With the deepest natural harbor, ports in the South Hampton Roads region of Virginia have been a driving force in the regional economy for more than 400 years. The major industry of port and supply chain are deeply embedded in ODU, from the College of Business and Public Administration's Maritime Institute to the student chapter of the Propeller Club.

Travis Hansen, an MBA student at ODU, is general manager at Maersk Line Limited, one of the largest American shipping companies in the world. "I work in a business role professionally and operate at a GM level, but I need a foundation to stand on. ODU's MBA program helps me understand the financial decision-making I need," he says. He also appreciates how the ODU MBA program caters to working professionals like him. "Old Dominion's global focus, Maritime Institute, graduate student networking, hands-on learning activities, caring professors and supportive staff are also meaningful to me," he adds.

Matthew Cleary is another ODU MBA student who works at Maersk as a vessel manager. After earning his undergraduate degree, he spent 15 years working in ocean transportation before returning to college. "My fellow students are one of the best parts of my experience at ODU. ODU attracts top students from around the world. I've been able to share time inside and outside the classroom with students from China, Kenya, Iran, Columbia, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Austria, to name a few. Plus, our faculty hail from many nations."