Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is home to students with diverse aspirations and stories of perseverance, faith, and community. One such student is Abbie Mason, a recent graduate of SNU's Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration program. Abbie's journey to earning her graduate degree is a remarkable tale of faith, family, sports, and a calling to serve others, blending her love for basketball and her dream of becoming a dentist.
A Foundation of Faith and Family
Abbie grew up in Arkansas, the youngest of four siblings in a family with deep faith roots. Her father, a pastor, and her mother exemplified daily service to the Lord, values that have shaped Abbie’s life. "I’ve always prayed that whatever I do, people will see the light of Jesus through me," she shares, emphasizing how her faith is at the heart of her journey.
Growing up in a family of athletes, sports were central to Abbie's life, with basketball taking the spotlight. "I can't remember a time when I wasn’t playing basketball," she recalls. The court became a place of growth, discipline, and, eventually, love. It was at Henderson State University, while playing basketball, that Abbie met her husband. Their shared love for the sport blossomed into a deep friendship and partnership, culminating in their marriage in May 2024. "He is my best friend, and I am blessed to be loved by him," Abbie reflects with joy.
Pursuing Dreams on and off the Court
Abbie's undergraduate journey took her to Henderson State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Integrated Studies with a minor in Chemistry. But basketball wasn’t just a hobby—it became a vehicle for opportunities and meaningful relationships. "My last year of playing, I had the chance to be part of the best team ever," Abbie says. Her experiences on the SNU women’s basketball team were some of her most cherished memories, not just for the competition, but for the friendships and community she found along the way.
It was this same community that led her to pursue her MBA at SNU. While basketball initially brought her to the university, the program offered much more than she expected. "I chose SNU because of the basketball program, Coach May, and the coaching staff," Abbie explains. "In a time when I thought I was done with school and basketball, they gave me an opportunity that seemed like it was only from the Lord."
The MBA in Healthcare Administration (MBA-HC) program was a perfect fit for her aspirations. Abbie had always dreamed of becoming a dentist, but she knew running a practice required more than just clinical skills. "I wanted to be ready to run a business," she says, acknowledging the importance of blending healthcare knowledge with strong business acumen. SNU’s program gave her that opportunity, and the healthcare focus aligned seamlessly with her future goals.
From Basketball to Dentistry: A New Chapter
With her MBA-HC in hand, Abbie is now working in a dental office, gaining practical experience while she prepares to apply for dental school. Her dream is to own her dental practice one day, but her vision extends far beyond that. "I’ve always had a dream of using dentistry in the mission field," Abbie shares. Since childhood, she has envisioned herself serving children in underprivileged areas, combining her passion for dentistry with her faith to bring both healing and hope.
Abbie’s deep sense of purpose fuels her drive to pursue this dream. "I once had a dream growing up that I was surrounded by children in a third-world country, and I was there to bring them Jesus and dental care," she recalls. Her ultimate goal is to fulfill that dream by using her dental skills to serve others, both in the United States and abroad.
The SNU Experience: A Community Like No Other
What truly stands out in Abbie’s story is her appreciation for the SNU community. As someone who had attended two other universities before SNU, she knew firsthand the difference that a supportive, faith-driven environment can make. "The people at SNU have a light about them," she says. "They have a joy and care that you don’t see in other places." Whether interacting with the registrar, student life center, or her advisors, Abbie consistently found herself surrounded by kindness and genuine support.
This positive atmosphere not only made her feel welcome but also played a role in her academic success. "SNU has something special," she explains. "Anywhere I went, I was met with kindness." For Abbie, this support was invaluable as she balanced the demands of academics and basketball, ultimately achieving both her personal and professional goals.
Looking ahead, Abbie feels confident that her MBA-HC will give her an edge in her application to dental school. "I’ve heard from the school I’m hoping to get into that having this master’s degree will help me stand out," she notes. And even if her plans shift, she’s comforted by the knowledge that she has a strong foundation to build on. "If all fails and I don’t get into dental school, I still have a great degree that will help me get a great job."
A Bright Future Ahead
As Abbie embarks on the next chapter of her journey, she remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped her. "I have been blessed to be part of this school," she says. The friendships she formed, the lessons she learned, and the faith she strengthened all serve as guiding lights as she moves forward, whether that’s in dental school, running her own practice, or serving others in the mission field.
Abbie Mason’s story is one of resilience, faith, and dedication—a true testament to the transformative power of education, community, and unwavering belief in a higher purpose. With her MBA-HC from Southern Nazarene University, she’s well on her way to achieving her dreams and making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.
