Running Toward Success: Former Athlete Megan Evans Races to MBA Finish Line
September 3, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE, NC – When Megan Evans of Raleigh, NC, began her MBA journey at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) in the fall of 2023, she was determined to balance her professional role in the financial sector with her educational aspirations. Two years later, that determination has paid off. Evans recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree, earning an impressive 3.975 GPA all while working full-time at First Citizens Bank.
“I chose to continue my education at UMO because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and the flexibility of its online programs,” Evans said. “The MBA gave me the balance I needed to further my education without sacrificing my professional career.”
Evans, 28, is a Business Analyst on the Advisory & Portfolio Intelligence team within the Credit Risk department at First Citizens Bank. In her role, she specializes in monitoring and evaluating key risk indicators across the bank’s lending portfolio, identifying factors that influence risk exposure from both internal and external drivers. Her prior professional experience includes roles at Credit Suisse and within various oversight and data analysis teams at her current employer, which allowed her to develop skills in organizational strategy, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
“Each position I’ve held has challenged me to think critically, problem-solve, and adapt quickly,” Evans noted. “My MBA studies deepened those abilities and gave me the frameworks and tools to approach complex challenges with more confidence and clarity.”
A native of Princeton, NC, Evans is a 2019 graduate of Meredith College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with minors in marketing and Spanish. While at Meredith, she competed in NCAA Division III cross country and track & field, studied abroad in Costa Rica, and participated in the Honors Program. “Those years taught me the importance of perseverance and time management, all skills that I have carried into graduate school,” she said.
Her commitment to growth extends beyond academic and career. Evans has been an active member of the Dix Park Community Committee in Raleigh for the past three years, helping residents connect with nature and one another. She also serves in the children’s ministry at Focus Church and participates in weekly Bible study and small group sessions. “Being involved in my church and community has kept me grounded,” she explained. “It reminds me that success isn’t only about personal achievement, it is about making a positive impact on those around you.”
Evans credits her parents Joseph and Janice Evans, and sister, Nicole Evans, with supporting her educational journey. “Their encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable,” she said. “There were times when balancing work, school, and life felt overwhelming, but their support helped me stay focused and motivated.”
Reflecting on her UMO experience, Evans describes it as transformative. “The MBA program not only gave me advanced business knowledge and strategic thinking skills, but it also taught me how to manage time effectively, balance multiple responsibilities, and pursue my goals with confidence,” she shared. “UMO shaped me into a more disciplined, intentional, and empowered version of myself.”
Looking ahead, Evans aspires to grow into leadership roles where she can drive strategic initiatives, mentor emerging professionals, and influence positive changes in her organization and community. “In five to ten years, I hope to be in a position where I can not only lead projects but also people, helping others achieve their goals while fostering innovation and collaboration,” she said.
Her advice to other working adults considering going back to school is simple but powerful, “Embrace the journey with purpose. Balancing work, school, and life is challenging, but the knowledge, skills, and confidence you gain make it worthwhile. Don’t let fear of the workload hold you back. Once you take the first step, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. It was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
