As one of the world’s leading wealth management and financial advisory organizations, Merrill brings extensive expertise in wealth planning, business transition, succession planning, investment management, and multi-generational family wealth stewardship鈥攁reas that are critically important to family enterprises as they navigate growth, continuity, and legacy.听

“We are honored to welcome McLeod, Clark & Associates as an Affiliate Partner of the Institute,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of FEISC. “Family-owned businesses face unique opportunities and challenges that require thoughtful planning and trusted guidance. Merrill鈥檚 commitment to helping families preserve and grow both their businesses and their wealth makes them a natural fit for our mission. We look forward to collaborating with Chip and Tom and their entire Merrill team as we continue to equip family enterprises throughout South Carolina.”听

This partnership with FEISC reflects a shared commitment to supporting family business owners and helping them achieve both business success and family continuity.听

“We understand that family enterprises are about much more than financial performance鈥攖hey are about values, relationships, legacy, and the future of generations to come,” said Tom Clark, Financial Advisor. “We are proud to partner with the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 and support the important work being done to help family-owned businesses navigate growth, succession, governance, and long-term stewardship. We look forward to contributing our expertise and learning alongside the exceptional family business leaders who make up the Institute.”听

Chip McLeod, Financial Advisor, Resident Director, and President of Bank of America Upstate South Carolina emphasized the importance of investing in the region’s family-owned business community.听

“Family-owned businesses are the backbone of South Carolina’s economy and a driving force behind the vitality of our communities,” said McLeod, who has over 30 years of experience. “We are proud to support the Institute’s efforts to foster leadership development, strategic planning, and successful transitions among family enterprises. We believe strong family businesses create strong communities, and we are excited to be part of an organization that is making such a meaningful impact across our state.”听

McLeod, Clark and Associates joins a growing network of Affiliate Partners that support the Institute’s mission to help family enterprises thrive for generations.鈥� More info at .听

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About The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to educate, connect, and inspire family-owned businesses through world-class programming, peer networks, and practical resources. The Institute helps family enterprises address issues such as succession planning, governance, leadership development, family dynamics, strategic growth, and business continuity.听

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BlueInc Strategies International, co-founded by Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke, partners with organizations around the world to accelerate growth through strategic planning, innovation, leadership development, and organizational scaling. Their extensive experience with both global enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures uniquely positions them to help family businesses navigate complexity while preserving the values and legacy that make them successful.听

As a Strategic Resource Partner, BlueInc will collaborate with the Institute by sharing expertise, participating in educational programs and workshops, contributing thought leadership, and supporting FEISC members through best practices in strategic planning, innovation, succession, and sustainable growth. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening family enterprises and contributing to South Carolina’s economic vitality.听

“Family businesses face unique opportunities and challenges that require trusted advisors who understand both business strategy and family dynamics,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. “Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke have built an outstanding reputation for helping organizations achieve transformational growth while remaining true to their purpose and values. We are honored to welcome BlueInc Strategies as a Strategic Resource Partner and look forward to the tremendous value they will bring to our members across the state.”听

BlueInc’s approach centers on helping leaders answer three essential questions: What? (Strategy), and How? (Process), and Who? (Organization). Through this framework, the firm has guided multinational corporations, privately held family businesses, and emerging entrepreneurs toward long-term success.听

“We believe family enterprises are among the most important contributors to strong communities and thriving economies,” said Kenneth Fields, Co-Founder of BlueInc. “Joining the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute allows us to invest in leaders who are building businesses that will serve generations to come. We’re excited to share our experience, learn alongside fellow advisors, and help family businesses grow with intention.”听

“Our passion has always been helping leaders turn vision into reality through clear strategy, meaningful innovation, and disciplined execution,” added Johannes Mutzke, Co-Founder of BlueInc, “The Institute has built an exceptional community of family business leaders who genuinely want to learn from one another. We are honored to become part of that community and look forward to supporting its mission across South Carolina.”听

Strategic Resource Partners play a vital role in advancing the Institute’s mission by providing specialized expertise, educational programming, and thought leadership while fostering a collaborative environment built on trust, learning, and shared success. Through these partnerships, FEISC equips family enterprises with the tools and relationships needed to navigate generational transitions, strengthen governance, and sustain long-term growth.听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 serves as the state’s leading resource for family-owned businesses. Through peer learning, educational programming, executive development, governance resources, and strategic partnerships, the Institute helps family enterprises build stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger communities for generations to come.听

About BlueInc Strategies International, LLC听

Founded by Kenneth Fields and Johannes Mutzke, BlueInc Strategies International partners with organizations around the world to unlock exponential growth through strategy, innovation, and scaling. Drawing on experience spanning Global 500 companies, entrepreneurial ventures, and family-owned businesses, BlueInc helps leaders create clarity, build momentum, and transform vision into sustainable growth.听

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As a Strategic Resource Partner, SouthState Bank will play a vital role in supporting the Institute鈥檚 educational programming, peer learning initiatives, and advisory services designed to help family enterprises navigate governance, succession, and long-term continuity.听

鈥淪outhState Bank鈥檚 commitment to relationship-driven service and community impact aligns seamlessly with our mission to serve family enterprises across South Carolina,鈥� said Dr. Brad Bechtold, executive director of the Institute. 鈥淭heir deep understanding of closely held businesses and multi-generational families makes them an invaluable partner as we continue expanding our reach and impact statewide.鈥�听

SouthState Bank has a long-standing reputation for delivering personalized financial solutions and building trusted relationships with business owners and families. Through this partnership, the bank will engage with Institute members by sharing insights, supporting events, and contributing to the advancement of family enterprise success.听

鈥淲e are honored to partner with the Institute and support the important work being done to strengthen family-owned businesses across our region,鈥� said Jimmy Lindsey, Regional President of the Foothills Region for SouthState Bank. 鈥淔amily businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we are committed to helping them thrive across generations through meaningful relationships, sound financial guidance, and strategic support.鈥�听

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering resilient, well-governed, and forward-thinking family enterprises that contribute to economic growth and community vitality throughout South Carolina.听

听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to educate, connect, and empower family-owned businesses across the state. Through programming, peer networks, and expert resources, the Institute helps enterprise families navigate the complexities of business, family, and ownership and build enduring enterprises across generations.听

About SouthState Bank听

SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company鈥檚 nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1.5 million customersthroughout Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia and Tennessee. The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at 听

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An 91福利社 graduate is spreading the word, 鈥泪f you can tap to pay, you can tap to pray.鈥�

Josh Cauthen, a 2007 AU business graduate, grew up in Anderson and decided to stay home and attend 91福利社. Cauthen describes his time at 91福利社 as a time of personal growth and forging lasting relationships.

Through a new leadership development program, Cauthen found his way into the aisles of Home Depot working as a field sales representative for TTI, a major manufacturer of power tools. He started in a sales role and then moved into the corporate office.

After 17 years of climbing the corporate ladder at TTI, Cauthen joined forces with Brian Hobbs, a former TTI colleague, at a company he founded, Versible. Using his years of experience from the ever-expanding power tool and outdoor equipment market, Cauthen is enjoying a new leadership role, marketing a wide variety of wearables鈥攖actical keychains, wristbands, jewelry and other items.

Cauthen credits his passion for his new career at Versible to serving out his Christian faith, but also to his wife Lindley and daughters Ramsey and Everly.

Versible鈥檚 products are stylish and cool, but their real beauty lies within.

He explains that when a user simply places their smartphone close to or over the tag on one of their items, up pops a prompt they can tap to access a daily Bible verse, prayer and other resources to help them strengthen their relationship with God.

Cauthen is quick to point out that Tap To Pray is easy to use and require no apps to download, regardless of the type of smartphone.

鈥淲e look at these products as kind of a fire starter. It鈥檚 not where someone can read the Bible cover to cover, but it could be a spark鈥攖hat starting point to encourage someone to pick up the Bible, get into a small group or build community. We ultimately want to create a daily habit of tapping and receiving a bible verse and prayer, incorporating NFC technology in products that are a part of your 鈥渄aily鈥� routine. Not everyone wears a bracelet, but you could carry a cup or water bottle with a Vinyl sticker, a magnetic wallet on your phone or even a lanyard with your ID that have Tap To Pray,鈥� Cauthen said.

The mission of Versible is simple鈥攈onor God, share Jesus and help others. Versible donates 20 percent of its proceeds from every Tap To Pray product sold, supporting organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation in their fight to prevent, rescue and restore victims of human trafficking.

Versible also has a close relationship with Vida Plena, an organization that rescues human trafficking victims. Based in the Dominican Republic, Vida Plena helps human trafficking victims who come from Haiti to start new lives, offering daily classes, counseling, healthcare and scholarships. They also offer full-time work at more than double the market rate and help them become legal residents of the Dominican Republic. Through Vida Plena, Versible offers an array of jewelry items handcrafted by more than 60 women who were rescued from human trafficking.

Versible, whose warehouse is located in Anderson, is a local and family-owned B2B and B2C business with thousands of customers coast to coast.

To learn more about Versible, please visit .

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This distinction recognizes not only the Rhodes family鈥檚 long-standing business success, but also their deep commitment to generational continuity, community impact, and the advancement of family enterprise throughout South Carolina.听

Founded by Kenneth Rhodes, the second-generation family business has grown into a highly respected insurance agency serving clients across South Carolina and Georgia. Known for its unwavering commitment to personalized service, integrity, and long-term relationships, Kenneth Rhodes & Associates exemplifies the values that define enduring family enterprises.听听

As a Founding Family, Kenneth Rhodes & Associates joins a select group of multi-generational enterprises dedicated to investing in the future of family business through education, collaboration, and shared learning. Founding Families play a critical role in shaping the Institute鈥檚 foundation鈥攐ffering wisdom, leadership, and financial support to ensure that family enterprises across the Palmetto State thrive for generations to come.听听

鈥淲e are honored to welcome Kenneth Rhodes & Associates as a Founding Family of the Institute,鈥� said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of FEISC. 鈥淜enneth and Luke Rhodes represent the very best of family enterprise鈥攍eaders who understand both the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a business across generations. Their investment is not only in their own legacy, but in the future of family businesses across South Carolina.鈥�听

Kenneth Rhodes, Principal Agent and CEO, shared his perspective on the significance of this commitment:听

鈥淏ecoming a Founding Family of the Institute is a meaningful step for our business and our family. We believe strongly in the importance of learning from others, sharing our experiences, and investing in the future of family enterprise. This opportunity allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves鈥攈elping ensure that family businesses across our state remain strong, connected, and prepared for the next generation.鈥�听

The Founding Family designation reflects a five-year commitment to the Institute鈥檚 mission, including active participation in educational programming, peer learning, and mentorship of other family enterprises. Founding Families serve as ambassadors of the Institute, contributing both intellectual and social capital while helping to build a trusted community of enterprise-owning families.听听

Kenneth Rhodes & Associates鈥� recent recognition as the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year further underscores the strength of their leadership and their impact on the community鈥攓ualities that align closely with the Institute鈥檚 vision of cultivating resilient, values-driven family enterprises. .听

About Kenneth Rhodes & Associates, Inc.听

Kenneth Rhodes & Associates, Inc. is a family-owned insurance agency with location throughout the upstate of South Carolina and NortheastGeorgia offering comprehensive insurance solutions to individuals and businesses across the Southeast. Built on a foundation of trust, service and relationships, the firm continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to personalized client care and community engagement.听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to empower family-owned businesses through education, research, and meaningful connection. By addressing the unique dynamics of family enterprise鈥攊ncluding governance, succession planning, and leadership development鈥攖he Institute equips families to build lasting legacies that strengthen both business and community.听

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Based in Clemson, South Carolina, ISS is a respected provider of engineering software and support services, known for its commitment to excellence, customer service, and industry expertise. ISS was founded in 1984 by Everett Thomas, a retired USAF Colonel. Under the second-generation leadership of Reid Thomas, President, and Sarah Maiberger, Vice President, ISS has built a strong reputation as a values-driven enterprise dedicated to both business success and meaningful relationships. Sarah鈥檚 husband, Phil, worked for ISS for almost 15 years and her daughter, Hannah, currently works in the business.听

Framing Family members of FEISC are forward-thinking enterprise families who seek not only to grow their businesses, but also to strengthen family unity, governance, and generational continuity. These families actively engage in educational programming, peer learning, and collaborative dialogue with other family business leaders across the state.听听

鈥淲e are honored to welcome Phil, Sarah, and the entire Maiberger family as a Framing Family of the Institute,鈥� said Founding Executive Director of FEISC Dr. Brad Bechtold. 鈥淭heir commitment to excellence, learning, and stewardship reflects the very essence of what it means to be a family enterprise. Their leadership will not only benefit their own organization, butwill also contribute meaningfully to the broader community of family businesses across South Carolina.鈥�听

As a Framing Family, Integrated Support Systems will participate in a wide range of FEISC offerings, including educational programs, exclusive networking opportunities, and access to research and thought leadership from 91福利社. The Maiberger family will also collaborate with other enterprise families to address key challenges such as succession planning, governance, leadership development, and sustaining family harmony while achieving business success.听

鈥淧hil and I are excited to deepen our involvement with the Family Enterprise Institute,鈥� said Sarah Maiberger, Vice President of Business Administration at Integrated Support Systems. 鈥淲e believe strongly in the power of learning from other family businesses and investing in the long-term health of both our company and our family. Becoming a Framing Family is a meaningful step in that journey.鈥�听

The FEISC continues to expand its statewide impact by bringing together family-owned enterprises from across the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry, fostering a collaborative environment where families can learn, grow, and thrive together.听

About Integrated Support Systems
Integrated Support Systems (ISS), headquartered in Clemson, South Carolina, provides innovative, high-performance software designed to the aerospace and defense industry. With a focus on reliability, service, and long-term partnerships, ISS serves clients across a range of industries with tailored solutions that drive performance and success.听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to educate, connect, and empower family-owned businesses across the state. Through innovative programming, peer networks, and expert resources, the Institute supports enterprise families in navigating the complexities of business, family, and ownership to ensure sustainability for generations to come.听

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This was a three-round team selling competition where one student served as sales lead and one student served as tech lead.听听

The corporate event was sponsored by Oracle, who brought all their own people in to play the roles of buyers and judges. Last year, six students got hired by Oracle out of this event.听

A total of 13 universities attended, each bringing two teams. Included were major universities who are powerhouses in the area of sales education with standalone sales centers and multiple full-time staff (eg, University of Florida, LSU, MTSU, University of New Mexico, University of Tampa, etc.).听

“You got to love a good David and Goliath story,鈥� AU Professor Bruce Morgan commented in praise of the AU students.听听

Jacob Morrow and Grant Stevison (pictured above) walked away with First Place and $1,000. They also won the Teamwork Award. Morrow won 鈥痶he top Tech lead award. Our other team consisted of Delaney Smith and Alejandro Perez.听

Morrow and Stevison said they pulled some late hours to prepare for the competition, which they feel paid off in the end. They are grateful to ther professors at AU鈥擠rs. Joe Spencer and Bruce Morgan, as well as Rick Moody. They also feel that representatives from Herc Rentals provided valuable assistance, coming into the classroom and staging sales competiitions.听

鈥泪f you don’t learn how to apply those and the experience to draw from, at the end of the day, you’re just book smart and you’re not actually going to be able to be successful in the real world,” said Morrow, who is majoring in marketing and also finance. 鈥淵ou’re able to immediately be able to integrate the sales skills that you’ve been picking up through your classes. It also gives you a way to test some different sales techniques that you’ve been thinking about in your off time and your studying.鈥�听

鈥淛acob brought an incredible ability to relate and be personable, and keep the conversation calm, and he spoke with confidence鈥擨 think that that was key,” said Stevison, who is majoring in marketing and minoring in entrepreneurship. 鈥泪 think for me, one of the things that helped me be successful was the ability to adapt and adjust, read the room, read the conversation, read the person, and try to adjust based on that, and not being afraid of hearing an objection or hearing 鈥榥o.鈥欌��听

Stevison feels that the competition boosted his confidence in his ability to sell, overcoming a mindset that, as a marketing student he felt somehow out of place in a sales competition.听

鈥泪 think it gave me a lot of confidence that this is where God wants me and that I have a talent for this,” Stevison said. 鈥泪’m not trying to be cocky when I say that, but I do think that the Lord has allowed this to grow in me, and it’s just further confirmation that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”听

Also at the conference were 10 other corporate sponsors who participated in five rounds of networking competition, 30 minutes each round.听

鈥淵ou went to a table with a corporate sponsor and two to four other students from other universities and had to push your way to the forefront without being domineering. Quite a balance,鈥� said Morgan, adding that before the competition even started, Oracle scheduled an interview with Morrow.听

Morgan also praised alternate Erin Rable for her performance during the networking event.听听

鈥淪he won the Top Personality Hire Award (not a real award, I made it up but once she got over her fears of just approaching a table of people she didn’t know, you couldn’t stop her),鈥� Morgan noted.听

Sponsorship Networking听

Morgan considers these competitions as being beyond a conventional competition, citing real results the students bring home, citing the example of Morgan getting a lead for a commercial insurance carrier.听

He commented, 鈥淭he Greenville Oracle rep said, ‘all the Anderson students were wonderful.鈥�听

The group also got to experience a country songwriters show at the Nashville Symphony, along with some line dancing, which student Delaney Smith excelled at. And of course, when in the Music City, they enjoyed some individual and group karaoke singing.听听

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Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg, a leader in commercial cleaning and facility services, is known for delivering high-quality, reliable solutions to businesses throughout the Upstate. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence, the organization continues to make a meaningful impact across a wide range of industries.听

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg to the Institute,鈥� said FEISC Executive Director Dr. Brad Bechtold. 鈥淭heir commitment to excellence and service aligns beautifully with our mission to support and elevate family enterprises across South Carolina. We look forward to walking alongside their team as they continue to grow, lead, and build a lasting legacy.鈥�听

As a member of the Institute, Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg will gain access to a dynamic community of family business leaders, educational programming, and resources designed to strengthen governance, leadership development, and multigenerational continuity.听

鈥淛oining the Institute represents an exciting opportunity for us to connect with other family enterprises and continue growing both personally and professionally,鈥� said Olivia Orren of Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg. 鈥淲e are honored to be part of a network that values relationships, shared learning, and long-term success for family businesses across our state.鈥�听

About Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg听

Jani-King of Greenville-Spartanburg provides comprehensive commercial cleaning and janitorial services to businesses across the Upstate of South Carolina. Backed by the global Jani-King brand, the Greenville-Spartanburg location combines proven systems with local ownership and personalized service. Their team is dedicated to maintaining clean, safe, and healthy environments for clients across industries, delivering consistent quality and trusted results.听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) at 91福利社 exists to support and strengthen family-owned businesses across the state. Through world-class programming, peer networks, and advisory resources, the Institute equips family enterprises to navigate leadership transitions, governance, and growth with confidence. Serving members across the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry, FEISC is building a vibrant community committed to sustaining family business success for generations.听

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Merit Technologies, led by CEO Abe Varughese and President Theresa Varughese, is known for its innovative approach to technology solutions and its commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients. By joining the FEISC, Merit Technologies aligns itself with a statewide network dedicated to advancing family enterprise excellence through education, collaboration, and shared best practices.听

鈥淲e are honored to welcome Merit Technologies into the Institute,鈥� said FEISC Executive Director Dr. Brad Bechtold. 鈥淎be and Theresa and their family exemplify the leadership, innovation, and stewardship that define strong family enterprises. Their engagement will not only enhance their own journey but also contribute meaningfully to the collective strength of family businesses across South Carolina.鈥�听

As a member of FEISC, Merit Technologies will gain access to exclusive programming, peer networks, and thought leadership designed to support leadership development, governance, succession planning, and strategic growth.听

鈥淲e are excited to join the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina and become part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking community,鈥� said Abe Varughese. 鈥淎t Merit Technologies, we value continuous learning and collaboration, and we look forward to engaging with fellow members to share insights, build relationships, and strengthen the future of family enterprise in our state.鈥�听

The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina serves as a hub for family-owned businesses across the state, providing resources, education, and a trusted network to help families navigate the complexities of business and family dynamics while sustaining their legacy for generations to come.听

About Merit Technologies Merit Technologies is a leading provider specializing in software development, managed services, and IT support. As a Managed Service Provider, the company delivers innovative technology solutions, including applications in artificial intelligence (AI), tailored to client needs to leverage wisely these emerging technologies. Their expertise spans custom software development, comprehensive IT support, and proactive management of technology infrastructure, enabling clients to focus on standards, safety, privacy and growth of their IT systems.听听

About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina at 91福利社 exists to support and sustain family-owned businesses across the Palmetto State. Through educational programming, peer learning, and strategic resources, the Institute equips family enterprises to navigate leadership transitions, strengthen governance, and build lasting legacies.听

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Reynolds, now a mother of five, recently earned her MBA from 91福利社 while giving birth to two children during the program.听

“I think part of me wanted to prove to everyone that you can go to school and have children at the same time,” Reynolds said. “It’s hard, but you can do it if you want to. You don’t have to pick one.”听

Reynolds graduated in December 2025 with her Master of Business Administration from the 91福利社 College of Business and Economics, a听milestone听that鈥檚听been听years听in the making. Her journey began with an undergraduate degree听in graphic design听from the South Carolina School of the Arts鈥攁lso at 91福利社鈥攂ut life took her in a different direction before she could pursue graduate studies.听

“I always wanted to go back to school,” Reynolds said. “I had my undergraduate degree, but I wanted to continue my education.”听

Reynolds鈥� faith was integral to her commitment to see her MBA听through听to completion听while听she was听raising her growing family. She points to 2 Timothy 1:7 as their family verse: 鈥淔or the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power,听love听and self-discipline.鈥�听

Reynolds said, 鈥�For me and my husband, we honor God鈥檚 command to听‘be fruitful and multiply,鈥� and听the degree came second. My first mission for God is my children and family鈥攖he听career was always to support what God blessed us with.鈥�听

Finding the Right Fit听

When Reynolds decided to pursue her MBA, she needed a program that could accommodate her demanding schedule. 91福利社’s online format provided the flexibility she听required.听

“I worked a full-time job while doing the online degree, so I had to just work around those two things,” she explained.听

Reynolds heads into the office four days a week听at Fujifilm in Greenwood听and works from home on Fridays.听Balancing听work and family听commitments with graduate coursework听required听some strategic听time management.听

“I dedicated time to my classes within the window of time after children went to bed every night,” Reynolds said. “I would also read on my lunch breaks, and if there were any apps that would read your textbooks, I would listen to them on the drive to and from work.”听

The Art of Being Present听

For Reynolds, success听wasn’t听just about finding听time鈥攊t was about being fully present in each moment.听It was also about prioritizing motherhood and choosing to bring two lives into the world during that time.听With three children in diapers and her older sons will听under听10, it听wasn鈥檛听easy,听but听she persevered.听听

“Focus and discipline require that you dedicate portions of your life to specific things,” she said. “If I’m with my family, I need to be present with my family. If I’m at school, I need to be present at school.”听

This philosophy was tested when life’s unpredictable moments arose. Reynolds recalled times when she had to request deadline extensions, including spending an entire day in the emergency room with one of her children when a paper was due.听

“They were understanding,” she said听of听her professors.听

A Culture of Support听

What stood out most to Reynolds during her MBA journey was the family-friendly culture she听encountered听among 91福利社 faculty.听This support system proved invaluable as Reynolds navigated the challenges of graduate-level coursework while managing the demands of a growing family and听a听full-time career.听

“Certain professors I really connected with because they were happy that I had children and a family,” Reynolds said.听“They were so supportive of family.”听

When听Reynolds听was giving听birth to her听youngest daughter, she shared the news with her professor, letting her know when to expect the delivery.听She sent the professor a photo of her new baby, receiving the reply, 鈥淭hat makes my听day.鈥澨�听

Reflecting听on her experience,听Reynolds said,听鈥�This past May we welcomed Elizabeth to our family of now听seven, and I took some time off work to heal and take care of her. Then shortly after that I was able to finish my MBA听while being able to talk about my faith in God in every class! Only a little over a year ago, while in the middle of my MBA studies I had another beautiful girl named Ren茅 and right before I started my MBA program I had my first daughter Catherine.鈥�听

Lessons in Balance听

Reynolds’ experience taught her important lessons about managing multiple priorities simultaneously. The key, she discovered, was听maintaining听focus on whatever task was at hand, especially when trying to manage many things at once.听

“You have to be present at the time,” she emphasized.听

Reynolds鈥櫶齤ourney听at 91福利社 crossed听two different academic worlds, but听she听found value in both experiences. The MBA program offered her the opportunity to develop new skills while听proving to听herself鈥攁nd others鈥攖hat major life events听don’t听have to derail educational goals.听

A Message of Possibility听

Reynolds hopes her story will inspire others who may be hesitating to pursue their educational dreams because of family commitments.听

“You can go to school and have children at the same time,” she said. “It’s hard, but you can do it if you want to.”听

Her success听demonstrates听the quality and flexibility of 91福利社’s MBA program, designed to accommodate working professionals and parents.听

For Reynolds, earning her MBA while raising five children鈥攊ncluding welcoming two more during the program鈥攚asn’t听about proving she could do the impossible. It was about showing that with focus, discipline,听support听and determination, the听seemingly impossible听becomes achievable. Receiving her degree this past December stands as proof that, with the right mindset and support system, you truly can have both.听

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