Middle Georgia State MVP: Robert Fisher
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, March 31, 2014 1:54 PM
Category:
Finding Greatness
Macon, GA
Full Name: Robert Fisher.
Age: “50 and lovin' it!”
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Residence: Macon.
High School: Myrtle Beach High School, where he played tuba and bass guitar in the band, was chief photographer for the yearbook, a member of student council and frequent volunteer.
Family: I'm thankful for the support of my parents, Walt and Karen Fisher, and my fiancé', Mariana Furlin, for providing me with a tremendous amount of moral support since I've returned to college to finish my degree. Without them I don't believe that I would have made it this far.”
Current Employment: “Currently I am a full-time student and a part-time contract employee as director of Marketing and New Business Development for Hardy Farms Peanuts in Hawkinsville.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Business with a major in marketing. “When I returned to college to complete the degree that I started over 26 years ago, I did so to become more proficient in my chosen field of business marketing. My goal was to build the confidence and skill-sets necessary to compete in the ever changing environment of the various aspects of marketing. I believe that I have accomplished my goal, and then some, thanks to the professors who have helped to grow to the professional that I am today. “
Class Rank: Senior ‘in more ways than one, LOL.”
Primary Campus: Macon.
Career Goals: “My first career goal was met when I joined the team at Hardy Farms Peanuts. That goal was to join an organization which provide a great service or product for businesses and/or consumers and had tremendous growth potential in their business model. It is important to me to have the opportunity to bring 'fresh eyes' to the table and to be charged with the task of making 'things' happen without being micromanaged. My second career goal is to build a marketing plan that presents the product or service in the best possible light through non-traditional outlets. I've done the 'sales thing', the environment of selling or marketing to convince the user that they need a product or service regardless of the true needs of the user. My desire now is to market a product or service in a way that creates the need without force or manipulation. I want the user to love our product because of what it is and to build a relationship where the user enjoys our product because it is true to their needs.”
He chose Middle Georgia State because … “It was affordable and convenient. I've stayed with the school because of the quality of the education and the professionalism of the professors.”
The one thing that surprised him about Middle Georgia State was … “The number of non-traditional students. Another surprising fact was that the majority of the traditional student body enjoys having more experienced students in the same classroom. I've built some great friendships with students through working with them in most cases and mentoring in other situations.”
His favorite professor is … “That is a very difficult question to answer. My first professor was Charlie Aiken. I can say that he had a huge impact on my perspective of returning to school. To date I've taken every course taught by Professor Aiken and they have all been rewarding and challenging. Multiple business professors have had a tremendous impact on my experience: Dr. Lucas Hopkins, Dr. Greg George, Dr. Trip Shinn and Dr. Mimi Ford have all provided me with insight and direction to become the professional that I strive to be. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the support that I have received from professors who have never and will never see me in the class. Dr. Monica Young-Zook and Chris Tsavatewa have been there in times of need and I can't thank them enough for their support.”
His favorite place to study is … “Over a plate of the tasty fried chicken, greens and mac and cheese that is served every Wednesday in the ‘mess hall.’” (Campus cafeteria.) Seriously, the majority of my studying is done at my small apartment at my favorite huge desk in my favorite chair listening to soothing classical music.”
One thing people don’t know about him is … “In my younger days, I was an infantry soldier in the 1st / 501st Brigade in the 101st Airborne stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. We ran 26 miles every Friday morning. That was many years and quite a few pounds ago.”
His friends make fun of him because of … “My ‘LOOK, something shiny!’ perspective on conversations. In a casual setting we can start out talking about football and that melts into a conversation about politics in Eastern Europe during the 16th century. (I don't quite understand it, either.) There are times that I'll walk away from a conversation with the thought of ‘How did we get there?’ "
The one person he’d most like to meet is … “My fiancé’s mother. Mariana lost her mother to tuberculosis 5 years before we met. I'd like to thank Mrs. Furlin for doing such an amazing job in raising a young girl who has become such an incredible woman.”
Five years from now he sees himself … “Enjoying the life that I am responsible for creating. Taking the good with the bad and understanding that ever decision that I make is my responsibility and that the outcome is only determined by me. Sharing my successes and challenges with family and friends who truly care about me and support me. I see working with a team of professionals who are more like family than employers. All in all, in five years it can only get better - better with age.”