10 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT PERSEVERANCE. This is how Lanae describes her life. Growing up in the foster care system, she learned the power of perseverance and knows her life experiences have motivated her to succeed within her education. “I am determined to challenge and redefine expectations. I aspire to show people from similar backgrounds that with determination, resilience, and a passion for learning, it is possible to break barriers and achieve your goals.” BECOMING AN MBA STUDENT When she entered her senior year, Lanae knew she wanted to stay at KU and continue her education. While she considered which graduate program to choose, it was business administration that caught her eye. Lanae Dancy earned her undergraduate degree in Cinema Media and Television. Now, she’s pursuing her master’s in Business Administration. “The MBA program combines my creative background and a top-tier business education, which presented the ideal pathway for my academic and career ambitions.” Although her earlier experience was in cinema, Lanae knew if she were given the opportunity, she would succeed in the MBA program. “I contacted Dr. Chao, and I sat down and talked to him. I asked him to give me a chance – because I wasn’t a business student – and I told him I would succeed.” Dr. Chao agreed to a preliminary graduate program acceptance, and after taking graduate business classes over the summer, Lanae was officially accepted into the program. “It was challenging moving from an undergraduate program to a graduate program. I had to figure out how to learn better, which was impactful because it made me a better MBA student.” Courses like Ethics and Social Responsibility, taught by Professor Donna Steslow, and Data Driven Decision-Making, taught by Professor Su Kong, have contributed to Lanae’s success in the program. “These classes have not only been intellectually challenging and stimulating, but they have provided me with a solid foundation in various business concepts.” COMBINING HER TWO PASSIONS As a video gamer in her free time, Lanae already liked Esports, and when the position of Esport Graduate Assistant was listed, she knew it would be a great opportunity to combine her cinema experience with her master’s degree. As the Esports Graduate Assistant, she is responsible for marketing, community engagement, and operations management. Her business classes have helped her learn marketing strategies and apply them to the Esports Arena. Once she completes her program in May 2024, Lanae hopes to combine her cinema and business interests into a career path. She is considering creating her own embroidery focused business or using her background to make a postproduction company. Lanae knows her time at KU will set her up for success, no matter what she decides to pursue. “This program has given me confidence in my abilities, challenged me to a new degree, and built upon my strong creative abilities.” LANAE DANCY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzcxOTE=