At the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), academic advising plays a pivotal role
in the success of every MBA student. Far more than a one-time meeting, advising is
a continuous partnership that supports students through the entirety of their graduate
journey. One of the driving forces behind this support system is Mr. Reese Alexander,
an experienced and dedicated MBA academic advisor within the Marilyn Davies College
of Business (MDCOB).
Reese Alexander joined the UHD advising team in June 2020—an especially complex time
as the world adjusted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges,
he found an opportunity to get involved right away as the advising team crafted polices
and procedures to serve students remotely. With no prior expectations of how things
“should be done,” he contributed ideas based on his experience and embraced the evolving
landscape of student services.
As an academic advisor, Alexander serves as a consistent, go-to resource for MBA students,
helping them navigate degree requirements, select appropriate courses, and stay on
track to graduation. Advisors also serve as advocates, relaying student needs and
challenges to College and University leadership. While all UHD MBA advisors can assist
any student, each advisor takes primary responsibility for a subset of concentrations.
He works most closely with students pursuing concentrations in Human Resource Management,
International Business, and Project Management & Process Improvement.
For newly admitted students, Alexander emphasizes three essential points. First, the
UHD MBA program is fast-paced, compressing 16 weeks of coursework into eight-week
sessions—meaning good time management skills are crucial to a student’s success in
the program. Second, since students need to master material quickly and thoroughly,
frequent engagement with one’s professors is important to confirm one’s understanding
or resolve questions. And third, the MBA program is a collaborative learning community.
Each student is admitted because he or she brings something valuable to the table,
and working together enhances the classroom experience for all.
Prospective students are reminded that admission to the UHD MBA program is both an
achievement and a call to action. Students are selected for their intellect, background,
and potential contributions, and are expected to be engaged, purposeful participants
in their graduate education. The program offers as much as students are willing to
invest, and those who embrace this opportunity find it deeply rewarding.
What many may not realize is the wealth of experience that UHD’s MBA advising team
brings to the graduate program; the four-person teams have a combined 90 years of
experience. Each advisor is an educators, mentors, and advocates who understand the
power of guidance and how this shapes a student’s development. This deep sense of
purpose fuels their commitment to helping students thrive.
For Alexander, the most rewarding part of the job, he says, is graduation. Witnessing
students reach the finish line—often after months or years of hard work and personal
sacrifice—is a rewarding experience. Listening as students reflect on their accomplishment
and what it means to them and their families reminds him why the work matters.
At UHD, academic advisors are more than administrators; they are partners in the transformational
experience of earning an MBA. Through people like Mr. Reese Alexander, the University
ensures that every student has the tools, support, and encouragement they need to
succeed.