MBA Administrative Team

Manzur Rahman, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs

Professor of Finance

Dr. Rahman is Professor of Finance and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. At USD he teaches international finance, corporate finance, and corporate governance. He has published in the areas of multinational financial policy, corporate governance, regional economic integration, and multinational strategy. He has extensive consulting experience as a corporate finance specialist for the investment banking house of N.M. Rothschild, having worked on mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and going-public decisions. He has a BA in Economics and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College, a JD from USD, and a PhD in Finance from the University of South Carolina.

Kacy K. Hayes, Ph.D.
Administrative Director

Dr. Hayes is responsible for the overall MBA student experience, including academic advising, support, and student life, at USD. She has worked with the San Diego MBA programs since 2006 and prior to coming to USD, she had nine years experience in admissions, academic advising, student services, and service learning in higher education. She has a BA in psychology and German from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Education with an emphasis in higher education administration from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in higher education from USD.

Kate coordinates the recruiting and admissions efforts for the Full-time MBA, IMBA, and Evening MBA programs at USD. Prior to USD she was the Assistant Director of MBA Recruitment and Admissions at UC San Diego. Originally from the New York City area, Kate earned a BA in Psychology from Vassar College and a Master’s in Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. In addition to her MBA admissions background, Kate also has experience in counseling, educational evaluations, and campus recruitment.

Laurie Sanderson

Admissions and Academic Advisor

Laurie serves as an advisor to prospective and current students for the Full-time MBA, IMBA, and Evening MBA programs at USD. Prior to coming to USD,Laurie was a nonprofit development professional, specializing in organizational development and sustainability. Laurie earned a BA in political science and history at Tulane University, and she earned an MBA at University of California, Irvine.

Kara Weller

Career Development Manager

Kara is the MBA Career and Professional Development course instructor and oversees first year career development for all MBA platforms as Manager of Career Development. Prior, Kara worked with Arizona State University’s school of business as the Manager of Communications and as the Assistant Director of Career Management and then with the University of Arizona as the Assistant Director of Employer Development. She is a double USD alumnus with a MA in Counseling and a BA in Political Science. Go Toreros!

Terra Saltzman-Baker

Corporate Relations Manager

Terra braved nine years as an executive recruiter both in Miami and San Diego. Her focus for the five years prior to joining USD was corporate finance and accounting across all industries, creating relationships that have maintained through the years. Prior to that, she was a nationwide recruiter within the corporate retail sector. Terra has a strong local network and prides herself on the relationships she builds in the community. She studied at Villanova University and earned a BS in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Patricia A. Moulton

Executive Assistant