Evan Lowe, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2027
Age: 32
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Christopher Newport University, Communication
Pre-MBA Work Experience: U.S. Army, Field Artillery Officer. I served in multiple leadership positions; highlights included commanding a 275-person unit in the 101st Airborne Division and a recruiting company that covered five counties in South Florida.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As a husband and father of three, I found the demands of being a combat-arms leader extremely difficult to balance. I knew the Army had multiple niche opportunities to explore, so I began to research areas within the Army where I would be fulfilled in my professional and personal life. That is when I discovered the Army Enterprise Marketing Officer (AEMO) and began the process of applying to become a Marketing Officer. Once I completed two years of recruiting company command, I was given the opportunity, through Army funding, to pursue my MBA as my next assignment before my first official role within the marketing enterprise.
In short, opportunities within my organization presented themselves and allowed me to pivot my career within the military!
Why did you choose Florida Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Much like my decision to make a career pivot, UF was the best decision for me for my personal and professional life. The prestigious academic record upheld at Warrington will provide me with a solid foundation for entering my new role within AEMO, but UF is also close to my family and allows them to visit often. Everything from the amazing faculty and staff, academic rigor, family-friendly areas in Gainesville, and attending Gators sporting events with my children made the choice to attend Warrington one of the easiest decisions I have made in my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I provide over ten years of leadership experience to my cohort. As one of the older members of my class, I take time to share lessons learned so that my peers do not make the same avoidable mistakes I learned from as a young leader.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have lived in ten different houses in my ten-year career. I can confidently say there are no “hacks” to moving, packing, or unpacking.
Post-MBA career interests:
Immediately upon graduation, I will join AEMO and remain there until I retire after 20 years of service. I am spending time now talking to other MBA students about their interests and discovering what field would interest me once I join the civilian workforce.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If you have questions, ask! The admissions team was incredibly helpful throughout my application process and made me feel at ease throughout applying, being accepted, and arriving on campus.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have begun the application process sooner. Start early with every school you are interested in so that you do not feel as stressed as deadlines approach.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped the GRE/GMAT, I absolutely would have. Working full-time, often traveling during work hours, and being a parent made it extremely challenging to study to my standards.
I listened to audiobooks of study material while I was traveling. It was a good way to utilize my time in traffic, exposed me to learning material early, and made it easier to comprehend when I studied that topic again on paper.
What is your initial impression of the Warrington students/culture/community?
Every person I have met in Warrington has an impressive story and resume. I am surrounded by incredible people who represent both Warrington and the University of Florida well. I am proud to be among such amazing individuals who work together to make our entire MBA population exceptionally prepared for graduation, internships, and entering the workforce.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the University of Florida Association of Military Alumni (UFAMA) and the MBA Association (MBAA). The ability to work with other service members and MBA students allowed me to expand my network while giving back to communities that I am passionate about!
What is one thing you have learned about Warrington that has surprised you?
The number of faculty members that support students in the Business Careers Services department. We have a robust team that coaches, mentors, and opens opportunities for our students to be successful immediately upon graduation.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to experience Gators sporting events with my family. The University of Florida is an everything school; we expect to win in everything we do on and off the field. I cannot wait to cheer on the Orange and Blue with my family and cherish those memories for a lifetime!
