Deon Brown graduated from Mercer University’s School of Business with a Master of Business Administration in compliance, analytics and regulations in fintech.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue growing in my current career in software implementation. I currently help clients transition from older accounting software to newer systems by supporting implementation, testing, troubleshooting, configuration and go-live readiness. My goal is to use my MBA, along with my concentration in compliance, regulation and analytics in fintech, to become even more effective in helping organizations modernize their systems and improve their business processes. I also want to continue taking on more leadership opportunities and keep building toward the next level professionally.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor was Dr. Vijaya Subrahmanyam, aka “Dr. V.” I appreciated her teaching style because she challenged us while still making the material understandable and relevant. She brought real-world perspective into the classroom and pushed me to think critically, not just memorize information. Her class helped me grow academically and professionally, and she made a lasting impact on my Mercer experience.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was FinTech Foundations, taught by Dr. V. I really enjoyed the class because it gave me a strong understanding of how technology is changing the financial services industry. The course covered topics like digital payments, embedded finance, regulation, compliance, blockchain and how traditional financial institutions are being pushed to modernize. It connected directly to my MBA concentration and felt relevant to both my career goals and the direction the industry is heading.
How do you plan on changing the world?
I plan on changing the world by making a positive impact in the spaces I am already connected to: my family, my career, my community and the people who look up to me. I believe change does not always have to start on a large stage. Sometimes it starts by being disciplined, leading by example, helping others grow, and showing people that it is never too late to pursue a goal or become a better version of yourself.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to stay disciplined and give yourself grace. The program will challenge you, especially if you are balancing school with work, family and real life, but you are capable of getting through it. Stay organized, communicate when you need help, and do not wait for the perfect time to start. Time is going to pass either way, so make the commitment and keep going.
What makes Mercer special to you?
What makes Mercer special to me is that it became part of one of the most important growth seasons of my life. Mercer challenged me academically, but it also helped me prove to myself that I could balance work, family and real-life responsibilities while still finishing something meaningful. The professors, coursework and overall experience pushed me to think bigger, stay disciplined and keep moving forward. Mercer will always be special to me because it represents growth, sacrifice and the reward of not giving up.
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