Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Air Force veteran and business major Nedra Hobson is laser-focused on her career goals.
Full Name: Nedra Hobson.
Age: 41.
Hometown: East Chicago, Ind.
Residence: Macon.
High School: Bishop Noll Institute.
Family: “I am the middle daughter of three girls. We often refer to ourselves as ‘Marsha, Jan, and Cindy’ of the Brady Bunch. Both of my sisters are also in school and we encourage each other to keep our eye on the prize. My mother, Diane Ford, worked hard to put us through private school growing up so she is very proud that we are all working toward our degrees. My boyfriend of nearly 10 years has also been a huge source of support and encouragement. He believes not only in me but my sisters as well, and truly cares about our progress. It would be difficult for me to make it without these people in my circle.”
Current Employment: Full-time student and student assistant in the Registrar's Office.
Degree Objective: “My objective is to get my bachelor of science in business and information technology and go directly into a graduate program for my MBA. I am anxiously awaiting the decision about the graduate programs that may be offered at Macon State. I will start the admissions process this fall, so time is of the essence.”
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: “I am the vice president / historian for PBL (Phi Beta Lambda), the Macon State business club, and the activities manager for CAB (Campus Activities Board), which provides campus activities for student by students.”
Career Goals: “My background is in global sourcing, which I just fell into while working at a textile company. It is this work history that helped me decide on my ultimate career goal of getting into product or brand management for a consumer goods company. Perhaps even product development. The process of creating and bringing goods to the marketplace is interesting and exciting to me. It is not your typical 9-to-5 office job, which is a great thing.”
She chose Macon State College because … “Macon State College is one of several schools I applied to. I chose Macon State because of the curriculum and cost. In looking through the courses required for my chosen degree, I felt they were interesting, relevant, and would serve me well in pursuing my career goals.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “Being a full time non-traditional student, I don't feel I stick out as I had anticipated. The student body is quite diverse. I have involved myself in a lot of activities I hadn't even considered when initially applying to attend. I have met some wonderful people here (students, faculty, and staff), and hope to maintain those relationships once I graduate."
Her favorite professor is … “Just about every professor I have encountered has been very passionate about their field. This makes for a very good learning environment. As for my favorite professor, I would have to say that is Jonathan Lowe. He has a way of taking difficult subject matter (statistics) and explaining it in a way that not only makes sense but will stick with you. He teaches you the ‘how’ as well as the ‘why’ you need to know something and has no problem staying after class if you have questions or need additional help. He is certainly an asset to Macon State!”
Her favorite place to study is … “Barnes and Noble! There are no televisions to distract me yet I still have access to coffee and baked goods. Those are the tools I need to keep me going.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I served four years in the United States Air Force. Other things people don’t know about me is that I enjoy baking, collecting cookbooks, and I absolutely LOVE bull riding.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “Friends make fun of me because of my size. Apparently people think I am skinny; however I would argue that I'm average. Also, every now and then, I will have a ‘Nedra Day’ where I take myself out to dinner and a movie or some other activity. My friends think this is just strange.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “PRINCE! I know I should probably have come up with someone more socially or politically inspiring, but this is my honest answer as of today. I think he is an interesting, complex individual, and a musical genius. I would love to just sit talk with him to see how his mind works.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “I hope to be finished with my MBA (perhaps even working on a PhD), but knee deep in a new career as a brand or product manager. I want to continue involving myself in volunteer work and become a member of the Phi Beta Lambda professional division. I have my game plan mapped out so it is just a matter of staying on course. I am surrounded by very supportive and encouraging people so that should be no problem.”