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When Watson Joseph ’22 MBA was a senior at , he spoke with one of his professors about pursuing his MBA with a concentration in data analytics. Excited to earn a master’s degree in a “growing field,” he decided to pursue his degree at the University of New Haven. A new graduate of the University, he remembers that conversation fondly as, he says, it led to him making “the best decision in my life.”

The professor he spoke with was Candice Deal, Ph.D., and she too has since joined the University community. During the spring semester, she let Joseph know about another exciting opportunity – this time, the Wiley Unlocking Human Potential Scholarship. Joseph recently became one of two Chargers to receive it.

“My reaction when I found out I was one of the recipients to receive this scholarship was very joyful,” said Joseph, who earned his degree as part of Spring Commencement. “I immediately shared the news with my brother and with Dr. Deal, my mentor.”

‘Continue on my path to learning’

Offered to students nationwide who graduated this spring, the supports Black and Latinx students who are pursuing careers in business analysis – including data analytics.

Paula Nwanna ’22 M.S., who recently earned her master’s degree in business analytics, also earned a scholarship. She says receiving the award was both exciting and meaningful.

“Wiley's vision of unlocking human potential aligns with my passion for learning, because I believe learning gives us the skills to bring about the positive change we desire to see in the world,” she said. “Books published by Wiley help students such as me from an underrepresented background to have access to books and gather knowledge that will help us compete with our peers on a global scale. I worked so hard, and I am happy to see the results pay off.”

Nwanna says coming from a “business-oriented family” has enabled her to understand corporations and business processes. She is excited to continue to learn through her new position as a tax associate with the ignition digital transformation team at , one of the “Big Four” accounting organizations.

“I want to help organizations use analytics to gain rapid insights into business operations and make better decisions,” she said. “After receiving this scholarship, I feel encouraged to continue on my path to learning.”

‘The cherry on top’

The scholarship was offered through , a diversity recruiting marketplace. Dr. Deal, co-chair of the Pompea College of Business’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, knew immediately that she wanted to share the opportunity with her students.

“I was so proud of them,” said Dr. Deal, assistant dean of the Pompea College of Business. “I think it really boosted their morale and encouraged them even more. It not only helped them financially, it also motivated them.

“We want to create a very inclusive environment for everyone,” she continued. “So, to highlight our minority students who earned these scholarships means a lot to the PCoB – that our efforts with these initiatives are really moving forward.”

For Joseph, the new MBA grad, the scholarship will support him as he continues his education. He will also continue to gain experience through his position as a financial analyst at while working to elevate his own fitness brand, .

“Receiving this award means so much to me because I felt like this was the cherry on top of my amazing MBA career at the University of New Haven,” he said. “I plan to use this award by continuing to further my education by pursuing my Ph.D. in business management.”