Rutgers MBA Grad Says Degree Was Worth the Trip -- All 10,000 Miles of It

Weekly Commute from Pittsburgh to Rutgers-Camden Defined Final Semester of Study.

Students know that the career value offered by a Rutgers MBA degree is worth the rigorous coursework and effort.

It’s also worth the trip. Just ask Todd Miller, who logged a cumulative 10,500 miles by airplane and car to complete his master of business administration degree at the Rutgers School of Business—Camden.

During fall 2007 alone, Miller’s commute to Rutgers—Camden for his weekly Strategic Management class started in Pittsburgh, where he serves as sales manager for Howard Hanna Mortgage Services. Miller started his Rutgers MBA in 2001, and was transferred to Pittsburgh in 2004. After breaks in his coursework necessitated by the relocation and the births of his two sons, Miller decided to complete his MBA.

“When I transferred to Pittsburgh, I needed 21 credits to complete my degree,” recalls Miller. “I was able to take four classes locally and transfer the credits to Rutgers, and I took two independent study courses through Rutgers. The final class, however, needed to be completed on the Rutgers—Camden campus.”

Miller’s commute for the once-weekly evening course reads like a case study in business precision, but the newly minted Rutgers—Camden MBA graduate recalls it with a chuckle. “Looking back, it’s odd how the extraordinary can turn into a mere routine,” he reflects. “I would leave my Pittsburgh office at 2 p.m. and catch a 4 p.m. flight to Philadelphia. Once I landed in Philadelphia, I’d rent a car and usually arrived on campus by 6 p.m.

“Dinner often consisted of free bottled water from the rental car company and the finest pretzels or cheese and crackers that one can find in a Rutgers vending machine.”

After class, Miller drove back to Philadelphia International Airport, where he returned his rental car and caught a 10:45 p.m. flight back to Pittsburgh, arriving home at 1 a.m. The next day, Miller would be at his office by 7:45 a.m.

Miller credits a supportive “pit crew” for helping him to attain his Rutgers MBA. “I am lucky to be married to a wonderful woman who supports my career and my dreams. My wife, Kristen, and I have three children: Hayden, 6, Gavin, 4, and Paige 11 months,” he says, noting that “yes, we had a newborn baby while I was making this extreme commute. The travel days weren’t easy on my wife, but she is a rock and stayed strong in support of me completing my MBA.

“I wanted to make sure I could always look my children in the eye and tell them to finish what you start and that education is important. What better way to teach my children than to set the example for them? My two sons and I would talk about our days at school early on Thursday mornings.”

Miller’s employer also was supportive of his efforts. “My boss, Mark Steele, is the president of the financial services divisions of Howard Hanna Holdings. He knew of my commute and my persistence. Other than Mark, very few people at work were aware of my schedule. Having an understanding boss who supports your goals is key for anyone looking to obtain their MBA while working full-time but I think the world of my boss and truly appreciate him supporting me through this process. Without Mark's support none of this was possible.”

And his classmates? “I think they thought I was crazy,” he laughs. His Rutgers—Camden professors had a different take. According to Miller, the professors and staff at the Rutgers School of Business—Camden were “very helpful. The course I took, Strategic Management, made the commute easier because it was one of the best classes that I took on my way to obtaining my MBA. I participated in group projects from Pittsburgh, and that worked out well. Meeting with my classmates a few minutes before and after class, coupled with consistent e-mail and phone dialogue, proved to work extremely well.

“I did not want any special favors. It was my decision to make this drastic commute to complete my degree. In my opinion, I should be expected to attend and contribute to the class just as any other class member. I made a number of good contacts in class that one cannot make through video/web conferencing.”

Miller has no regrets. “Rutgers has a strong brand and a tremendously knowledgeable faculty that focuses on real-world concepts in the classroom. I’ve already utilized what I learned in a Rutgers classroom in my career leading a sales division. I believe having an MBA from Rutgers-Camden provides a strong foundation for strategically building any organization in today’s environment.”

While Miller deeply values his Rutgers MBA experience, his commuting days are done. He’ll be thinking fondly of his classmates and professors as they participate in the Rutgers School of Business—Camden’s commencement ceremony at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22… but he’ll do so from Pittsburgh.

A Marlton native, Miller graduated from Cherokee Regional High School in 1994. He earned his undergraduate degree in communications from American University in 1998. He is the son of Kathleen and William Torlucci of Hammonton.

Prior to his transfer to Pittsburgh, Miller and his wife resided in Medford.

Information about Commencement 2008