Boydell BA’23, BS’23, MBA’24 has Excelled at WU and Left it all on the Court

By Willamette University Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Anyone would describe Willamette University basketball player Jack Boydell BA'23, BS'23, MBA'24 (Wing, Sonoma, CA/Sonoma Valley HS) as a driven person who pursues excellence. He knows it takes grit, determination, and vision to get where you want to be, along with a strong sense of self. Those are the qualities that Jack has honed during his time at Willamette while he has earned degrees in Economics, Data Science, and now his Masters in Business in Administration. He didn't just find success in his studies, he was also an active and engaged student and a top athlete while on campus.

"The experiences that I've had and the people I've met here at Willamette have challenged me to become a curious student, a prepared professional, a stronger basketball player, and most importantly a better person," Jack says, "Being a member of Campus Ambassadors, a Christian club on campus, has also helped me grow in my faith while being able to lead and encourage others in their own journey. Thanks to the education I'm getting from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management, I feel prepared to thrive in any professional environment that I may encounter."

Jack was glad he decided to take advantage of the 3+2 program offered at Willamette and begin work on his MBA as an undergraduate student, earning three degrees in just five years.

"The experiences that I've had and the people I've met here at Willamette have challenged me to become a curious student, a prepared professional, a stronger basketball player, and most importantly a better person."
"As a part of my academic experience, I have been able to learn from a world-class faculty, especially my professors at the business school," he says. Over both his undergraduate and graduate studies, Jack was inspired by JELD-WEN Professor of Free Enterprise Debra Ringold and eventually worked with her as a teaching and research assistant.

"Taking Prof. Ringold's undergraduate business course opened my eyes to the power that organizations have to do tremendous good for all their stakeholders which eventually led to me staying at Willamette to get my MBA as a part of the 3+2 program."

Jack didn't just gain professional skills at Willamette, he also developed his personal ethos. Willamette's motto, Not unto ourselves alone are we born, features heavily in Jack's approach to life.

"It is all about lending a helping hand and discovering that your purpose is meant to be a positive light in the journey of others. The motto along with my faith will continue to guide my career and life to serve others in the best ways I can."

Although he wants to enjoy the summer, he already has big plans for the fall. Jack has accepted a full-time position as a Senior Financial Analyst with Intel Corporation and is exploring opportunities to continue his basketball career overseas.

Read more featured graduate stories:
Jack is one of Willamette University's 2024 featured graduates. To read more inspiring stories about our graduating students, click here. From student-athletes and scientists to aspiring artists and attorneys, these students represent just a few of the incredible members of our Willamette community.