Our MBA program is approaching its 50th anniversary!
Established in 1974, the present-day MBA was known as interdisciplinary industrial administration sciences. The program continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of students and industry. Today, the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business offers part-time, full-time, and executive MBA tracks. Our full-time MBA has ascended in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, currently perched at #51 overall and #25 among public institutions, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally.
Rounding out the 2000s MBA champions is Joy Evans (’06 MBA).
In addition to earning an MBA at Iowa State University, Evans attended Waldorf College, where she obtained a bachelor of arts degree in communications. Evans began her career as an assistant product manager at Meredith Corporation (now Dotdash Meredith), where she currently holds the position of vice president of business and strategy. Outside of her professional life, Evans is the co-chair of media/communications at the United Way of Central Iowa and serves alongside the other 2000s MBA champions on the MBA Executive Advisory Council (EAC). When she’s not busy with work or volunteering, Evans loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and catching a Broadway musical.
Get to know more about Evans and her continuous involvement and support of the Ivy MBA.
Q: What would you like people to know about you?
I’ve worked in the media and publishing industry for nearly 20 years, specializing in licensing and IP management for the last 10 years. At Dotdash Meredith, I lead our international licensing business and our iconic LIFE brand.
After 10 years in a downtown townhome in Des Moines, my husband and I recently moved into a wonderfully charming 1949 home in the Waveland Park neighborhood in Des Moines. We bought our first lawnmower this summer and are enjoying getting settled in our new home and getting to know our wonderful new neighbors.
I love spending time with friends and family and being the “world’s best aunt” — or so I’ve been told.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories from attending Iowa State University?
My favorite memory is going to the University of Oklahoma for a Big 12 MBA case competition to represent Iowa State in 2003 with Professor Brad Schrader and three fellow classmates. We all shared a sense of camaraderie, had a blast on the road trip to Norman, Oklahoma, and performed well as a team at the competition. It was definitely one of the highlights of my MBA experience
Q: Describe your experience in the MBA program. How has it impacted your career?
The Iowa State MBA program changed the trajectory of my career. I originally started my Iowa State graduate work in pursuit of a master of science degree in journalism and mass communication until one business communication course in the business college changed my life. Something just clicked, and I knew the Iowa State MBA program was where I belonged. So, I applied while completing my first year at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication.
As a female new to business school, the Iowa State MBA program was an empowering experience. I expected an intimidating environment, but the professors were smart, supportive, and kind. I was also assigned to a great cohort in my first year of the MBA program, where I made lifelong friends. In addition to the community I found, I learned about an internship opportunity at an Iowa State MBA networking event that eventually led to my first job at Dotdash Meredith after graduating with my MBA and my master of science in journalism and mass communication.
Q: Did you receive any support (scholarships) while getting your master’s?
I received the Kershner Scholarship and Hvistendahl Scholarship while completing my master’s degree education at Iowa State.
Q: How else do you stay involved with Ivy? What motivates you to continue to stay involved?
My MBA experience was so rewarding that it is an honor to give back to and support the college. I’m so proud of all the hard work that’s been done to continuously improve the program.
Q: In your opinion, why is it important to support students through scholarships?
Scholarships make education possible for people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
Q: What makes Iowa State and the Ivy College of Business stand out from other schools?
The Ivy College of Business is a welcoming and supportive learning environment where the faculty and staff are dedicated to their students’ success.
