Jennifer Collins
Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business
Age: 45
“Delivers strategic results and empowers others; fueled by curiosity, possibility, and meaningful relationships.”
Hometown: Granbury, TX
Family Members: Greg (husband), Tristan (Son), Abigail (Daughter), Maci (Daughter)
Fun fact about yourself: Trained for and completed a 26.2-mile GORUCK Star Course with three of my EMBA classmates, my husband, and father-in-law.
Undergraduate School and Degree: West Texas A&M University – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Where are you currently working? AccentCare, Inc: Senior Director, Change Management
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
Neeley Mentorship Program: Mentor
American Organization for Nursing Leadership: Member
Chief Executive Connections: Advisory Board Member
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? From the start, our cohort made a commitment to “go to everything”—tailgates, happy hours, team dinners—and I held myself accountable to that around professional and family commitments, even when studies were demanding. I maintained a strong academic focus, but I also prioritized relationships, investing in the people, and sharing experiences that made our time together so meaningful. This balance represents significant personal growth for me; younger me would have believed I had to finish every task before allowing myself to relax. Through this experience, I learned that excellence isn’t just about completing the work—it’s about being fully present for the moments that make the journey richer.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I’m most proud of in my professional career is rebuilding my trajectory after an acquisition in 2018. Overnight, I went from being a recognized contributor in a smaller company to an unknown name in a much larger organization. I was grateful for the opportunity to continue, and I leaned into learning, building relationships, and finding ways to add value wherever I could. Six years and five promotions later, I am proud not just of the titles, but of the journey—of staying grounded, earning trust, and helping drive meaningful impacts alongside people I genuinely respect. That starting point taught me that resilience, humility, and a willingness to grow are some of the most powerful career accelerators.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Choosing a favorite MBA professor is difficult because each one expanded my capabilities in lasting ways—not just academically, but also in how they facilitated discussions and adapted to our cohort’s dynamic blend of opinion, humor, and stress-busting energy.
If I must choose, I will highlight the four professors whose style and content had immediate impacts on my professional career.
- Professor Ryan Peckham transformed my relationship with economics, making complex concepts accessible and engaging through real-world cases and current news that sparked lasting curiosity.
- Professor Rita Kosnik expanded my awareness of human behavior and negotiation strategy, preparing me for high- and low-stakes interactions that extend far beyond contracts.
- Professor Suzanne Carter shared strategic frameworks that helped me immediately enhance planning and execution in my role.
- Professor Laura Meade provided invaluable tools and insights for analyzing value chains and process improvement, which I could apply directly to drive operational impact.
Each professor contributed something essential to my growth, and their influence continues to shape how I lead and solve problems today.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose TCU’s EMBA program because I believe excellence is shaped not only by curriculum, but by the caliber of the people and the environment where you learn. For me, the true value of an executive program lies in the conversations that happen outside the classroom—those spontaneous moments of insight and connection in the hallways, over coffee, or during late-night strategy debates with peers. I was drawn to the immersive, in-person cohort experience because it creates space for that kind of real-time learning—where ideas are sharpened, relationships are built, and leadership is challenged and elevated through every interaction.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? I started the Executive MBA program in August 2023, just as our youngest graduated high school. My husband and I entered our “empty nest” season and my “grad student” season together, beginning a new chapter, anchored in mutual support. Our cohort was incredibly welcoming to spouses, and we were grateful to share many activities and friendships throughout the program.
Balancing work, family, and education meant making intentional choices. During the program, two major life events—my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary and my stepdaughter Abi’s wedding—coincided with class weekends. It required me to prioritize what mattered most, be confident in those decisions, and trust that the work would still get done.
Some sacrifices were necessary—less time for TV, recreational reading, or golf—but they were choices I was happy to make. The experience taught me that balance isn’t about doing everything equally; it’s about aligning time with what matters most in each moment.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? My advice would be this: enter with an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to grow in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Commit fully—not just to the coursework —, but to the people, the experiences, and the moments between classes where the real magic happens. Embrace the discomfort of subjects you’re less familiar with; those are often the areas where you’ll surprise yourself the most.
Stay curious, stay present, and let the experience transform more than just your career.
What was your biggest regret in business school? If I had to name a regret, it would be that I didn’t give myself permission earlier to fully enjoy the experience without guilt. Early on, I felt a constant pressure to “earn” and “perfect” everything. Over time, I learned that the relationships, shared experiences, and even the lighter moments were just as valuable to my growth as the coursework itself. I wouldn’t change the commitment I brought, but I do wish I had trusted sooner that excellence can coexist with joy.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Hugo Restrepo. As a first-generation college graduate and a Vice President of Finance, Hugo’s professional accomplishments are impressive by any definition. Yet what stands out even more is his humility, kindness, and genuine eagerness to contribute to those around him. Despite his success, he approaches every conversation with thoughtfulness and respect, offering insights and support in ways that elevate others. Hugo exemplifies the kind of leadership that combines excellence with heart, and it has been an honor to learn alongside him.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an executive MBA program because I wanted a truly immersive experience—one that would challenge me academically while surrounding me with peers who were equally committed to growth and leadership. Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” and I believe that deeply. I knew the in-person, cohort-based format would offer not just coursework, but also the kinds of relationships and conversations that sharpen thinking, elevate standards, and expand what’s possible. The EMBA format provided the rigor, connection, and professional relevance that part-time or online alternatives couldn’t match.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I was fortunate to receive tuition support through my husband’s faculty benefits at TCU, which made pursuing the Executive MBA more accessible. Combined with our dual-income household and a shared commitment to investing in my education and growth, we thoughtfully planned and managed the tuition and associated costs. Having both financial support and personal support made a tremendous difference in making this opportunity possible.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to continue growing into roles that challenge me and allow me to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience. I want to have enough influence to help create environments where people believe in the work they do, find joy in their teams, and build careers they are proud of. We spend so much of our lives thinking about work, getting ready for work, commuting to work—imagine the difference if that time felt rewarding and energizing. I want to create workplaces where people thrive, contribute at their highest potential, and leave each day feeling fulfilled, enabling them to build careers they are proud of… fueled by curiosity, connection, and purpose. I want to help make that vision a reality.
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