Justin Huber

WHY WEBER STATE

I chose Weber State mainly because it was close and convenient. I created a life here with my family and career in the Ogden area, so 91·çÁ÷'s proximity allowed me to attend school and continue working full-time without needing to uproot my life. I am currently the operations manager for Oshkosh Aerotech, located near the Ogden Airport, where I have been for 17 years.

WHY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Business Administration aligns closely with my job as an Operations Manager. I was always passionate about learning, and especially interested in learning more about management and interacting with others. I always strived to be a better manager, and while attending 91·çÁ÷, I not only learned about management skills but also how to have crucial conversations. While I was here, I took a lot of management classes that taught me what motivates others and how to interact with them effectively, which will help not only in my current and future roles but also in my everyday life.

PROFESSOR IMPACT

One of the final classes I took at 91·çÁ÷ was with Dr. Andrew Keinsley, whose economics course proved to be not only one of the most challenging but also one of the most insightful of my academic career. His ability to break down complex financial topics and connect them to real-world events, all delivered with genuine enthusiasm, made even the most intricate concepts feel both relevant and accessible. Dr. Keinsley’s class significantly deepened my understanding of the financial markets and their underlying dynamics. I also had the privilege of taking a management course with Professor Michael Stevens, where I learned the art of navigating difficult conversations with a balance of respect and assertiveness. His engaging and often entertaining teaching style, combined with practical, real-world applications, made his class immediately transferable to my professional life. I am especially grateful to Professor Stevens for imparting skills I hadn’t realized were essential, skills I now rely on daily in my career.

WHAT'S NEXT

After graduation, I plan to celebrate with a road trip to reflect on this achievement and recharge before pursuing my next goal, earning an MBA. Continuing my education has always been part of my long-term plan, and I believe an MBA will open doors to greater leadership opportunities and deepen my expertise in business and management. I’m fortunate to work for a company that values continuous learning and offers a strong tuition reimbursement program, which played a key role in motivating me to return to school. I plan to stay with my current employer, as I appreciate the supportive work environment and the opportunities it provides to apply my growing skill set, contribute to the organization’s success, and further advance my career.

ADVICE FOR OTHER STUDENTS

I’ve dedicated a significant amount of time to studying and school, and I’ve learned how crucial it is to have a strong support system along the way. My wife, kids, and employer have all been incredibly supportive, which made a tremendous difference throughout my academic journey. There were many days when my wife would simply sit beside me while I worked on assignments, small moments like that provided motivation and reminded me I wasn’t doing this alone. Without their encouragement, balancing school, work, and family life would have been much more challenging. I’m also grateful for my experience at Weber State University; it’s a great school with outstanding professors who are approachable, supportive, and truly invested in student success. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve gained not only knowledge but also lasting appreciation for the people and environment that helped me succeed.