Keith Holloway ’99 M.S. is wrapping up his time in Florida Tech’s DBA program. Part of Cohort 7, which includes six other students, he chatted with us about why he chose Florida Tech, his recent dissertation defense and his life outside of school.
What are you currently working on in the DBA program?
I have completed all of the requirements of the DBA program, including the defense of my dissertation and participating in my final seminar. I am currently working as a research fellow with the business school via the Center for Innovation Management and Business Analytics (CIMBA).
What is your goal for the future?
I intend to continue my work with L3Harris Technologies as a software engineering leader, driving toward an engineering fellowship. I also plan on utilizing my DBA to teach as an adjunct professor so that I can gain experience as an instructor. Finally, I will leverage my learning and degree in scholarly writing, speaking engagements and consulting.
Why Florida Tech’s DBA program?
Florida Tech was known to me, as I had graduated with my master’s degree from Florida Tech several years earlier. Also, my employer, L3Harris Technologies, has a great working relationship with the school. Beyond these touch points, my primary reason for choosing Florida Tech was the reputation of the school and the value of the degree for my future. There are quite a few DBA and EDBA programs available in the market, and some are offered online. For me, the commitment of flying to Florida and being on-site with my cohort added to the value of the degree, making Florida Tech the best choice.
What do you enjoy most about the program?
I have enjoyed the challenge of extending myself, stretching to reach beyond the skills and abilities with which I began. The program has taught me a great deal about what I can do when I am determined. Beyond learning more about myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty, who have poured themselves into the program. Also, my cohort has been fantastic, and I have gained lifelong friends through this program.
“Beyond learning more about myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty, who have poured themselved into the program. Also, my cohort has been fantastic, and I have gained lifelong friends through this program.”
keith holloway ’99 M.S.
When not completing schoolwork, what do you like to do?
As I mentioned earlier, I am a software engineering leader for L3Harris Technologies, advising on an implementing cloud-based software solutions. When I am not working at my day job or on academic pursuits, I can be found in my music studio amongst my synthesizers (I live in Nashville, after all), on a walk with my wife and our little dog or cheering on the Nashville Soccer Club at Geodis Park.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Now that I am looking back, I can say that I am very proud of the work that I was able to accomplish in the DBA program with the help of great faculty and friends. The work was challenging and very time-consuming. However, I can attest that the journey has been well worth it, as it has raised my abilities, confidence and prospects by multiple orders of magnitude.
Want to hear more from Keith?
He is one of the featured speakers in the Summer 2024 DBA Seminar Series: “Business Analytics & Research Integration.” Hosted by the Center for Innovation Management and Business Analytics (CIMBA), this virtual event will take place July 27. Sign up here.
This piece was featured in the spring 2024 issue of The Bottom Line.
