More Than Just Management: Dr. Aaron Burgess on MVNU’s Commitment to Online Student Success

Dr. Aaron Burgess has been shaping minds in higher education since he was just 25—and his drive to help students thrive is as strong as ever. Now leading the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Business Programs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, he blends hands-on business insight with a deep passion for mentorship, guiding future leaders toward meaningful success.

“I always knew I wanted to teach,” he shares. “But what keeps me going is making sure students walk away with skills that genuinely impact their careers.”

Bringing the Business World to the Online Classroom

With active consulting work centered on strategy and tech, Dr. Burgess brings more than theory to the virtual classroom—he brings the pulse of the business world.

“I stay connected with what’s happening in the field so I can pass on real-time insights,” he explains. “When I teach strategy or ethics, I’m not quoting a five-year-old textbook—I’m often referencing what just happened in a client meeting.”

That real-world approach strikes a chord with adult learners, many of whom are focused on career advancement. “They don’t just want to know what degrees I have—they want to know I’ve been in the trenches.”

Real Relationships, Not Just Online Modules

A common myth about online learning? That it’s impersonal. But at MVNU, students experience the opposite.

“I personally grade every assignment and answer every question,” Burgess says. “If a student emails me, I’ll often just call them. They’re not just a number—they’re real people.”

This one-on-one attention is vital, especially for working adults balancing jobs, families, and school. “Our students go through tough stuff—job losses, illnesses, caregiving. We’re there through it all.”

He’s quick to highlight the entire GPS support team, especially the advisors. “They’re difference-makers. When a student’s struggling, we rally to figure out how to help.”

Results That Speak for Themselves

MVNU’s focus on personal, faith-based education delivers more than promises—it delivers results. MVNU MBA and MSM students regularly surpass national averages on industry-standard business assessments.

“Our students consistently outperform peers at similar institutions,” says Burgess. “This isn’t just about earning a diploma—it’s about mastering what matters.”

MVNU evaluates students before and after the program to measure growth in both knowledge and application. It’s a reflection not just of student effort, but the university’s hands-on, guided approach.

A Business Program with a Higher Purpose

What really sets MVNU apart, though, is its foundation in Christian values. Burgess teaches ethical leadership through a lens of faith, emphasizing purpose, service, and integrity.

“It’s about leading well, serving others, and making an impact through your work,” he says.

And that focus on purpose is woven through everything—course content, mentorship, and the way faculty walk alongside students.

“At this stage in my life, it’s not about me,” Burgess adds. “It’s about pouring into my students. And here at MVNU, that’s something we all believe in.”

Interested in earning your MBA or business degree online?

• Explore MVNU’s Online Business Programs
• Learn more about the School of Graduate and Professional Studies