For Matthew Crocker, ’26, graduation day isn’t just a ceremony, it’s the culmination of a relentless pursuit of growth.
This spring, Crocker, a native of Ravenna, Ohio, walked across the stage to receive two master’s degrees—a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and a Master of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management (M.S.). These latest achievements bring his total to four degrees, joining an associate’s degree in entrepreneurship and a bachelor’s degree in business.
But the diplomas only tell half the story. Behind the titles are years of "tested discipline." Crocker didn't have the luxury of focusing solely on his studies; he balanced a rigorous full-time course load while working full-time at Ը, raising two children as a custodial parent, and launching his own businesses: TravelCrock and Crocker Financial LLC.
“A lot of late nights, early mornings, and coffee went into this accomplishment,” Crocker wrote on his LinkedIn account. His journey was one of constant motion—spending half his days at Eastway Dining Hall and the other half at the Design Innovation (DI) Hub or Rosie’s, all while managing the complexities of family life and building a travel agency and insurance business from his laptop.
Crocker's time at Ը was defined by more than just textbooks. While working in campus culinary services, he found a second classroom among the student body. Working alongside international students, particularly those from India, transformed his world view. "They helped open my mind to different ways of thinking about life," he said. This cultural immersion even sparked a new passion for global flavors—specifically a love for samosas discovered while helping to open Chula Eatery at Eastway.
That spirit of service and global curiosity is exactly what drove him to the dual-degree path. By combining the strategic power of an MBA with the service-oriented focus of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Crocker is preparing to realize his dream of managing a resort while growing his independent travel agency.
“Crocker's incredible achievement is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that with true discipline, you can balance family, business, and academic excellence,” said Alicia Crowe, interim dean for the College of Education and Human Services. “His openness to global perspectives and his passion for service embody the very best of our student body. We are immensely proud to count him as an alumni and cannot wait to see the impact he will make in the hospitality and business worlds.”
For Crocker, education is a tool for empowerment. “I’ve always believed that education makes you better at serving others,” he explains.
Every late-night study session was an investment in his ability to guide people with more clarity and create better experiences for his future clients.
As he closes this chapter at Ը, Crocker remains a lifelong learner—even hinting at a future return to finish a fifth degree. For now, he steps into the professional world with four degrees in hand and the seasoned discipline of a man who knows exactly what it takes to build a dream from the ground up.
“I wouldn't mind going back and finishing off my computer engineering degree,” he said. “I just really like learning.”