2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dawn Hiles

Though Dawn Hiles is the director of Drury University’s Master in Business Administration degree program, she strives for more success based on advice from a former boss.

“Mat Burton, who was my first boss after I graduated from college, told me to remember to take time to celebrate my accomplishments, but always strive to achieve more,” Hiles said.

“This advice was based on Michelangelo’s quote ‘I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish.’”

One accomplishment she has celebrated is earning her stet MBA, which she calls her proudest professional moment.

“I had spent the previous year working almost a full-time schedule while going to class four nights a week and using the weekends to study,” Hiles said. “I made substantial sacrifices to complete the program in such a short amount of time, but it was worth it.”

Hiles is working to provide Springfield with an MBA program with an international experience. She has expanded ties to China and France and has brought international students to Drury’s Springfield campus.

Though she won’t admit to any specific career path for the next five years, Hiles knows what she finds rewarding – helping others reach their goals.

“Regardless of where my career path may take me, I hope to always contribute to other people’s success,” she said.

Hiles is active with the Rotary and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. She volunteers with the Southwest Missouri Humane Society and participates in outreach programs through her church.

Hiles has extended family in Iowa and Indiana. She and her husband, John, share their lives with Lambeau, a dog they adopted from the Humane Society.

Stats

Position: Director, MBA Programs, Drury University

Age: 27

Favorite professional sports team: “I love the Green Bay Packers!”

A quote to live by: "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” –Vince Lombardi

Information accurate at the time of the honor.