Meg Lukus Leads Next Chapter of the Tepper School MBA Programs

Meg Lukus has spent her career at the intersection of student growth, community building and graduate business education. Now, as she steps into her new role as Executive Director of MBA Programs at the Tepper School of Business, she brings with her a clear vision to deepen the student experience while strengthening the connections that define the Tepper School community.

Lukus’s path to this role has been shaped by a long-standing passion for graduate education. After earning her undergraduate degree in hospitality business management from Washington State University, she first discovered her interest in higher education while working in a college of business office. What began as a part-time role quickly evolved into a career.

“I loved working for graduate business programs,” Lukus said. “You can see students transform their lives, and that’s a really meaningful experience.”

Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Part-Time and Online Hybrid MBA program before transitioning into her current role overseeing MBA programs more broadly. Throughout her time at the Tepper School, Lukus has been struck by the caliber of its students.

“The Tepper School attracts exceptionally driven students,” she expresses. “Working with them has been an important part of my own growth at the Tepper School.”

As Lukus steps into her new role, a key priority is gaining a clear, unfiltered understanding of the student experience across programs, and using those insights to make targeted improvements. . Having worked extensively with the Online Hybrid MBA, she is now turning her attention to the full-time program with a fresh perspective.

“I want to establish a partnership with our students so they can share their true experiences and continue to build a long-term community.” she explains. “My hope is to really understand what is working well for students and where there are opportunities to fine tune their educational experience.”
She is also focused on strengthening the student journey from the start, ensuring that prospective students are set up for success before they even arrive on campus.

“We want students to have the tools and resources to focus on what matters most to them during their time here,” Lukus said.

Beyond academics, Lukus emphasizes the importance of co-curricular experiences in shaping well-rounded leaders. Her plans include expanding opportunities for students to engage with guest speakers, industry leaders and alumni, while also strengthening already successful initiatives with the Accelerate Leadership Center and the Masters Career Center.

“We’re thinking about how to elevate the professional skills students build during their time here so they translate directly to their post-MBA careers,” she said.

In terms of skills, Lukus points to adaptability, coachability and emotional intelligence as critical differentiators in today’s business world. While technical and quantitative expertise remains essential, she believes the ability to communicate ideas and bring others along is what ultimately drives impact.

“You can have all the data in the world, but if you can’t influence people or communicate effectively, it’s hard to create change,” she said.

In recognition of International Women’s Month, Lukus also reflected on her journey as a leader and the lessons she has learned along the way. One of her most important pieces of advice for aspiring women leaders is to find mentors and advocates who will support and elevate their work.

“Do good work for the people around you,” she said. “Over time, those relationships will turn into strong support systems.”

Beyond formal leadership strategies, Lukus believes that small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact.

“Acts of kindness go a long way,” she said. “Whether it’s celebrating small wins or simply showing up for your team, those moments help build trust and strong relationships.”

At the heart of Lukus’s leadership philosophy is a deep commitment to community. She described this connectedness as the heart of the Tepper School’s values.

“I’m constantly impressed by how much the faculty care about the students,” she said. “There’s a genuine investment in their success. When students leave, they carry with them a community that lasts well beyond their time here...”

As she steps into this role, Lukus is focused not just on enhancing programs, but on shaping an experience that stays with students long after graduation. By prioritizing connection, continuous feedback and intentional growth, she aims to ensure every student feels supported in becoming the strongest version of themselves.

“When students leave here, they should feel transformed,” Lukus said. “Not just in what they know, but in who they are and what they believe they can achieve.”