TN Alum Named Top 30 Under 30 Honoree
Corey Alexander isn’t a typical WGU Tennessee alumnus, but then again, nothing about him is typical. At 26, Alexander is 11 years younger than the average WGU student, but graduated in January with an MBA.
The Las Vegas native is as ambitious in his professional life as he was on his academic journey. He is the Chief Financial Officer of Hendersonville-based behavioral health firm, Ross Behavioral Group. As a former two-sport athlete at the University of Tennessee, Corey also founded, and serves as the executive director for, College Bound Athletics (CBA). The company prepares high school student-athletes for college — both mentally and physically — by training them for the next level, whether it’s Division I athletics, junior college, or somewhere in between.
It’s no surprise — given his academic and professional accomplishments, along with years of community and civic involvement – that Corey has been named an honoree for Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The reception recognizing the honorees is scheduled for April 14, and Corey has set a personal goal of raising $10,000 leading up to the reception.
Q: After earning your undergraduate degree at a traditional university, what made you decide to try WGU’s online program for your MBA?
A: The flexibility of WGU and the work at your own pace model was a huge determining factor in choosing WGU. With my busy schedule, WGU’s model was effective and accommodating, yet still personal.
Q: How has the MBA program helped you in your day-to-day professional life?
A: The information and knowledge gained through my MBA program have helped me be a more effective leader in both of my companies and it has helped me to grow them both tremendously in just a short time. I apply principles I learned in my MBA program almost every day.
Q: WGU was designed primarily for adult learners who need a flexible, affordable option to earn degrees, and the average age of a WGU student is 37. Based on your experience, why do you think WGU is a good fit for some traditional-age college students over brick-and-mortar schools?
A: WGU is a good fit for some traditional-age college students because times have changed. People are always on the go, and flexibility is critical to many people who want to continue their education. The WGU model allows students of all ages and backgrounds to have a life, yet still go to school.
Q: Why is philanthropy and civic involvement important to you? What causes, aside from the current fundraising campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, are near and dear to you?
A: I feel that we all have a duty to give back to others who may be in need or who are less fortunate than we are. Serving others has always been a passion of mine and I will always make service over self a priority. Some other causes besides CF and 30 Under 30 that I love and I am passionate about are: The Frist Center for the Visual Arts where I serve on the board, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and the Ross Center Foundation for Mental Health. Those are just a few organizations and causes that I work with, but I am willing to help anywhere that I may be needed.
Q: What’s the one piece of advice, not related directly to sports or training, that you stress to high school student-athletes who use College Bound Athletics to get ready for their next step?
A: Character is everything. Live your life and work in all you do in such a way that if anyone was to ever say anything negative about you, no one would believe them. If my student-athletes adopt that mentality, they will win at whatever they choose to do in life.
