In his journey to a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Jason Alsup gained valuable leadership insights and discovered new innovative concepts, leading to a new role as the head of computational sciences in Global Product Supply at Bayer Crop Science.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln commencement on Aug. 17 will be the completion of a 20-year dream.
"Throughout my MBA journey, I've been able to bridge the gap between standard industry terminology and our company's specific language. Furthermore, I've gained valuable insights into influential people leadership and discovered new innovative concepts to implement," Alsup said. "It's worth noting that during this time, I received a promotion and secured a new role within the company, and I am confident that my MBA studies played a pivotal role in these achievements."
Alsup formerly led planning and logistics across North and South America for Bayer Vegetable Seeds Research and Development. In his new position, he leads a global 40-person technical team specializing in data science, software engineering, process engineering and strategy to advance technology solutions in the product supply organization. He and his team reduce costs in operations and create value in how they increase quality, reliability and profitability of product solutions for their customers.
Originally planning to work a few years before earning a Master of Business Administration, Alsup finally found himself enrolling in the MBA@Nebraska program two decades later during the pandemic.
"I chose the University of Nebraska because it offered a virtual option, and several colleagues had gone through the program. The time was right to take the leap and pursue my MBA," Alsup said. "I found out the flexibility of the program, as well as the networking potential to be great benefits."
In the summer of 2023, he took the Adaptive Leadership (MNGT 996) course taught by Jake Messersmith, chair of the Department of Management and associate professor of management. The program allowed him to connect with his professors and classmates in-person for four days in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"The opportunity to visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and engage in face-to-face learning with my peers had a profound impact on me. Those four days were the highlight of the entire program, as I was able to immerse myself in in-person learning, forge meaningful friendships and engage with a diverse range of perspectives. This experience has greatly influenced my future endeavors, reinforcing the value of personal connections, diverse insights and collaborative learning in shaping my path forward."
Another benefit for Alsup and all MBA students includes access to the CliftonStrengths Assessment, which provides a report on individual strengths. Students then meet with a faculty member to receive personalized coaching.
While on campus, Alsup met with Tim Hodges, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and assistant professor of practice in management.
"While I had previously undergone a strengths assessment, Professor Hodges' guidance elevated the practical application of my strengths, showing me how they collectively shape my identity beyond just five individual traits," Alsup said. "Professor Messersmith's exceptional leadership during the three-week Adaptive Leadership class was remarkable and the experience provided an invaluable opportunity to network with peers, engage with other professors and immerse myself in the campus environment. It was a truly transformational experience."
The Princeton Review recently ranked the MBA@Nebraska program seventh in the world and No. 1 in Nebraska. This fall, the program is celebrating 60 years with an MBA reunion on Nov. 2. All graduates of the program are invited to Howard L. Hawks Hall for free executive and professional development sessions offering an opportunity to learn from current faculty before a ticketed tailgate. RSVP here.
After graduation, Alsup plans to rest and spend more time with his wife of 17 years, Jill, and their two daughters, Adeline, 14, and Alice, 11. The family enjoys traveling, hanging out at their farm in southern Missouri and watching movies.
"Graduating from Nebraska is a huge milestone for me. It's the realization of a dream I've had for the past 20 years, and achieving it means a great deal to me," he said. "The best thing about being a Husker is finding other Huskers in everyday interactions."
