February 20, 2026 | Alumni & Feature Stories
鈥檚 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) journey at 91重口 became an exercise in expanding his own sense of possibility. Entering the program open to learning and self-discovery, Patrick emerged in December 2025 as a graduate of the inaugural DBA cohort. Strengthened by community, shaped by challenge, and grounded in a belief that growth happens at the edge of comfort, his journey reflects both perseverance and heart.
A Nontraditional Path Rooted in Growth听
Patrick鈥檚 academic and professional path was not always conventional. His first year of undergraduate study did not unfold as expected, leading him to step away from school and focus on gaining life and professional experience. That period听ultimately opened听the door to a long and evolving career in banking and finance.听
As his professional journey progressed, Patrick returned to higher education through an online associate degree program, long before online learning was commonplace. He earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree online as well, allowing him the flexibility to work while learning. His career later took him across the globe, including two years living and working in London, followed by leadership roles across the U.S. and a transition into the financial technology (fintech) industry where he worked with international audiences. Patrick completed his MBA in 2023, believing he was finished with formal education: until the idea of a doctorate surfaced.听
鈥淚 wasn鈥檛听originally planning on pursuing a doctorate,鈥� Patrick admits. 鈥淏ut I wanted to challenge myself in ways my 18-year-old self could have never imagined.鈥�
Finding Belonging at 91重口听
As Patrick explored doctoral programs, flexibility was essential. He wanted an affordable, accredited DBA with a leadership focus that would allow him to study from anywhere in the world while maintaining balance. After researching dozens of institutions, he discovered 91重口.
Though unfamiliar at first, Edgewood鈥檚 Dominican heritage, emphasis on community, and commitment to accessible, high-quality education immediately stood out to him.
鈥淭here was a sense that I had found a place where I belonged,鈥� Patrick says. 鈥淓dgewood holds true to traditional academic values while still being innovative and accessible for busy professionals.鈥�听
Traveling all the way from Texas, a campus visit to Madison, Wisconsin where Patrick met with Edgewood鈥檚 Graduate Admissions team, solidified his decision and brought the Edgewood community to life in front of his eyes.听
鈥淭he visit reaffirmed that I had made the right decision. I felt genuinely welcomed and connected. Campus radiated that听community feel,鈥� Patrick states.
Overcoming Uncertainty
Despite his extensive professional experience and advanced education, Patrick admits he entered the DBA program with doubts, especially around the dissertation.
鈥淭he dissertation felt intimidating at first,鈥� he admits. 鈥淚 kept asking myself, 鈥楥an I really do this?鈥欌��
The language of academic research was unfamiliar, and the commitment felt significant. He was pleasantly surprised to听find听how the program is intentionally designed to support students through the process: breaking the dissertation down into manageable milestones while faculty provide continuous feedback along the way.
鈥淚鈥檝e grown so much from the first day of the program to the day I defended my dissertation,鈥� Patrick reflects. 鈥淣ot just as a student, but as a researcher and an academic.鈥�
Building Real Community in an Online Program
One of the most defining aspects of Patrick鈥檚 experience was the sense of connection he built, despite being in an online program.
As members of the inaugural cohort, Patrick and several peers stayed connected through a group chat created by fellow students. Patrick quickly became an active presence in听the space, encouraging participation, sharing resources, and helping keep classmates engaged and connected. Over time, the group began hosting video check-ins every two weeks to ask questions, share progress, and support one another.听Their grassroots effort continues today creating a bridge between students at all听different stages听in the program.
鈥淭hese connections happened organically,鈥� Patrick says. 鈥淎nd through them, I鈥檝e built real friendships and professional connections.鈥�
One particularly meaningful connection was with fellow inaugural cohort graduate, Dr. Ingrid Ciano 鈥�25. The two supported each other through every stage of the program: the challenges, breakthroughs, and long nights! Meeting in person for the first time at commencement, seated side by side in the front row, was a full-circle moment.
Patrick also stayed听closely connected听to Edgewood through social media, using it as a vital bridge to campus life.听By following听university channels, celebrating milestones, and听actively engaging, he experienced the rhythms of the Edgewood community despite the distance.
鈥淭hrough social media, I could see Edgewood living its values in real time,鈥� he shares. 鈥淚t helped me feel connected to my school as an online student.鈥�
Research with Purpose听
With guidance and collaboration from Professor Ken听Kavajecz, Patrick chose a dissertation topic deeply personal to him: leadership and family business dynamics within his Native American tribe. His dissertation,听鈥�,鈥�听allowed him to contribute original research while strengthening connection to his community.听
鈥淭he qualitative interviews done during my research phase were incredibly meaningful,鈥� Patrick shares. 鈥淗earing directly from members of my tribe changed how I see leadership, and how they see me.听Contributing new knowledge to an underrepresented area of research was both fulfilling and surreal.鈥�
A Full-Circle Finish and What鈥檚 Ahead听
Patrick鈥檚 Edgewood journey concluded with a moment he will never听forget:听being selected as the 2025 Winter听Commencement speaker, nominated by his dissertation chair, Dr. Victoria Palmisano.听
鈥淭hat nomination meant everything to me,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t showed how strong the faculty connections can be, even in an online program.鈥�听
Graduation day was a powerful close to the chapter. Patrick met peers in person for the first time, celebrated alongside his family, and reflected on just听how far he had come.听
As he looks ahead, Patrick is launching 听a consulting firm focused on banking, financial technology, and digital transformation. He is also exploring adjunct teaching opportunities, inspired by a growing love for academia sparked through the DBA program.听
The 91重口 Difference听
Patrick鈥檚 experience,听shaped by听the moments that led to his hooding as Dr. Patrick Runyon, define the heart of 91重口鈥檚听Doctor of Business Administration program.听Those moments听represent听rigorous scholarship, meaningful connection, and a community that supports students through challenge and growth.听As an inaugural graduate, his journey听sets a powerful example for future scholars, proving that with courage, commitment, and community, even the most intimidating goals are within reach.听