How Baylor’s Full-Time MBA Supports First-Generation Students
For many first-generation college students, stepping onto a college campus is both an achievement and an unknown.
Kayla Nguyen and Christian Yeathermon began their experience at Baylor, learning how to navigate new environments, build confidence and take ownership of their path. Now, as students in Baylor’s Full-Time Robbins Healthcare MBA program, they are continuing that journey with a clearer sense of purpose and a growing vision for their future in healthcare leadership.
“Being a first-generation college student meant stepping into an environment that was exciting but also overwhelming and, at times, confusing,” Nguyen said. “A lot of it required figuring things out as I went, which could feel uncertain at times.”
That early uncertainty became a defining part of her growth. Nguyen learned to ask questions, seek out mentors and take initiative, skills that would later shape her decision to pursue graduate school.
Yeathermon experienced something similar when he arrived at Baylor.
“When I arrived at Baylor as a first-generation college student, I carried both ambition and uncertainty, unsure of how I would navigate a world that felt unfamiliar,” Yeathermon said.
For both students, the turning point came through Baylor’s First in Line program, which provided resources, mentorship and a strong sense of belonging.
Nguyen was introduced to campus life before her first semester through the First in Line Success Academy. The early connection helped her build relationships and confidence before classes even started.
“They were my first community at Baylor, and that made a huge difference in my transition,” Nguyen said.
Yeathermon also entered Baylor through First in Line, and quickly found support that reshaped his experience.
“What initially felt intimidating quickly turned into a sense of belonging,” Yeathermon said.
That foundation extended beyond undergraduate life and ultimately influenced both students’ decisions to continue their education.
For Nguyen, pursuing a Full-Time MBA was a natural next step in building on her healthcare background and expanding her leadership potential.
“I wanted a program that would challenge me, provide real-world experience and surround me with people who are equally driven and supportive,” Nguyen said.
Her experience as a first-generation student also played a role.
“I learned early on how to seek out resources, ask questions and push myself into unfamiliar spaces,” Nguyen said. “An MBA seemed like the perfect place to continue developing in a structured, supportive environment.”
For Yeathermon, the decision came from a desire to better understand the healthcare system and serve patients more effectively.
“I realized that understanding the business side of healthcare would allow me to better advocate for my patients, especially when navigating a system that can often feel complex and inaccessible,” Yeathermonsaid.
That perspective reflects a broader goal shared by many first-generation students, using their experiences to create impact beyond themselves.
Baylor’s Full-Time Robbins Healthcare MBA program is intentionally designed with that growth in mind, particularly for early-career students who may not yet have extensive professional exposure. Students entering the program without significant business experience build confidence through executive engagement, real-world healthcare residencies and a collaborative environment that encourages students to ask questions, develop professionally and grow into leadership roles.
For Nguyen, that support is felt daily through relationships with faculty and peers.
“The greatest support I’ve experienced has come from professors who are not only role models but true mentors,” Nguyen said. “From Professor Bostick’s pizza nights to donuts from Professor Bridgwater on test days and being able to walk into Dr. Kim and Dr. Wood’s offices with even the smallest questions, I’ve always felt supported by people who are genuinely rooting for my success.”
That support continues in the classroom through weekly interactions with healthcare executives, as well as through structured residencies and career preparation resources that have helped her build confidence in professional settings.
“The program has helped ‘bridge the gap’ by intentionally creating opportunities for exposure and professional development,” Nguyen said. “The program also sets us up with residencies, giving us real-world experience early on.”
Yeathermon echoed that experience, pointing to the program’s access to industry leaders and real-world opportunities.
“The Healthcare MBA at Baylor helps bridge the gap by connecting students to leaders and opportunities they may not have otherwise been exposed to,” Yeathermon said. “Faculty like Dr. Kim, Dr. Wood and Professor Bridgwater have been instrumental in helping me transition into healthcare management by breaking down complex concepts and connecting them to real-world applications. Their support made the learning curve feel manageable and gave me confidence in a space that was initially unfamiliar.”
The Pre-Clinical Track has prepared Yeathermon to continue his education at Baylor College of Medicine, while Administrative Track students, including Nguyen, gain hands-on leadership experience through a nine-month paid administrative residency. Together, those experiences create opportunities for students early in their careers to apply what they learn in real healthcare environments.
Both students emphasized that the program’s impact goes beyond technical skills. It also builds confidence, clarity and a stronger sense of purpose.
“Since starting my MBA, I’ve grown both personally and professionally in my confidence, communication and clarity of purpose,” Nguyen said.
Yeathermon described a similar transformation, particularly in how he engages with complex healthcare challenges.
“I now feel confident contributing to discussions and problem solving around real-world challenges facing hospitals and patients,” he said.
That growth is especially meaningful for first-generation students who may question whether they belong in spaces like graduate business programs.
Both Nguyen and Yeathermon offered the same message to those considering an MBA.
“Feeling unsure or behind is completely normal,” Nguyen said. “You are more prepared than you think, and this is a place designed to help you grow into what comes next.”
Yeathermon reinforced that perspective, encouraging students to take the step even when it feels uncertain.
“You do not need to come in with a business background,” Yeathermon said. “You just need to be willing to learn, ask questions and step outside of your comfort zone.”
For both students, the journey from First in Line to the MBA program reflects more than academic progression. It represents a continued commitment to growth, leadership and creating opportunities for others.
At Baylor, being first in line is not just about where students start. It is about where they are going next.
Learn more about Baylor, early-career Full-Time MBA program
