Bettye Lee Long-Walden

Madison, Alabama

Achieving her personal and professional goals through distance education learning

Mrs. Bettye Lee Long-Walden was working as an Information Technology Specialist at Redstone Arsenal when she began her journey to earn an advanced degree. The flexibility offered by the distance education programs at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) provided the opportunity to earn her Master of Science in Management.

She competed and was selected for an Army Civilian Scholarship through the Academic Degree Training program. She graduated from UMT in September 2017 and was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society for superior academic achievement. She was selected as the graduate representative to deliver the 2018 Commencement Address. In her address, she shared her personal story about how distance education helped her balance work, school, and family responsibilities in order to achieve her goals. The knowledge gained from her studies benefited both her and her organization. She used her new skillsets to lead major information technology projects which resulted in increased efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings. As a result, Ms. Long-Walden was awarded the Department of Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.

Since graduation, she has become the Deputy Program Manager for a major software application. She also has devoted countless hours to mentoring others. She enjoys sharing her experience with other Army Civilians to help with their professional development and growth. Most importantly, she is dedicated to giving back to her local community through volunteer work and community service.

"Education is a journey filled with hope and dedication to learning new things and leaving this world a better place. I am so thankful to UMT for being a part of my journey. Their flexible, on-line classes were the ideal fit, and their caring professors helped me succeed."

UMT's 2018 Famous Alumni

Zhiying Chen

Tangshan, China

Studying DBA opens up new enterprise management thinking for me

Dr. Zhiying Chen graduated from the University of Management and Technology with a Doctor of Business Administration degree. She pursued the DBA degree to strengthen her management and professional theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Dr. Chen applies the knowledge she gained from the UMT DBA program, along with years of senior management experience in the yeast industry, to all aspects of production, R&D and sales in her company. Additionally, she applies the newly acquired innovative thinking to the management of professionals. Leading the innovations in yeast biotechnology in China, her company has increased manufacturing capability and expanded its facility covering 30 acres of land and now generates US$45 million in annual revenue . Her company is also making breakthroughs in promoting and applying its products in the fields of nutritional food, animal nutrition, bio-fermentation, organic agriculture and so on. Under her leadership, the company actively explored the international market and its products are exported to more than 20 countries.

As Vice-President of Hebei Seasoning Association and Vice-President of Hebei Feed Industry Association Council in China, Dr. Chen actively provides advice and makes contributions to the food and feed industry. She is also Vice-President of the Kaiping District Industry and Commerce Federation of Tangshan City in China, which promotes the social and moral responsibility of enterprises. These positions allow her to meet her original intention of contributing to the harmonious society. The skills she has obtained from the DBA program at UMT will benefit her for life.

"UMT's DBA program is the right choice for me. It enriches my business operation and modern management knowledge which in turn lays the foundation for my company to becoming a world-renowned leader in yeast deep processing industry!"