From the moment you express interest in the SMU Cox School of Business, we are here for you. While your application, essays, and professional recommendations are all very important to us, we want to get to know you and support your goal of achieving a world-class education. Our admissions team is a group of dedicated directors, officers, and advisors passionate about connecting students to opportunities for personal and professional growth. Please reach out to us with your questions or concerns. Studying at SMU Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter – starting now.
Director of Admissions, Working Professional MBA Programs
Beth Wierzbicki is the Director of Admissions for the SMU Cox School of Business Working Professional MBA programs, specifically the Online MBA, MBA Direct, and Professional MBA programs. Beth is originally from Boston, MA and started her career in finance at State Street Bank as a manager in the international mutual funds division. After earning her MBA, she moved into management consulting at Ernst & Young as a senior consultant then manager, with a focus on strategic business transformation and process improvement engagements. Beth discovered a passion for assisting others in meeting their career goals through her experience recruiting MBA students for EY. She worked as a recruiter for Navesink Logistics and the Yankee Candle Company, then transitioned to a career in admissions at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts from 2012-2019 and joined the SMU Cox Graduate Admissions team in January 2020.
Beth holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a B.A. from Tufts University.
Prospective Online MBA and MBA Direct students benefit from the support of a dedicated enrollment advisor throughout the application process. Your enrollment advisor is available to answer your questions, offer application guidance and provide you with the resources you need to prepare for your first semester of graduate school.
Associate Director of Admissions, Online MBA and MBA Direct Programs
Afrida Chowdhury is an Associate Director for the MBA Direct and Online MBA programs at SMU Cox School of Business. Afrida started her career in the healthcare industry and then moved on to explore mortgage and consulting. She has spent the last six years gaining experience from working in various HR roles, ranging from employee onboarding, training, employee benefits, and the integration of two companies during a merger. Afrida holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Resource Management from Rutgers University. She is also SHRM-CP certified from the Society of Human Resource Management. Originally from New Jersey, Afrida is passionate about supporting individuals and making a positive impact by helping them find their place at SMU Cox.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Online MBA and MBA Direct Programs
Amel Weaver is an Assistant Director for the MBA Direct and Online MBA programs at SMU Cox School of Business. Amel is a recent college graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. During college, she completed numerous internships in public policy and education/labor policy. After interning in Washington, D.C, she decided to not start her career in public service and went to work for Amazon as an Apprenticeships Recruiter. She specialized in helping veterans from underrepresented backgrounds transition into technology roles. Amel is extremely passionate about diversity, equity and creating inclusive environments that allow all people to thrive. Amel loves helping others navigate their careers and is thrilled to assist candidates in finding the right program placement here at Cox School of Business.
Originally from Louisiana, raised in Houston, Texas. Amel holds a B.A from UT Austin and looks forward to furthering her education in the legal field some day.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Online MBA and MBA Direct Programs
Saquoya Fentress is the Assistant Director of Admissions for the MBA Direct and Online MBA programs at SMU Cox School of Business. Saquoya joined the Cox family in February of 2023. Saquoya started her career working in sales and then later moved into recruitment and human resources. She has worked in multiple industries including Adult Beverage, Staffing, Pharmaceuticals and Tech, gaining experience from Fortune 500 companies like MillerCoors, Wells Fargo, Walgreens, Aerotek, and Verizon. Saquoya earned her undergraduate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and is a proud alumna of The School of Business and Industry. She is also a Life Loyal member of Alpha Kappa Psi, Professional Business Fraternity, Incorporated. She is passionate about professional development and lifelong learning and works passionately to help candidates reach their goals by obtaining their MBA.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Online MBA and MBA Direct Programs
Noah Lane is an Assistant Director for the MBA Direct and Online MBA programs at SMU Cox School of Business. Noah started his career in the sales industry and then pivoted to become an educator and facilitator of social-emotional learning at the elementary level. He has spent the last 5 years gaining experience in a variety of people-facing roles, effectively communicating with customers, principals, parents and students alike. Noah holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Methodist University. Originally from Miami, Noah brings an amalgamation of communication styles to the table to make students feel heard on their path toward success at SMU Cox.
Email our team: cox.mbaonline@smu.edu
Speak with an advisor: 214-768-1214