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.
One of the two champions representing the graduates of the 1990s is Sid Ramsey (’95 MBA). Ramsey was part of the first graduating class of the professional MBA program, which he joined as a mid-career professional. Despite already having an established career in the healthcare industry, earning his MBA allowed him to further advance his position. Ramsey continues to work for UnityPoint Health in Des Moines as the vice president of strategy and business development. In this role, he is responsible for strategic planning, marketing, and management of the rural hospital network for UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, medical transportation, and other service lines. Outside of work, Ramsey is highly active in the community, volunteering and serving on professional and non-profit boards. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, following college sports, appreciating the arts, and traveling.
Get to know more about Ramsey and his continuous involvement and support of the Ivy MBA.
Q: What about yourself would you tell someone you’ve never met before? What are you up to now?
I’ve had a long career working in many different facets of healthcare and continue to work, although thoughts of retirement cross my mind.
I am currently vice president of strategy and business development for UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. I have the privilege of putting my MBA at work every day, working with new services, service expansion, finance, and marketing for our health system.
I’m single and live in Des Moines. I’ve been active with professional and many non-profit boards over the years and volunteer with others.
For fun, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I enjoy college sports, the arts, and travel – now that we are getting past the worst of COVID.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from attending Iowa State?
I was in the first cohort of graduate students in the professional MBA. It was a wonderful, diverse group of people across many ages, backgrounds, and disciplines. The camaraderie and inspiration we had as a class were important to me during my time at Iowa State and after graduating. I have so many fond memories of classes, projects, and the friendships of fellow students and faculty.
Q: Describe your experience in the MBA program. How has it impacted your career?
The MBA from Iowa State University had a profound effect on me personally and professionally. As a mid-career professional in the healthcare field, I connected with Iowa State at the perfect time for my career growth. I am confident the MBA from Iowa State gave me the credentials and knowledge to advance my position within healthcare and led me to career success.
Q: How else do you stay involved with Ivy? What motivates you to continue to stay involved?
I owe much to Iowa State, and I feel the need to give back to the college. I enjoy connecting with faculty, students, and other engaged alumni from Ivy.
Q: In your opinion, why is it important to support students through scholarships?
In addition to helping students lighten their financial burdens, scholarships are a tangible symbol to students that others who have gone before them truly value the educational experience and want to reward them for their efforts and hard work. It’s a great way to say, “We are here to help. We’ve got your back.”
Q: In your opinion, what makes Iowa State and the Ivy College of Business unique from other schools?
What impresses me most about Ivy is the amazing growth and evolution the college has demonstrated over the past 10-20 years. The introspection and desire to improve, evolve, and meet the current needs of the market is truly impressive.
