Celebrating Three MBA Dads Juggling Fatherhood, School, and Extracurriculars
Balancing pursuing a top-tier MBA degree and being a father is no easy feat, but three students from the Full-Time and Executive MBA programs at the Ross School of Business are doing just that.
Starting a family doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice education, and these fathers-turned-students prove you can do both — succeeding academically and professionally while also expanding their families.
Below, they talk about their experiences parenting while in business school, juggling coursework with family obligations, advice for MBA dads and dads-to-be, and more.
Name: Patrick Ryan
Program/Year: Full-Time MBA ’24
Child(ren)'s name: Nora
How do you juggle being a father with your course load as well as extracurricular activities and family obligations?
First, I am lucky to have the incredible support of my wife, Gina, throughout this two-year journey at Michigan Ross. Without her, it wouldn't be possible. Second, I'd argue that the MBA life is easier to juggle than working a full-time (in-person) job. You will be able to prioritize the things that are important to you (socially, academically, and extracurricular). I was able to walk back to my house between breaks in class, bring Nora to social events, and enjoy long holidays between terms.
Everyone will have their own challenges and unique circumstances that may add to the stress of trying to juggle family obligations (number of children, ages, etc), but the Partners Club, section classmates, and Ross faculty and staff make the experience fun and a welcome change of scenery from work life.
Do you have any memorable moments of your child(ren) - accidentally or on purpose - being involved in any of your Ross-related activities this year?
Nora experienced her first football game at the Big House, her first Halloween party (courtesy of the MBA program office, followed by a PCAR pizza party), tailgates at the Bus, holiday section events, and plenty of walks around downtown Ann Arbor and local parks.
What advice would you give to fellow dads and dads-to-be about balancing school, life, and family?
When it comes to balancing school, you'll have a lot of group projects - so try to be upfront with classmates about your time/family commitments, but also try not to use it as a crutch either (everyone has their own crazy lives too). You're not alone, so if you need help, reach out to the Ross community. Most importantly, enjoy your time with your family, new friends, and school activities. It's a great time to reset.
Name: Kelvin Kwan
Program/Year: Executive MBA ’24
Child(ren)'s names: Taylor, Elliot, Joseph, Joshua, and Daniel
How do you juggle being a father with your course load as well as extracurricular activities and family obligations?
A successful EMBA program is a sprint, but a life well lived is a marathon. To me, this means there are times when I need to seek grace from my family and friends to prioritize an assignment over a commitment with them. There are other times when I am reminded that the long game of success looks like having my wife and children alongside me well past when I graduate from the Ross EMBA program.
Completing group assignments in the EMBA program “takes a village” and it is important to remember that everyone in the EMBA program will have many other commitments. There have been times when I’ve not contributed as much as I could and other times when I’ve been asked to help cover another team member’s contribution. Embrace the concept of winning as a team!
Do you have any memorable moments of your child(ren) - accidentally or on purpose - being involved in any of your Ross-related activities this year?
The LEGO business case from our Business Strategy class was a fun discussion topic around our dinner table as I shared the history of LEGO, the company’s struggling business strategy, and then asked what they would do if they were the CEO of LEGO! There was broad consensus among my boys that more Star Wars LEGO sets would be a sustainable competitive advantage.
Having said that, right from the start, I purposely tried to bring my children along on this journey. It is important for me to lead by example, so having my children see Dad back in school has been a good reminder that we can be life-long learners.
What advice would you give to fellow dads and dads-to-be about balancing school, life, and family?
I love being a dad, and for me, it’s the most important responsibility I have been given in life. The best advice that has ever been given to me about balancing work, school, and family is to know in my mind and heart what my priorities are. My advice to my fellow dads and dads-to-be is to make sure you know why you are doing what you’re doing and then bring your family along. You’ll need their support in the thick and thin of the program!
Name: Zack Horovitz
Program/Year: Full-Time MBA ’24
Child(ren)'s names: Emerson, Hudson, and Callen
How do you balance being a dad, student, and everything else at the same time?
It's like surfing - keeping balance while riding the wave, with family commitments taking center stage on my calendar. The combo of academics, social events, and the fall recruiting season can get pretty wild, but it's a challenge that's well worth it.
Have your kids made any cameos in your Ross life this year?
Absolutely! Whether it's supporting the Wolverines at football games or getting to know my classmates at Halloween and section events, they've been part of my Ross journey. Looking forward to more in our second year!
Any tips for dads or dads-to-be about navigating school, life, and family?
Lean into the flexibility that comes with being a student. Fridays off and late starts have been great. Don't miss out on the fun and budget-friendly sports events around U-M. If you've got older kids, the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are must-sees. Just remember, your time at Ross is not only about getting a degree - it's a great opportunity to create lasting memories with your family.
