Robert Ko has been named the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium 2021 Outstanding Graduate by the faculty of the UW MBA Consortium program. Ko, who graduated in Summer 2020, was selected from a pool of students who graduated from the program between Summer 2020 and Spring 2021.
A native of Hawaii, Ko received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from MIT in 2003. Since then, he has worked either in engineering or project management roles. Ko is currently the Deputy Director of Readiness and Activation on the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, a multi-billion-dollar rail project to provide an efficient and reliable transportation alternative for Honolulu’s congested urban corridor. After helping to oversee a major project in preparation for the phase one launch of the new railway, Ko will be transitioning to a project manager role with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific.
Ko, who began coursework with the UW MBA Consortium in Fall 2017, noted the value of his degree, while being able to continue to work full time from Hawaii. “The University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium was an incredible experience and even greater value! I really enjoyed learning from the passionate, knowledgeable faculty and experienced peers from around the world. The online program format provided me the opportunity to attend one of the nation’s top MBA programs and the flexibility to pursue a full-time career in Hawaii. The MBA Consortium staff are incredible and enhance the overall experience for students. Perhaps most importantly, the Wisconsin MBA Consortium provides a foundation to improve as an individual, colleague, teammate, and leader,” Ko said.
Many UW MBA Consortium instructors commented on Ko’s well researched assignments and his ability to get the most out of group discussions and assignments.
UW MBA Consortium Academic Director Dr. Paula Lentz, who taught Ko in MBA 711 – Module 1: Managing Ongoing Operations in Fall 2018, had this to say about Ko. “I so enjoyed having Robert in class. He was engaged in the course work and with other students at an exceptional level of scholarship and learning. His collaborative personality and positive spirit enriched my experience as his instructor, and I’m sure fellow-students in his courses throughout the MBA program would agree that he is both a learner and a teacher. He is surely deserving of this award.”
Ko is the 13th individual to be named the UW MBA Consortium Outstanding Graduate. View Past Award Winners