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Meg Lukus has spent her career at the intersection of student growth, community building and graduate business education. Now, as she steps into her new role as Executive Director of MBA Programs at the Tepper School of Business, she brings with her a clear vision to deepen the student experience while strengthening the connections that define the Tepper School community.

Lukus鈥檚 path to this role has been shaped by a long-standing passion for graduate education. After earning her undergraduate degree in hospitality business management from Washington State University, she first discovered her interest in higher education while working in a college of business office. What began as a part-time role quickly evolved into a career.

鈥淚 loved working for graduate business programs,鈥� Lukus said. 鈥淵ou can see students transform their lives, and that鈥檚 a really meaningful experience.鈥�

Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Part-Time and Online Hybrid MBA program before transitioning into her current role overseeing MBA programs more broadly. Throughout her time at the Tepper School, Lukus has been struck by the caliber of its students.

鈥淭he Tepper School attracts exceptionally driven students,鈥� she expresses. 鈥淲orking with them has been an important part of my own growth at the Tepper School.鈥�

As Lukus steps into her new role, a key priority is gaining a clear, unfiltered understanding of the student experience across programs, and using those insights to make targeted improvements. . Having worked extensively with the Online Hybrid MBA, she is now turning her attention to the full-time program with a fresh perspective.

鈥淚 want to establish a partnership with our students so they can share their true experiences and continue to build a long-term community.鈥� she explains. 鈥淢y hope is to really understand what is working well for students and where there are opportunities to fine tune their educational experience.鈥�
She is also focused on strengthening the student journey from the start, ensuring that prospective students are set up for success before they even arrive on campus.

鈥淲e want students to have the tools and resources to focus on what matters most to them during their time here,鈥� Lukus said.

Beyond academics, Lukus emphasizes the importance of co-curricular experiences in shaping well-rounded leaders. Her plans include expanding opportunities for students to engage with guest speakers, industry leaders and alumni, while also strengthening already successful initiatives with the Accelerate Leadership Center and the Masters Career Center.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thinking about how to elevate the professional skills students build during their time here so they translate directly to their post-MBA careers,鈥� she said.

In terms of skills, Lukus points to adaptability, coachability and emotional intelligence as critical differentiators in today鈥檚 business world. While technical and quantitative expertise remains essential, she believes the ability to communicate ideas and bring others along is what ultimately drives impact.

鈥淵ou can have all the data in the world, but if you can鈥檛 influence people or communicate effectively, it鈥檚 hard to create change,鈥� she said.

In recognition of International Women鈥檚 Month, Lukus also reflected on her journey as a leader and the lessons she has learned along the way. One of her most important pieces of advice for aspiring women leaders is to find mentors and advocates who will support and elevate their work.

鈥淒o good work for the people around you,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ver time, those relationships will turn into strong support systems.鈥�

Beyond formal leadership strategies, Lukus believes that small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact.

鈥淎cts of kindness go a long way,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 celebrating small wins or simply showing up for your team, those moments help build trust and strong relationships.鈥�

At the heart of Lukus鈥檚 leadership philosophy is a deep commitment to community. She described this connectedness as the heart of the Tepper School鈥檚 values.

鈥淚鈥檓 constantly impressed by how much the faculty care about the students,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a genuine investment in their success. When students leave, they carry with them a community that lasts well beyond their time here...鈥�

As she steps into this role, Lukus is focused not just on enhancing programs, but on shaping an experience that stays with students long after graduation. By prioritizing connection, continuous feedback and intentional growth, she aims to ensure every student feels supported in becoming the strongest version of themselves.

鈥淲hen students leave here, they should feel transformed,鈥� Lukus said. 鈥淣ot just in what they know, but in who they are and what they believe they can achieve.鈥�