Our MBA program is approaching its 50th anniversary!
Established in 1974, the present-day MBA was known as interdisciplinary industrial administration sciences. The program continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of students and industry. Today, the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business offers part-time, full-time, and executive MBA tracks. Our full-time MBA has ascended in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, currently perched at #51 overall and #25 among public institutions, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the Ivy College of Business has partnered with the Iowa State University Foundation and representatives from each decade of the Ivy MBA to raise scholarship funds for future MBA students. The MBA program will receive matching funds for up to $10,000 for each decade’s contribution.
Representing graduates of the 2010s is Danny Beyer (‘16 MBA), who said his salary has more than quadrupled since earning his MBA.
Switching careers in 2018, Beyer continued to see success as a financial advisor at Iron Horse Wealth Management, where he became a shareholder in 2021. Known around the Des Moines metro as a networking specialist and bow tie aficionado, Beyer shared his expertise by authoring books on networking. Being a first-generation undergraduate and graduate student, Beyer understands the importance of education and is passionate about helping others have access to a quality education. Outside of his professional life, Beyer loves to travel, try wine, read, and help others make connections.
Get to know more about Beyer and his continuous involvement and support of the Ivy MBA.
Q: What would you like people to know about you?
Thanks to the skills and education I received through the Ivy MBA program, I accelerated my career and became a shareholder in 2021. I’ve written some networking books and recently co-authored Will Keep’s memoir “Will Power.” My wife and two daughters keep me busy in the little free time we have.
Q: Describe your experience in the MBA program. How has it impacted your career?
The MBA gave me exactly what I was hoping for. It provided me with a new language in dealing with business at different levels and a new way to think about life in general. I’m a better financial advisor, business partner, entrepreneur, and risk taker because of the lessons taught and the people I met through the Ivy MBA. The cherry on top? My salary has more than quadrupled since I graduated.
Q: How else do you stay involved with Ivy? What motivates you to continue to stay involved?
What motivates me is the opportunity to potentially help current and future students achieve the success that the MBA program provided me. If I can help create a better product that will prepare individuals to be more successful, I’ve done my job.
Q: Why is it important to support students through scholarships?
Education, in all its forms, is a door opener. As a first-generation college graduate, I can see the difference that having this education has made for me compared to previous generations of my family. The lessons taught, the people I met, and the opportunities provided are all available because of the education I received. If cost prohibits someone from achieving future success, I want to be able to help remove that barrier.
Q: What makes Iowa State University and the Ivy College of Business stand out from other schools?
The staff and the connectedness they teach. Not only will you get a world-class education (check the rankings), you’ll be connected to a network of current and former graduates who will go out of their way to help other Iowa State alumni succeed.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories from attending Iowa State?
The study abroad experience during my second year will always go down as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Traveling through Portugal and Spain with individuals who became close friends while we embraced the business climate and distinct culture of each area we visited will be hard to top. I highly encourage any full-time or part-time MBA students to take advantage of this incredible offer because it’s one of the few times in your life you can experience a new culture and be vulnerable with people who will likely impact your life for decades to come.
