By Becky Gipson

After three years of balancing spreadsheets, coursework, and everything in between, Julia Fawcett, Accountant II for Tulane Libraries, has officially earned her MBA from Tulane University's A. B. Freeman School of Business. Completing a graduate business program while working full-time is a serious undertaking, and Julia did it with the kind of discipline and grace that anyone who knows her would recognize immediately.

In her own words, this milestone "represents so much more than a degree." It reflects growth that goes well beyond the classroom: sharper strategic thinking, deeper leadership instincts, and a network of colleagues who became something closer to family along the way. We ask Julia to share about the experience in her own words.

What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your graduate school journey?

The most rewarding part was the combination of academic growth, meaningful relationships, and hands-on leadership experience. Courses like Strategic Management, Social Media and Online Marketing, and Management of Technology and Innovation pushed me to think critically and creatively, and group projects made the experience engaging and practical. Seeing my confidence grow, both academically and professionally, has been especially meaningful.

My involvement with the Freeman Consulting Group was also a defining part of my experience. I joined as a member in my first year, became a team lead in my second, and served as president in my final year. Leading a consulting project allowed me to guide a team, manage client expectations, and translate classroom concepts into real-world strategy and execution.

Your cohort became a strong support system — what made those relationships so meaningful?

Balancing a full-time job with a rigorous MBA program required a lot of discipline and support, and my cohort played a huge role. One of the most impactful aspects was forming study groups, which allowed us to get to know each other beyond the classroom. In my first semester, we held weekly sessions for Business Statistics and Models, and I often took on a leadership role guiding those meetings. That experience not only strengthened my understanding of the material — it sparked a deeper appreciation for collaborative learning and for helping others succeed.

"Those study sessions evolved into strong personal and professional relationships. We supported each other through challenging coursework, long evenings after work, and major milestones throughout the program. That shared experience built trust and connection."

— Julia Fawcett, on her MBA cohort

Were there any faculty, mentors, or colleagues who made a meaningful impact?

Several faculty members shaped my experience in lasting ways. Ashley Nelson's courses in Business Communications, Social Media, and Online Marketing strengthened my ability to communicate ideas clearly and strategically. Sherif Ebrahim's work in Competition and Strategy and Management of Technology and Innovation shaped how I approach problem-solving. And Angelo DeNisi's courses in negotiations and strategic human resource management influenced how I think about leadership and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

One of my classmates also became a close friend, Kiyana Quaine. Throughout the program, we met at orientation and remained connected the entire way through. And my colleagues at Tulane Libraries played an important role too, supporting my growth and encouraging me every step of the way.

What are your plans or goals after graduation?

I'm interested in pursuing a career shift within higher education and Tulane, though I'm still exploring exactly where I want to pivot. From an academic perspective, I'd like to continue my education in the near future, whether through another master's degree or eventually a PhD. Continuing to learn and grow, both professionally and academically, remains very important to me.

How has this degree shifted how you approach your work or leadership style?

This degree has made me much more intentional in how I approach my work, especially in understanding the reasoning behind decisions. I now spend more time asking "why" and thinking through the broader context, whether it relates to organizational goals, stakeholder needs, or long-term impact. From a leadership perspective, that has translated into a more deliberate and reflective style: clear communication, genuine collaboration, and creating space for thoughtful decision-making grounded in both data and purpose.

Julia's MBA journey is a reminder of what becomes possible when dedication meets the right environment. We are proud that Tulane Libraries has been part of her story, and we cannot wait to see where her next chapter leads.