Q&A with Benjamin Fugler

Benjamin Fugler on a motorcycle
Ben Fugler, Master of Business Administration Student (Photo courtesy of Ben Fugler)

Ben Fugler was raised in a small town in East Texas, but he now calls Anchorage home. He is in the Business Intelligence & Business Analytics (MBA) and Leadership programs (MBA/MS) and serves as a student representative on the Graduate Advisory Council. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management after serving in the United States Air Force. Although he expected to have a career in human resources, he transitioned to healthcare administration because of a passion for helping military and veteran families.

Hometown: East Texas Current City: Anchorage, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ

Degree Program: Master of Business Administration 

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026

Favorite season? Fall Green or Gold? Green

Coffee or Tea? Tea Morning person or night owl? Neither!

Please share a little about your professional and educational background.

I was raised in a small town in East Texas, where college seemed like a distant possibility. Most families couldn't afford it, and my family was no exception. Interestingly, I am the only person from my school to graduate and attend college. Higher education just wasn't a common occurrence in my community. With limited options and access to education, I eventually realized that joining the Air Force would provide me with the best opportunity to develop professional skills while also helping to pay for my education, so that's what I did!

After completing my training, I began attending evening classes. Since the military moved me around every so often, I ended up studying at several universities—don't ask me what it's like to submit transcripts these days! I completed both my associate and bachelor's degrees while serving. When I received my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management, I expected to pursue a career in human resources. However, an opportunity arose, and I transitioned into healthcare administration for a federal contract. In this role, I was able to continue my service as a civilian by helping military service members, their families, and retirees access medical care.

Say yes. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to pass on opportunities outside the classroom, but when they come up, take the leap. Say yes. And even better? Bring a classmate along for the ride. You never know what doors it might open.

Ben Fugler, UAA Graduate Student

Why did you choose the degree you're pursuing?

The MBA program at UAA stood out as both flexible and rigorous, offering several emphasis areas that allowed me to customize the program to my interests and career goals

What made you want to pursue graduate school?

While working in healthcare administration, I began to see signs of changes on the horizon for the federal contracting landscape and wanted to be adequately prepared for the future. At the same time, I found myself missing the collegiate classroom environment.

What made you choose UAA?

I decided on UAA after reviewing my options statewide and online. The decisive factor was the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation, which indicates rigorous, regularly reviewed standards in faculty, curriculum, outcomes, and research. Originally I expected I would have to go out of state for that accreditation, and was happily surprised to find it available right where I live!

What is your plan after graduating with your graduate degree?
 

After graduation I may get the opportunity to step directly into a human resources career, but I am also toying with the possibility of continuing into doctoral study. The preparation and education I’ve received at UAA makes both routes genuinely viable.

Have you benefited from any flexible or special programs while pursuing your graduate degree at UAA?
 
I like the flexible programs designed for working professionals at UAA, with in-person, online, hybrid, synchronous, and asynchronous courses. I always felt like there was good support to get my education while working. That being said, for students looking for full-time school I think they would be happily surprised by the depth of experience UAA can offer.
 
Is there anything you find particularly interesting or compelling in your coursework or other academic experiences?
 
UAA’s coursework is rigorous (in a good way) and thoughtfully designed, but what’s impressed me most are the opportunities beyond the classroom. I’ve led hands-on AI projects, with opportunities to present our work to the local business community, and I’ve had meaningful chances to contribute to academic research. Developing professionally and academically in tandem has been deeply rewarding... and I have met some of the coolest people.
 

Have you benefitted from any affordability programs or financial aid while pursuing your graduate degree?

As a veteran, I’ve used my veterans’ benefits to help fund my education. I was also honored to receive UAA’s Distinguished Scholar Award, which further helped support my studies and I’m grateful for both.
 
Ben Fugler in medieval garb with friend
Benjamin Fugler, Master of Business Administration Student, and friend in medieval garb. (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Fugler)
 

Are you involved in anything extracurricular with UAA or in your community that you'd like to share?

I serve on the board of the Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management as Director of Programs, where I plan and host monthly events for HR professionals across Anchorage and Southeast Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. I also proudly serve as Secretary for the UAA AI Club. Outside of work, I embrace my inner history nerd through the Society for Creative Anachronism, a community dedicated to re-creating the arts, culture, and combat of pre-17th-century Europe. It’s a hobby that includes everything from medieval craft nights to armored sparring and the occasional feast. It’s a fun way to stay creative, active, and maybe just a little bit chivalrous.

Any words of wisdom for current or future graduate students?

Say yes. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to pass on opportunities outside the classroom, but when they come up, take the leap. Say yes. And even better? Bring a classmate along for the ride. You never know what doors it might open.

What has been your proudest moment so far as a graduate student?
 
Being awarded the Distinguished Scholar award was an honor. Reflecting on this, I'm most proud of the friendships I have developed with my peers in the MBA program. I know that sounds a bit camp... but yeah, it's my friends.
 

What has been your favorite class or experience so far at UAA, and why?

Leadership and Organizational Behavior with Dr. Kori Callison, what a fun class!

 
Would you like to acknowledge any supporters or collaborators in your graduate school journey?
 

Yes! Before I share this list, a quick note: if you’ve supported me and don’t see your name here, please know it reflects my memory, not my appreciation. I deeply value your support, mentorship, and collaboration. Hi, Mom!

Acknowledgments: Caitlin Johannes, Andrea Jones, Dr. Kori Callison, Dr. Alpana Desai, Dr. Mary Jo Finney, Dr. Terry Nelson, Dr. Mary Rydesky, Dr. Helena Wisniewski, Jeremiah Ditullio, Abbie Shercliffe, Jesseka Farago, Briena Mugridge, Megan Schmidt, Terri Coker and Ryan Petersen.

What are your hobbies outside of school?
 

Since I’ve already revealed my medieval side, I’ll add this: I’m also a proud bird dad to two very large (and very loud) Scarlet Macaws.

Learn more about the Master of Business Administration graduate degree and Military and Veterans Services at UAA.