Pozen Scholars Fund Creates Opportunities for MBA Students

BATON ROUGE - The newly established Pozen Scholars Fund enhances diversity by providing financial resources for underrepresented students in the LSU Flores MBA Program. Full-time candidates Kennedi Ghimere Barnes and DeVaughn Malancon are the program's first Pozen Scholars.

The scholarship, which covers tuition and fees, was made possible by a gift from Robert C. Pozen, an author, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. He is also the former president of Fidelity Investments and executive chairman of MFS Investment Management.

"I am very pleased to support these full scholarships for two MBAs, who are diversity candidates from Louisiana. It is my hope that, after completing their MBAs, they will go back to their local communities and become leaders in the business sector," said Pozen.    

LSU is the latest university in the Southeastern Conference to benefit from Pozen's generosity and vision to promote diversity in MBA programs. He has created similar funds at the University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina and University of Mississippi. As a non-endowed award, the Pozen Scholarship created an immediate impact for recipients.

"Receiving the Pozen scholarship allows me to be more selective and maximize my graduate experience through volunteer opportunities and internships," said Kennedi Ghimere Barnes. "It has given me more motivation to graduate on time and to stay on top of my coursework. This scholarship has given me an opportunity to not stress about financial concerns, more time to study and a greater chance of success. Mr. Pozen's vision is to give students the opportunity for a better future and student experience. I am beyond grateful and sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient." 

A Baton Rouge native, Barnes holds an undergraduate degree in communication from Southern University. Her career goals are to become a brand marketing manager and eventually own a business. 

DeVaughn Malancon, a Baton Rouge native and Alcorn State alumnus, shares an appreciation for the opportunities created through the scholarship. "Being named a Pozen Scholar has allowed me to enter the next two years of my MBA program with an unshakable focus and willingness to learn. Already, in the Flores MBA program, I have been given the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain impactful lessons that will stay with me for years to come. Additionally, the scholarship will help propel me to become part of the 1 percent of Black Certified Public Accountants. I am forever grateful for Bob Pozen's philanthropy and aim to expand the diversity amongst our nation's leadership."

"We are honored that Bob Pozen chose to invest in the Flores MBA Program," said Jared J. Llorens, dean of the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business. "As a college, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their academic and professional goals. Bob's vision aligns with the goals established in our strategic plan, and this scholarship advances our efforts. His support means so much to the college."

 

About the Flores MBA Program

The mission of the LSU Flores MBA Program is to remain competitive in the national and regional markets while fostering learning, leadership, and networking in a global business environment. Full-time, executive, and online tracks are offered and provide schedule flexibility for those wishing to pursue their MBA from a nationally recognized program. For more information, visit mba.lsu.edu or call 225-578-8867.