Relentless desire to learn motivates track athlete, MBA student to keep moving forward

Tañia J. Duncan has her eyes set on a professional goal: owning her own home-building company. Though there will be hurdles to clear, it’s nothing Duncan can’t handle. This track & field athlete chose the Crosby MBA program at the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business to provide her with the training she’ll need to cross the finish line.

You were a track & field athlete in college. Can you tell us a little about those experiences?

Duncan: I was, and still am, a track and field athlete. I competed at Northern Arizona University for three years while completing my undergraduate degree in Construction Management. I then transferred to the University of Missouri to continue competing as a student-athlete while pursuing my MBA.

My experience as a track and field athlete at Mizzou has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the opportunity to train and compete alongside exceptionally talented athletes while being coached by one of the best in the sport, Robert Weir. Throughout my athletic career, I have faced a debilitating back injury and other personal health challenges, but I am deeply grateful that I trusted God’s plan and continued on this journey. As I enter this upcoming season, I am feeling healthier than ever. My first meet of the season is this Saturday, and I truly believe my best performances are still ahead of me.

How has that background shaped your educational and professional pursuits?
Duncan: As an athlete, I have always valued the process of learning, which has naturally carried over into my academic and professional pursuits. Athletics has challenged me to continually evolve while striving toward an unachievable standard of perfection. Over time, I have realized that the pursuit itself matters more than the end goal. I have grown to appreciate the process of learning, adapting, and improving in order to become better each day.

This mindset translates directly into educational and professional environments, where I am constantly presented with new challenges to overcome. There is always something new to learn, and that continuous growth motivates me to keep pushing forward.

What inspired you to pursue the Crosby MBA through the Trulaske College of Business?
Duncan: When I began exploring college degree programs in high school, I knew I wanted to eventually pursue a master’s degree. As I neared the completion of my undergraduate studies, I still had remaining athletic eligibility, which made graduate school a natural next step. I decided to pursue an MBA to broaden my understanding of the business world beyond my undergraduate background in Construction Management.

I have long aspired to own my own business, and I wanted to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make that goal a reality. The Trulaske College of Business provided the ideal opportunity to continue my academic and athletic journeys simultaneously. The Crosby MBA program offers a diverse curriculum covering key business disciplines, along with certificate options that allowed me to tailor the degree to my individual goals.

What are your professional plans after earning your MBA?
Duncan: I hope to continue pursuing entrepreneurship if that aligns with God’s plan for my life. In the near term, I plan to gain additional experience within the construction industry. Long term, I aspire to start my own luxury custom home-building company, as well as a nonprofit organization focused on providing construction maintenance services to underserved urban communities.

How is the program driving you toward achieving those plans?
Duncan: The Crosby MBA program has equipped me with the skills necessary to run a successful and sustainable business. I have learned what it takes for a business to thrive rather than simply survive. Through coursework and applied projects, I have analyzed real-world business challenges and proposed evidence-based solutions designed to promote long-term success.

Additionally, my marketing analytics coursework has strengthened my ability to view business decisions through the customer’s perspective. Understanding customer motivations has helped me learn how to make informed, strategic decisions that meet customers where they are.

What sets Trulaske’s MBA program apart from other MBA programs?
Duncan: Trulaske’s MBA program stands out because of its flexibility. It is intentionally designed to accommodate a wide range of students, from full-time students to working professionals. I will complete the program in two years while also competing as a student-athlete, which speaks to how well the curriculum adapts to demanding schedules.

The professors also strike an excellent balance between holding students accountable and understanding that many are managing multiple commitments. This supportive yet rigorous environment makes the program truly distinctive.

If you could say one thing to others who are considering pursuing their MBA, what would it be?
Duncan: You will get out of the program what you put into it. An MBA is not for everyone, but for those willing to commit the time and effort and challenge themselves to think in new ways, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Taking that leap is well worth it.

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.