There are at least two points of agreement for Olivet Nazarene University graduate students Thane Moore’94 and Ethan Moore ’23. One, completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a Christ-centered focus is valuable for their lives and careers. Two, going through the MBA degree program together — as father and son as well as students in the same cohort — is an experience they will always treasure.
Thane has been on staff at Olivet since 1999 and currently serves as Director of Media Services. He manages a team of eight full-time and three part-time employees plus 18 student workers. They are responsible for all campus live events, streaming, and audio/video for events, as well as all classroom technology.
Ethan began as a student employee in system support for Olivet’s Information Technology (IT) department in 2022. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Networking, he joined the IT staff as the User Support Services Specialist in 2023. Working in the help desk area, he supports all students, faculty and staff in their use of technology across campus. He oversees a team of eight student workers. In addition, Ethan serves as a resident director for the Grand Apartments.
“Getting to know current students and developing relationships with them is fun for me,” Ethan says. “When I’m hanging out with students on campus, I remember all the fun times I’ve had at Olivet. I basically grew up at Olivet. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to Ludwig with my Dad and being able to drink as much chocolate milk as I wanted!”
Taking a New Direction
When Ethan decided to enroll in Olivet’s MBA program, he asked Thane to join him. “Ethan asked me three times,” Thane recalls. “I finally said yes, and we started the program together in early 2025. To give some perspective on this decision, when I started my undergraduate at Olivet, there was no Wi-Fi and no ONU email.”
Both Thane and Ethan are eager to improve their leadership skills and develop as leaders. They are immersed each day in the ever-changing technology environment. Both understand that being lifelong learners is benefiting them.
“Getting my MBA was the next logical career step for me,” Thane says. “I should have done it sooner, but it never seemed to be the right time, or life seemed to be pulling me in every direction. To add one more thing seemed inconceivable. Sharing this program with Ethan is a unique experience.”
Ethan adds, “How many people can say that they went to graduate school with their Dad?”
Getting in the Groove
Even though Ethan and Thane are in the same cohort and take classes together, they are assigned to different teams for completing group projects. And sometimes their reactions to lectures and assignments are very different.
“Early on, I remember asking myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’” Thane says. “I began working longer hours to finish my homework. I was even working evenings and weekends. Our professor, Dr. Jay Martinson, took time to meet with me outside of class. He reminded me that while I’m in the MBA program, I might have to say no to some things and adjust my priorities. He encouraged me, prayed for me, and helped me get back on track.”
Ethan appreciates having his Dad as his study partner. “We give each other feedback and hold each other accountable for our assignments,” he says. “We expect a lot out of each other. We remind each other that we’re more than just IT and media guys. Being in this program has actually brought us closer together.”
One common experience that Ethan and Thane share is the immediate application of what they are learning in their classes to their jobs. They are recognizing leadership styles in themselves and others. With the teams they lead, they understand the importance of delegating tasks and mentoring their employees. In doing so, they are building stronger teams.
“My time management skills are definitely improved because of this program,” Ethan says. “I see myself becoming a better leader in all areas of my life. Investing in people is always worth it.”
Thane adds, “My communication skills, even emails I write, are better now. And I’m enjoying watching my son grow in his leadership skills.”
A Legacy of Learning
Olivet is woven into the Moore family’s history and legacy. Thane’s grandparents —Everett, a business professor, and Ruth, an English professor — taught at Olivet. His parents, Woody and Shirley, attended Olivet and met there. Woody even attended grade school at Olivet when it was located in Birchard Gymnasium.
Thane met his wife, Dawn (Triezenberg) ’94, at Olivet. Thane’s sister-in-law, Karen Moore (Weimer), attended Olivet. Thane’s sister, Tracy ’01, and her husband, Nate Stults ’01, met at Olivet; and their daughter, Alauna, will graduate from Olivet in May 2026. Thane has many uncles, aunts and cousins who also attended Olivet.
Thane and Dawn are the parents of Ethan, Emma ’25 and Abby, who will graduate from Olivet with her bachelor’s degree in 2027. “Ethan and I realized that all of his commencement ceremonies — eighth grade, high school and his Olivet undergrad — have been held in Centennial Chapel,” Thane says. “And our MBA commencement and Abby’s commencement ceremonies will take place on the same day there in 2027.” 
Ethan and Thane agree that balancing family, work and school is a challenge — a worthwhile challenge that they face together. “God is still working on me,” Thane says. “It’s always easy to make work my top priority. But now I’m doing better at stepping back and evaluating what’s truly important.”
“Leadership is a journey,” Ethan says. “Growth is ongoing. We need to have struggles to grow. So, we are persevering together in this part of our journey.”
Learn more about ONU’s graduate degree programs at Olivet.edu/academics/graduate-programs. For more information or to enroll, email onlineadmissions@olivet.edu or call 877-465-4838.
