Matthew Beck
University of Georgia, Terry College of Business
Age: 43
“Dedicated security practitioner, family is my priority, and I love Jesus and the Georgia Bulldogs.”
Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
Family Members: My wife Kelly and our two kids, Keegan and Molly.
Fun fact about yourself: I have played the piano since I was a little kid.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Human Services from Southeastern University
Where are you currently working? Director of Security, Intercontinental Exchange / NYSE
Extracurricular activities, community work, and leadership roles: I play tennis and golf weekly, as well as running and lifting weights. I am involved in my church community and enjoy coaching and cheering at my kids’ sporting events. I also volunteer at Lighthouse Family Retreats, providing respite for kids with cancer and their families.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of maintaining an A average throughout the program (even accounting and finance).
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Being selected by the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent / Criminal Investigator. It was a long process of attrition and only a handful are selected out of tens of thousands.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Dr. Santanu Chatterjee. He made economics interesting in a way I had never experienced. He has an ability to make complex topics very understandable. We were able to connect a few times at lunch and speak about some of my past lessons learned in owning a small business.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I wanted the ability to network with other peers at the same level. I know some of them are lifetime connections for me. I loved the idea of finally being able to be a Bulldog.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? During my MBA, I learned the importance of embracing unfamiliar challenges. In my previous roles in public safety and security, my extensive training and experience enabled me to respond swiftly to unexpected situations. However, the MBA program presented topics that were very new to me. I discovered the value of diving into these subjects headfirst, actively engaging, and immersing myself in the learning process.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family, and education? I went on vacation with my family over the 2024 spring break to the Pacific Northwest. I had to take a test and have several calls with my team during that week. So, we would spend part of the day hiking or seeing sights, and I would hop on my iPad to do work for a little while. It helps to have an understanding spouse, and it is a great life lesson for my kids.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? I would tell a prospective student that it is never the perfect time, but it will be worth it.
What was your biggest regret in business school? I did not recognize that people were staying after class and doing things together until the first semester was over. I would finish class and go home for the day. I made a stronger effort to get to know people after that.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Kate Merrihew. From the very beginning, Kate was incredibly outgoing and a natural leader. I was fortunate to be in a group with her for the second half of the program. When I was sick during a class weekend, she coordinated a Zoom call to ensure I did not miss out on some breakout sessions. Kate held a leadership position in our cohort and consistently volunteered to enhance our events. She generously gave her time and resources, cooking for our group during deadlines and making Christmas ornaments for the entire class. Kate excelled in presentations, even on international stages, and seemed to thrive without needing much sleep. She always found time to organize karaoke sessions whenever possible. Remarkably, she managed all this while being a devoted wife, mother of two boys, and a surrogate.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part time or online alternatives? Rebekah McElwain directs UGA’s admissions for all three formats (EMBA, PMBA and OMBA). She led me to choose the EMBA and explained that there would be more people with the same amount of life/work experience as me. The networking is a huge part of this program, and I have experienced that for myself firsthand. I know if any of my 50+ classmates come across a role that would be appropriate for me, they would reach out, and I would do the same.
How did you finance your MBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I am fortunate that I have been able to save money as I have gone through the program and will hopefully finish paying by the end.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to secure a leadership position where I can significantly influence my organization. I believe I can contribute meaningfully to a company’s overall objectives in various ways. The challenge lies in finding the right fit. Through my coursework, I have gained valuable insights and developed a strong business acumen. Each class has prepared me to tackle complex challenges and make informed decisions, further equipping me for a leadership role.
What made Matt such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“Throughout his MBA journey, Matt has consistently distinguished himself as an exceptional student and community member, exemplifying teamwork, academic excellence, a growth mindset, and servant leadership. With his unique professional background as a former Special Agent / Criminal Investigator for the Secret Service and current Director of Security for Intercontinental Exchange/NYSE, he has demonstrated remarkable discipline, integrity, and resilience. These qualities are evident not only in his professional accomplishments but also in his daily interactions with peers and faculty. Matt is always willing to step up, support classmates and staff, and elevate those around him. Memorably, during our International Residency, when a fellow traveler encountered difficulty navigating challenging waters during a kayaking outing, Matt didn’t hesitate to intervene and assist, ensuring their safety and comfort — an act that truly captured his character and instinct to lead with compassion. His self-motivation, humility, and natural leadership ability make him an ideal representative of the caliber of students within our EMBA community.”
Susan Brown
Director of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business Executive, Professional, and Online MBA Programs
DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST EXECUTIVE MBAS: CLASS OF 2025
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