Keiser University Sarasota Campus Financial Aid Advisor Ashley Gomez is one step closer to a master’s degree thanks to encouragement from her Panamanian grandfather Jose Del Carmen Gomez.

Gomez, a first-generation college student, shared that it’s the life lessons instilled by her abuelo, who passed away in July 2023 along with the desire to set an example for younger siblings that motivates her to reach for the stars by earning her Master of Business Administration degree.

“My abuelo was one of the motivators in my family who encouraged me to continue my studies,” said Gomez of her grandfather who along with her grandmother valued education, but could not complete their own as they worked to support and build a better life for future generations. “My abuelo worked very hard to provide my parents and his nietos the opportunity to do what he envisioned for us. Once I started my master’s program there were various points that I felt that I should quit and just be satisfied with my bachelor’s degree. However, he always told us that we must finish what we start and give it our all,” she said while adding that while missing him terribly, she promised to follow his advice and accomplish the goal.

Keiser’s Master of Business Administration degree is an intensive graduate program covering essential management theories and business practices involved in the modern business world. Fostering independent learning, this graduate degree gives students the insights and tools needed to contribute intellectually to the business profession. Core coursework includes insights into accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations, economics, international business, research methods, and strategy. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills to critically analyze and solve business problems through strong analysis of data and integration of a wide range of business acumen. Students also have the option to pursue business specializations by extending the core MBA program with coursework in one of five advanced areas of study:  Accounting, Health Services Administration, International Business, Management, or Marketing.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.