"Brad was the first person I saw when I walked into my first MBA class back in 2008,” Erin Worley said. “We had lots of classes together but it was a presentation I did in Capstone that got his attention."

Since their courtship began at Meredith, it made sense to Brad Worley that he should propose on campus.

"I wanted to pick a place that was very special to us," he said. "I knew that the island [in the amphitheater] would make for a beautiful setting that Erin would never forget."

The couple continued their connection to Meredith by holding their wedding in Jones Chapel in April 2011.

Deciding to earn an MBA at Meredith has paid off personally and professionally for both of the Worleys, who completed their MBAs in 2010. Brad Worley owns Worley Reporting, a court reporting business, and Erin Worley is a case manager at Biogen Idec.

Erin Worley, who earned an undergraduate degree from Meredith in 2004, said it was an easy decision to choose Meredith's MBA program based on her prior experience at the College.

"I had so many great memories and met wonderful people during my time there," Erin Worley said. "I knew I’d get an excellent education."

Brad Worley calls Meredith's MBA faculty top notch, and says the program is a great value. "I use my MBA education every day in operating my small business," he said. "The program gave me a framework for leading people and problem-solving."

While meeting each other was an unexpected reward, the Worleys count networking with other professionals as a benefit of their MBA experience.

"The MBA program was a great opportunity to work with like-minded professionals in a collaborative environment," Brad Worley said. "But of course, my favorite memories are of the times spent with my wife."

Reprinted from the Summer 2011 issue of "Meredith Magazine."

Date Submitted: 2011-08-10