Class of 2026 Hooded at Doctor of Business Administration Commencement

ATLANTA — Sixteen practitioner scholars comprising the Class of 2026 of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business were celebrated at commencement exercises marking completion of the rigorous three-year part-time program. The event culminated in the hooding ceremony, during which the graduates’ advisors draped their newly acquired academic regalia over their shoulders, symbolizing the transition from student to scholar.

Robinson’s DBA program is designed for seasoned senior executives, with the 2026 cohort comprising experienced leaders from industries and backgrounds including chemicals, consulting, consumer goods, financial services, government, healthcare, logistics and real estate. DBA students enter the program looking to evolve business practices, develop new perspectives through applied research, and create flexibility for future career change, including academia. The demanding curriculum requires participants to balance high-level careers with intensive academic work and collaboration with faculty and peers.

A centerpiece in their academic journey is the dissertation process, which requires DBA students to identify meaningful business challenges, conduct original research, and successfully defend their findings before faculty committees. Their completed dissertations reflect the depth of their expertise, persistence, and commitment to advancing research-driven business practice by using evidence-based insights to address complex organizational challenges. (A table of the graduates and their dissertation topics follows this story.)

Keynote speaker Sergio Quiñonez (DBA ’16), chair and COO of the Mexican agricultural technology and crop protection company, ANSA, delivered the keynote. "Remember always, you were and are the nail that sticks out. From the moment you took this big step and enrolled in the program, you stood out. And most of the time, your context—your environment, your social circle—became the hammer.”

“Earning my doctorate remains one of the most meaningful achievements of my career. What a profound sense of accomplishment it was for me then, and I know it is for you today,” Robinson College Dean Richard Phillips told the graduates.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been 17 years since we started the program and recruited our first class,” said DBA Program Director Charles Dhanaraj. “Curiosity is what brought you here. Discipline is what got you through these three years of rigorous work.”
DBA 2026 graduates reflected on the personal and professional growth they experienced during the program.

“Earning my DBA has been a transformative milestone in my journey as a leader. It has not only strengthened my executive business acumen but also deepened my confidence in my voice. When I sit at the table with other executives, I no longer second-guess my contributions—I trust them.” Susan Haynes

“My Doctor of Business Administration is more than an academic milestone. It represents years of balancing entrepreneurship, research, family, and perseverance. As a business owner, I wanted my research to address real challenges faced by micro and small businesses, and I hope it contributes to helping entrepreneurs build more resilient and sustainable organizations.” Bertrand Abo

“This three‑year journey changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me to trust my curiosity, lean into real‑world challenges, and turn rigorous inquiry into meaningful impact. It wasn’t just a degree—it was a personal transformation that prepared me to shape what comes next.” Sarita Watts