Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Admissions Team.
(From Left to Right) Rodrigo Malta, Paul Mannie, Stacey Batas, Patrick Olson.
Every year, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA admissions team meets with hundreds of people interested in pursuing their MBA. Our Admissions Officers are experts in helping people navigate the application process and cultivating a class of diverse ideas and talents.
Get to know more about them, below. 🤘
Rodrigo Malta – Managing Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions
Rodrigo Malta, also known as Digo, is originally from Brazil and immigrated to the United States during high school. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, and his bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. Before and after his MBA, Digo worked for Fortune 100 companies in internal audit and marketing in the telecom and technology industries.
One of Rodrigo’s proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen in 2008, which was the same year Rodrigo joined Texas McCombs as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, Lead Diversity Recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program.
“I was a McCombs Ambassador Committee co-chair as an MBA student and that experience ignited my passion for admissions and higher education. In 2008, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to transition from tech to higher education and never looked back.”
He now serves as Managing Director of MBA Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions over Texas McCombs’ Full Time, Evening, Weekend – Dallas, Weekend – Houston, and Executive MBA programs. His most rewarding experience is working with his team and representing the Longhorn Community all over the world. Digo is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is passionate about building a collaborative work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves.
“We bring together students from all corners of the world with unique personal stories and varied professional backgrounds. Add in our award-winning faculty members and this is the perfect recipe for lively class discussions and an amazing learning environment.”
Digo says the best thing you can do when applying to Texas McCombs is to be authentic and ensure your application highlights who you are personally and professionally.
“Focus on the things you can control and be yourself. Engage with us in a purposeful manner, but do not over do it.”
When Digo is not reading applications, you can find him at the movies, enjoying tacos and margaritas, or spending time with his husband and two dogs. Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn.
Stacey Batas – Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions
Stacey Batas has been a part of the McCombs family since 2015. Prior to working at McCombs, she worked for an Austin-based marketing firm focused on college and university admissions that helped clients with social media, branding, search campaigns, publication design, etc. She also spent 8 years in admissions and marketing at a private college in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she managed events and recruited transfer and international students. While in Charlotte, she attained her MA degree in Higher Education.
“I was an admissions tour guide in undergrad and fell in love! I found my calling in higher education at the ripe old age of 21, when I started my career in admissions. I loved the industry so much that I got a master’s in higher education in 2012 and have been in various roles in the industry ever since. My husband is also a graduate of the Texas McCombs Evening MBA program, so I’m a member of Cohort 5 as well!”
Stacey says the best thing about being a part of the Admissions Team is working with the student ambassadors and helping newly admitted students. Moving to Austin and starting the program can be stressful but being able to help them through the process is incredibly rewarding for the team.
“I love working with the student ambassadors. Seeing how they grow professionally and personally over the course of the two-year program is so rewarding. I also love to travel, so visiting our prospective students on their turf is a great perk of the job. I’ve been able to visit applicants in India, Latin America, and all across East Asia.”
When applying to McCombs, Stacey advises prospective students to not rush their applications and take some time to proofread everything before clicking ‘submit.’ Many of the mistakes the admissions team sees on applications are because they were rushed or waited until the last minute. When looking over applications, Stacey says the most notable are the applicants who have a cohesive story.
“I love the applicants who have a cohesive story. I understand their background, why they want an MBA, and what they want for themselves after the MBA. Really think about how to weave that story throughout your application.”
She also warns about some things applicants should not do:
“While we do want our applicants to interact with us, remember that ‘more’ is not always better. Registering for and no-showing to a ton of events can reflect poorly on your application.”
Stacey isn’t always looking over MBA applications, she also loves driving her Vespa— she uses it daily to get to Rowling Hall —along with spending time with her husband and dog, Phoebe Cates.
Connect with Stacey Batas.
Paul Mannie – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer
Paul Mannie is a Longhorn Alum with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to becoming a part of the Full-Time MBA Admissions team in September 2021, he worked as a Student Program Coordinator for UT for Me – Powered by Dell Scholars. Paul is also currently pursuing a Master in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of Texas.
“I got into admissions after a internship with UT’s undergraduate admissions office. Helping recruit historically underrepresented students just seemed perfect. McCombs brought together a lot of my professional passions and the work environment is the talk of the town.”
Paul says he loves talking to current and prospective MBA students to learn about what they are passionate about and where they see themselves going in the future.
“Ask all of the questions. Even that one that you thought ‘no, probably shouldn’t.’ Just be mindful of who you are asking (admissions officer vs. alumni vs. current student).”
Before submitting your MBA application, Paul suggests reviewing it as a whole to be sure it effectively captures the whole story.
“Tell your story and tie together the pieces of your application to form a complete picture. This takes some introspection and looking back on your application as a whole before hitting submit or interviewing.”
Paul warns that while excitement about the program is encouraged, you should not try to “overdo it.”
“Don’t overdo it. If this is where you’re supposed to end up, it’ll work out. Come to the events you need to, talk to the people you need to. You don’t have to come to everything nor talk to everyone.”
When Paul isn’t on the Forty Acres or studying for class, he could be found hiking the trails of Austin, spending time with his puppy Yeaux-Pierre, or playing the trombone.
Connect with Paul Mannie.
Patrick Olson – Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer
Patrick Olson grew up in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He earned his bachelor’s in Business from the University of South Carolina and a master’s from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to starting at McCombs in October 2021. He worked as an Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the UT College of Pharmacy.
Patrick got his first start in admissions as a student ambassador as an undergrad and found a passion for higher education and recruiting. While Patrick is fairly new to the team, he has had the best time meeting and working closely with our McCombs Ambassador Committee.
“Working in Admissions was my first job out of college and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it. McCombs is a special place to work because of the caliber of students. Our MBA students are both driven and well-rounded. McCombs students are proud to call themselves alumni of the program and regularly give back to their community. I thrive off the Texas McCombs energy.”
Patrick says video essays catch his attention the most when going through applications.
“I am a sucker for the video essays. I love seeing the creativity students put into their video and it helps me see a different perspective that isn’t typically available in the traditional application. That said, your video doesn’t have to be academy award quality to be “good.” An iPhone and a location that is meaningful to you is perfect!”
For those preparing for a virtual interview, Patrick has some advice.
“Don’t read off notes or a second monitor when interviewing virtually. Your answers should be honest and authentic. I rather you tell me one specific story about yourself than ten surface-level fast facts. You will never be able to share your entire life story in an application, so focus on telling one good story.”
When Patrick is not talking to students or prospective applicants, you can find him spending quality time with his partner, young twins, and their puppy, Maddie. Patrick is an avid runner and participates in local road and trail races–his favorite being the Longhorn Run, which happens annually on the UT campus. He also spends time volunteering with the Young Men’s Business League and Austin Sunshine Camps.
“If you can, please visit our campus and Rowling Hall! It is easy to compare and the quantifiable difference between MBA programs, but it is so important you feel comfortable, welcome and safe in your MBA program. The McCombs community and the city of Austin are what make our program different from any other MBA program in the world. Come see for yourself!”
Connect with Patrick Olson.
Talk with our MBA Admissions Team at an upcoming admissions chat, info session, or any other Full-Time MBA event.
