Mary Kathryn Dow

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

Age: 41

Hometown: Milton, MA

Family Members:

Parents: Philip & Kathryn Dow

Sibling: Philip Dow & Gina Dow (sister-in-law)

Nieces/Nephew: Sophia, Julianne, Charlie, & Johnny

Fun fact about yourself: I have a competitive spirit and enjoy all sports (and am the self-proclaimed “world’s greatest slow runner.”)

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Assumption University, Worcester, MA

Master of Arts – Rehabilitation Counseling, May 2005

Bachelor of Arts – Social & Rehabilitation Services, May 2004

Where are you currently working?

Universal Health Services (UHS)

Associate Administrator at Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I am passionate about assisting families and individuals who struggle with mental health issues. Helping them access resources and navigate paths to recovery gives me great joy. I have been involved in different community programs such as the Bert Yancey Mental Health Golf Tournament, Columbia Community Connections and Columbia County Suicide Awareness Prevention Team.

I enjoy traveling, golfing, running, spending time with my family, and spoiling my nieces and nephews.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Traveling to South America for an international immersion opportunity with the Mendoza College of Business class was a personal and academic milestone. Prior to the start of the academic week, I achieved a personal goal of hiking in Patagonia and exploring the surrounding region, a landscape rich with wildlife and natural beauty. To kick off the academic week, I presented to Chilean national delegates as the class leader of the trip. Traveling to Chile was an incredible experience that afforded the opportunity for personal reflection and accomplishment well as professional development and understanding of international business.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I take great pride in accepting the various challenges and opportunities for growth presented within my company. I am particularly excited about my recent acceptance into the COO-in-training program. This is a selective program that places individuals in COO roles, while preparing them to be an effective Chief Executive Officer of a behavioral health hospital.

Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? The University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business school’s emphasis on values, community and fostering a sense of family resonated with me on a personal level. I also appreciated the school’s commitment to in-person learning.

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? While I gained many valuable lessons during my Executive MBA program, the quantitative coursework presented the biggest challenge. The coursework helped me to develop skills that I could apply directly to my job and enabled me to make more informed decisions and better serve the needs of our patients. The Executive MBA program gave me a more expansive perspective of the healthcare industry. I acquired the ability to utilize quantitative data to make better decisions.

Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Throughout my journey in the Executive MBA program, I was fortunate to have a strong support system from my cohort, family, friends, and colleagues. Juggling multiple responsibilities and demands simultaneously can be incredibly challenging and tiring. The experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and dedication.

What is the biggest myth about going back to school? A common myth is that you’re not smart enough to return to school. The vast talent pool in an EMBA program can indeed be intimidating. I was, and continue to be, incredibly impressed with my fellow students in my MBA class. However, it is important to recognize that we all come from different areas personally and professionally, and we’re all humans capable of growth. Instead of dwelling on self-doubt, it is beneficial to surround ourselves with supportive leaders who can help elevate us to the next level. By seeking guidance, embracing collaboration, and acknowledging our shared humanity, we can overcome perceived limitations and unlock our full potential.

What was your biggest regret in business school? The Mendoza College of Business offers a unique course during the first week of the program, Executive Integral Leadership (EIL). I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity to take this course. We were asked to reflect on how we “show up” in various aspects of our lives, such as work, relationships, and family. The course challenged us to fully commit to ourselves, our classmates, and the program. I committed to arriving fully prepared for each residency and embracing all aspects of the Notre Dame experience. My infectious enthusiasm for life and eagerness to seize this amazing opportunity earned me the nickname “Mary 10 Days to Live” among my cohort. I am incredibly grateful for their support and encouragement throughout the program. I can honestly say that I have no regrets about my experience.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I greatly admire each of my classmates, as their industry knowledge and unique perspectives enriched my experience inside and outside the classroom, which will lead to lifelong friendships. One person who particularly stood out to me is Sarah Gallagher. I feel fortunate to have had her in my small group, as she is a brilliant, compassionate and strong business leader. Her one-liners often lightened the mood and alleviated pressure during our coursework. Her dedication to children and education is inspiring.

What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I aimed to progress my career and had a specific timeline in mind. As someone who returned to school later in life, I understood the importance of an in-person educational experience with a focus on teamwork.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?  I aspire to become a CEO in my industry and lead a behavioral hospital that prioritizes the needs of patients and employees while achieving positive outcomes.

What made Mary such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2023?

“Mary is an exemplary student in Notre Dame’s Executive MBA program.  Mary embodies many of the qualities we hold dear such as servant leadership, community-building and teamwork.  In her professional life, she helps patients with mental illness at the Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta Georgia.

At Notre Dame, servant leadership is part of our ethos. In the classroom, Mary was always engaged and held herself to a higher standard.  At every residency, she was part of the leadership fabric of the Class of 2023, building cohesion, community and teamwork.  For that, we are grateful.”

Gianna Bern
Academic Director, EMBA Program 
Teaching Professor of Finance
Mendoza College of Business
University of Notre Dame

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