Executive MBA weekend delivers as new and returning cohorts kick off the year
By Megan Nash
There’s something special about the first day back to school—whether you’re stepping into a new chapter or picking up right where you left off.
That was the atmosphere as the Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the VCU School of Business welcomed both new and returning students for a weekend meant to spark connections, challenge comfort zones and remind everyone why they’re here.
For the Class of 2026, it was the start of something big. Entering the weekend with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, they understood that the program would stretch their skills and reshape their careers, but weren’t entirely sure what to expect.
Fortunately, they didn’t have to navigate the path alone.
The weekend began with an alumni panel, where graduates from past cohorts shared their candid perspectives on what it takes to succeed. DeMond Chapman (M.B.A.’10), Ankit Mathur (B.S. ’03, M.B.A. ’12, M.S. ’13), Beth Levermore (M.B.A. ’19), Kate Lee (M.B.A. ’21) and Carlos Hopkins (M.B.A. ’24) offered practical advice on time management, character development and how to handle stressful situations.
“You’ll have late nights, and you’ll need to lean on your teammates—because they’ll lean on you,” said Lee. “That’s what got me through the toughest parts of the program.”
“They gave us a very honest look at what’s ahead,” said one first-year student. “What they said really resonated with all of us. I joined the program because I’m plotting my next career move—even though I’m not exactly sure what that is yet, I know I’m going to figure it out.”
The weekend’s activities also included a ropes course led by VCU RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program’s Teambuilding and Challenge Course staff, a signature activity where the newest cohort participated in team-building exercises to build trust within their groups.
“We want to get them out of their comfort zone and help them start building confidence and relationships,” said Dr. Thomas Epperson, President of InnerWill Leadership Institute, a nonprofit founded by Luck Companies, and adjunct instructor for the EMBA program. InnerWill has partnered with the School of Business for years to help develop leadership skills among Executive MBA students. “This course is designed to lay the foundation for their leadership development throughout the first semester.”
Barry-Wehmiller’s Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute also provided staff and in-kind support during this first weekend.
For the Class of 2025, the weekend felt more like a reunion—but with a curveball. After working with the same team for a year, the returning students were assigned all-new teams for their second year, leading them to adjust to a fresh dynamic.
“We definitely learned what worked and didn’t work from last time, so we came in with clear expectations this year,” said Matt Littlefield, vice president of Information Systems at Ellucian. “Switching teams keeps you on your toes and forces you to adapt to new communication styles and strengths.”
The second-year students met offsite at Luck Stone, a family-run business known for its production of crushed stone and environmental performance products, headquartered in Richmond, for a hands-on innovation workshop led by Epperson. With only hours to prepare, and fresh off a tour of the Luck Stone quarry, teams pitched their original ideas to improve operations for Luck Companies in a Shark Tank-style exercise.
“Innovation is all about storytelling,” said Adam Furman, a medical sales representative at Stryker. “You have to captivate your audience, make it personal and resonate with them. It’s about connecting as humans, not just professionals.”
For Furman, returning to the classroom wasn’t just about advancing professionally—it was setting an example for his children. “It’s really impactful to tell my kids that even at almost 40, I’m still learning and growing. It’s a lifelong process.”
The second-year students took to the new team structure as an opportunity for growth. “Coming back feels like picking up where we left off,” said James Crump-Wallace, owner of The Spot RVA creative space. “We’ve built relationships, and now we’re bringing that confidence into our new teams.”
For many, this change reinforced the program’s focus on adaptability and leadership.
“Leadership is a choice, not a title,” said Epperson. “My hope and expectation of all my students is that they go back to their organizations, they go back to their families, they go back to their communities and lead. They can make a positive impact in the lives of others, and they’ve got the opportunity and responsibility to do so.”
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