to public affairs

Transitioning from communications to public affairs was a pivotal moment in Boylan’s career.

After completing training at the Defense Information School formerly located at Fort Benjamin Harrison, he found himself excelling in a role where he could make a daily impact. “It’s the only job I’ve had where you can get fired for saying the wrong thing,” Boylan jokes.

Over the years, his work in public affairs placed him alongside high-profile leaders, including Gen. David Petraeus. He served as the public affairs director in Iraq, working with the White House, State Department, and 99 congressional delegations. “It gave me a front-row seat to history,” Boylan recalls, noting experiences such as meetings with President George W. Bush.

How Boylan supports military business students

Now in academia, Boylan draws on his extensive military and communications background to mentor students. His unique path embodies the diverse and dynamic experiences that he shares with the next generation of business leaders.

Boylan’s teaching and leadership style emphasizes relevance, helping military students bridge the gap between their prior leadership experience and the business skills they are acquiring. His insights make abstract business concepts tangible, showing how they can be applied in both military and civilian settings.

The dynamic mix of military and civilian students at KU creates a rich learning environment where everyone, regardless of background, benefits from diverse perspectives.

Boylan’s expertise provides military students with a distinct advantage—enabling them to leverage their unique experiences in leadership and strategy within the broader context of business education.

What sets KU online MBA apart for military students

“The fun part of the online program, especially for working adults, students, and instructors, is the feedback loop. We can take the curriculum and put it to immediate use wherever they're working, especially in the military,” Boylan says.

He emphasizes that this feedback loop is a critical aspect of KU’s online program and a key differentiator. “That doesn't usually happen in traditional in-person, on-ground classes. It doesn't happen in the undergrad world where you have to wait multiple years to enter the working world. Typically, even in full-time, in-person grad programs, you don’t see this kind of immediate application.”

KU’s online MBA program, Boylan adds, “fits into [students’] schedules, and they will get an immediate and practical application from classes into their working environment.”

Key highlights of KU’s online MBA program

Boylan also underscores several standout features of the program:

• National recognition: KU’s online MBA consistently ranks as a top MBA for veterans, celebrated for its academic rigor and veteran-friendly ethos.
• Practical curriculum: Comprehensive courses in leadership, finance, and marketing prepare students to thrive in diverse professional roles.
• Capstone opportunities: Unique projects, such as those led by Professor of the Practice Steve Leonard, empower students to showcase their expertise through tangible, impactful work.

“At some point in time, [students] will come out of uniform—by their choice or by the military’s choice,” Boylan notes. “By taking this program and earning an MBA, which is the gold standard for anyone continuing in the management field, they will set themselves up immediately for retirement.”

Boylan's advice for aspiring military students

Boylan encourages military students to leverage their leadership skills to bridge the gap between military and civilian business environments.

He emphasizes the importance of utilizing KU's robust resources, such as the Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center, to support their academic success. Equally significant is the opportunity to learn from peers with diverse professional backgrounds, which enriches the educational experience and fosters a well-rounded perspective.

“For military students specifically, they get to hear from civilian counterparts/classmates about their experiences and vice-versa, so it's a learning experience for both—but military students need to hear from non-military students. They don't think the same or have the same experiences,” Boylan explains.

Matthew Leonard: A career grounded in service and adaptability

Matthew Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2005, initially serving as a security forces specialist. Over his 17-year military career, he retrained into several roles, including combat arms and command and control operations, building a robust skill set in leadership, resilience, and project management. “Resilience is a big one for me,” Leonard shared. “The ability to bounce back and be flexible with decisions is critical in both the military and the corporate world.”

Leonard’s drive to keep learning led him to complete his bachelor’s degree while on active duty, igniting his passion for education. After transitioning to civilian life in 2021, he joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Colgate-Palmolive as a training team lead for customer experience.

Recognizing the importance of an MBA for advancing in the corporate world, Leonard began searching for a program that fit his life’s demands.

Why KU was the perfect fit

KU’s top-ranked, military-friendly online MBA program stood out among Leonard’s options, offering a structure that supported his goals without compromising family or work commitments. “I wanted to find something that didn’t take away from my family or work. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” he explained. “KU fit the mold the best, and I haven’t been disappointed.”

Leonard credits the program’s flexibility and faculty support as instrumental to his success. While balancing his roles as a full-time father, husband, and employee, he appreciated how KU’s online model allowed him to grow as a business leader without having to sacrifice his other priorities.

Translating military skills to business success

Leonard found that the skills he developed during his Air Force career—leadership, adaptability, and resilience—translated seamlessly to his MBA journey and corporate role. “Group work in the MBA program is preparation for what you'll experience in corporate—you're learning leadership in real-time,” he noted.

The program's emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving mirrors the teamwork and quick decision-making required in his military background, further reinforcing his ability to lead in any environment.

A mission to mentor and inspire

Beyond advancing his own career, Leonard sees his MBA journey as an opportunity to help others grow. Drawing on his experience mentoring young Airmen, he aims to use his MBA to guide future business leaders

“It’s not just about what I gain, but how I can pay it forward,” he said. Whether through his corporate role or future leadership opportunities, Leonard remains committed to service—a core value that continues to shape his life and career.

Christian O'Rarden's KU online MBA journey: Passion, perseverance, and data

O’Rarden’s military background—combined with his passion for education—led him to pursue an MBA, aiming to transition to a career that would allow him to teach and give back to the community.

“My entire family is all prior military, all the way up to about World War II,” O’Rarden shares. This rich history of service and dedication is what led to O’Rarden’s enlistment in the Navy in 2017, where he soon became part of the prestigious Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C.

During his time with the Ceremonial Guard, O’Rarden learned critical lessons in punctuality, responsibility, and leadership. His role involved performing funeral rites for fallen service members and representing the U.S. before dignitaries.

"The biggest thing for us is punctuality. How you represent oneself as well as the institutions that you are associated with," O’Rarden explained. He honed his organizational leadership skills, learning to resolve conflicts and make decisions alongside his peers without the guidance of senior leadership. This experience laid the foundation for his future business career. He enrolled in KU’s online MBA and is on track to graduate in the summer of 2025.

KU's online MBA program: The ideal fit

When choosing a Master of Business Administration program, KU’s online program stood out for its affordability, strong military community, and supportive faculty.

"KU came out to be the best option of all of them," he said, highlighting the program’s value, reputation, and commitment to veterans.

The faculty members, including Steve Leonard and Associate Teaching Professor Art Hall, also played a significant role in his decision, as O’Rarden sought mentors who could help him bridge the gap between military service and business leadership. “Every staff member has been more than accommodating and willing to help,” he says.

Key classes and faculty that made an impact

Two courses stand out in O’Rarden’s online MBA journey: Business Economics with Hall and the program’s Capstone class, taught by Boylan.

The business economics class, which dives into the theories of economics and human behavior, was a perfect fit for O’Rarden’s passion for strategy and business fundamentals.

While the intense assignments posed challenges, the knowledge gained made the effort worthwhile. He’s excited to continue his studies with Boylan in the upcoming Capstone, which he believes will be a high point of his academic journey.

Advice for fellow service members: Jump in and trust the process

For other service members considering the KU online MBA program, O’Rarden has simple but powerful advice: "You'll never know what you don't know. You just have to jump into it."

He stresses the importance of trusting the process and not overanalyzing every option. With a demanding career and a busy life, he found the support from KU’s faculty and staff invaluable. Despite his 50–60-hour work weeks, he always felt the faculty was willing to help, accommodating his needs when necessary so that he could accomplish his educational goals and keep his career thriving.

O’Rarden’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and passion for learning. As he looks ahead to completing his master’s and pursuing further education, he’s excited about the opportunities the program has unlocked. Whether he decides to go for a doctorate or continue in the corporate world, he shares that his KU MBA is equipping him with the tools and knowledge to succeed in any path he chooses.

Why choose KU’s online MBA as a servicemember or veteran?

The University of Kansas online MBA combines flexibility, support, and academic excellence, making it an ideal choice for veterans transitioning into civilian careers. KU’s veteran-friendly culture is reflected in its resources, such as the Military-Affiliated Student Center and opportunities to network with fellow veterans. Plus, the program is both high-quality and affordable and currently ranks #6 Best Online MBA for Veterans. With a cost of under $40K, KU's program offers the best of both worlds: exceptional student support and a prestigious degree that stands out on any resume.

“KU's reputation stands for itself. They're not going to put out a poor or lesser product, so the bang for the buck is definitely there,” Boylan states.

The program’s flexible online format allows veterans to balance their academic, personal, and professional responsibilities, providing the freedom to engage with coursework on their own schedule. KU’s strong academic reputation and practical curriculum ensure veterans can harness their leadership experience while developing valuable business skills to excel in civilian roles.

Additionally, KU fosters a sense of community where veterans can connect and collaborate through student clubs and group projects. This collaborative environment enriches their academic journey while supporting their professional growth.

“At this part in their [military] careers, they know they need to set themselves up for success,” Boylan emphasizes.

By offering a flexible, supportive, and academically rigorous program, KU’s online MBA empowers veterans to build on their leadership experience and confidently transition into successful civilian careers.

Greg Schwarga: Navy enlisted member and KU MBA student

As a full-time KU MBA student pursuing a Graduate Certificate in petroleum Management, Greg Schwarga’s degree pathway combines KU online MBA classes with in-person learning. He brings unique insights into what makes the program an especially good choice for military members and veterans.

Schwarga’s journey to KU’s military-inclusive MBA program began several years into his service in the U.S. Navy’s Supply Corps.

From managing ship budgets to overseeing hazardous materials, Schwarga’s military experience cultivated the discipline and problem-solving skills necessary for the academic rigor of an MBA program.

Why Schwarga chose KU’s MBA

“I want to make sure that when the day comes that I take off my military uniform, I am set up for success,” says Schwarga.

Schwarga highlights several aspects of KU that influenced his decision to enroll:

• Military-friendly support: KU’s reputation for being an excellent MBA program for veterans was a significant draw for Schwarga. Dee Steinle, executive director of KU’s MBA and M.S. programs, is well-known for cultivating strong relationships with military-affiliated students.
• Flexible online learning: As an active-duty servicemember, Schwarga appreciated the program’s flexibility, which allowed him to engage with coursework during evenings and weekends while fulfilling his professional responsibilities.
• Personal outreach: A recommendation from a fellow naval officer, along with Steinle’s personal introduction to KU’s inclusive culture, solidified Schwarga’s decision to enroll.

“People tend to gravitate toward people. Dee Steinle is very Navy-friendly—she personally reaches out when Navy servicemembers or veterans apply. KU is very military-friendly,” Schwarga shares.

Challenges and achievements in the program

Like many military servicemembers transitioning back to academia, Schwarga initially faced challenges in adjusting to the academic environment.

“I'd be lying if I said I didn't have any reservations about getting back into an academic environment. It was a little intimidating because my comfort zone was not academics,” Schwarga admits.

However, with determination and a structured routine, he quickly adapted to the program’s demands and discovered new strengths.

“After the first semester, I fell into a great routine. This has really been helpful. Once I got my rhythm and my routine down, it was pretty smooth,” Schwarga says.

Schwarga’s key takeaways from KU’s MBA

“When you get in these groups, you get a diverse background, and it makes everything better,” Schwarga says. He emphasizes the value of diversity in the program. “It's great to have a different perspective; from the military, we bring leadership and experience, but the civilian classmates bring a different perspective and new ways of looking at things.”

• Collaborative learning environment: The diversity of classmates’ professional backgrounds enriched Schwarga’s perspective, fostering both academic and personal growth.
• Immediate real-world applications: Concepts such as marketing and financial management were directly applicable to Schwarga’s professional roles, providing immediate practical value to his education.
• Veteran and enlisted servicemember networking opportunities: KU’s commitment to military students is evident in its vibrant community, with events like tailgates and collaborative group projects strengthening bonds.

Connections in the program are genuine and extend beyond the online experience. “We did a tailgate together last year, and it was a great experience; half the KU cohort came out, and it was a good time,” Schwarga shares.

Schwarga’s advice for fellow servicemembers

Schwarga advises fellow servicemembers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the challenge of pursuing an MBA.

“Put your reservations aside. Stop telling yourself you’re too old and just go for it,” he says.

He stresses the importance of developing skills that seamlessly translate into both military and civilian leadership roles.

By earning an MBA, Schwarga believes enlisted servicemembers and veterans can unlock numerous opportunities for career growth after service, such as mentoring through the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) or leading marketing initiatives, facilitating a smooth transition into civilian leadership positions.

Schwarga also shared that military members and veterans interested in earning an MBA are more prepared to earn a top degree than they might think. “If you've already thought about it, you already have the idea in your head that you can do it,” he says.

Experience military-inclusive excellence: Join KU’s online MBA

Ready to take the next step in your career and make your mark in the civilian world?

The University of Kansas’ online MBA program offers a top-ranked, active duty, veteran-friendly, flexible path to success, with a curriculum designed to help you leverage your military experience while equipping you with the business knowledge needed to excel in the civilian workforce.²

As part of the online program, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals, tap into KU's expansive network, and gain valuable insights to propel your career forward.

For more information on admissions, contact an admissions outreach advisor today and discover how KU can support your journey to leadership.