BROTHERS MAKE COX BUSINESS SCHOOL A FAMILY AFFAIR

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Scott Holbrook, Craig Holbrook, Tyler Holbrook, and Bryan Smith

DALLAS (SMU) -- When Scott Holbrook of Lewisville, Texas walks across the stage May 18 to receive his Master’s of Business Administration degree from the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, he will leave behind his two brothers, Tyler, a first-year M.B.A. student, and Craig, a student in Cox’s Graduate Marketing Certificate Program. Their brother-in-law, Bryan Smith, also is a first-year student in Cox’s Professional M.B.A. program, making the business school a definite family favorite.

Scott, who works in the accounting department at Verizon, says he chose Cox because of the school’s rankings, the manageable class size, the professors’ expertise and teaching abilities, the mentoring program and the Business Leadership Center. The BLC offers more than 40 non-credit elective seminars yearly in primary business skills including communication, team-building, motivational coaching and leadership.

Bryan, also with Verizon, said he chose Cox for his M.B.A. because of its reputation. “The reputation of the school is what made me want to apply,” he said. “In work situations, I’ve always been impressed with Cox graduates. They just seemed to be above others.”

Craig said he wanted to attend Cox’s Marketing Certificate program for the past four years. He works at Trinity Consultants, an environmental consulting and technology firm. “I prefer to work full time and pursue my education part time,” he said. “The program at Cox allows me the opportunity to learn more in-depth something specifically related to corporate strategy.”

Tyler worked for two years with UPS Logistics Group -- Latin America in the International Finance and Accounting area before deciding to pursue his M.B.A. full time. Influenced by his brothers and a weekend session that showcases the business education programs offered, called Cox’s Sneak Preview, Tyler chose the same school as his brothers.

“Scott and Bryan talked a lot about the Cox School of Business,” Tyler explained. “Scott recommended that I look at an M.B.A. from Cox.”

For all three Holbrook brothers, plus their brother-in-law, business education has been a family affair. Could more members of the Holbrook family attend Cox in the future? As Craig says, “There’s always the possibility.”