Taking on challenges and a wide variety of skills drove Mark Gardner to appreciate his experience at TCNJ. With a background in interdisciplinary business, Gardner is now the supply chain manager at The Boeing Company, based in Dallas, Texas. “Of course I wasn’t happy about [challenges] while attending, but being challenged to be the best version of yourself in class is something that prepares you for life in the future,” Gardner said.
After attending TCNJ, Gardner went on to earn an MBA in 2013 from Baylor University with a focus in finance, which would lead to jobs in multiple industries: automobile, state government, retail, human resources, and now, aviation. In his current position as a supply chain manager for Boeing Global Services, Gardner works in Order Management for the KC-46 Military Tanker. “I am responsible for tracking and managing all commercial parts from the time they are created to arrival to USAF.” Gardner still works remotely, due to Covid, and looks forward to “face to face conversations and interactions in regards to helping grow the business.”
During his time at TCNJ, Gardner was a four-year letterman on the football team (NJAC Champs ’07) and ran track during his freshman and sophomore year. “The two best men at my wedding were fellow TCNJ Lions Cameron Richardson and Colin Weber. We all still keep up with the football team as much as possible as well.”
Among statistics and accounting classes, he particularly enjoyed a management class with Dr. Lillevik: “I still to this day use concepts taught in her class as a foundation for successful team growth.” Reflecting on how The Boeing Company motivates talented people to be at their best each day, he connects the workplace mentality to the classrooms at TCNJ, especially in business: “Consistently being required to give my best effort every time I walked through the Business School doors prepared me and helped me be as successful as I am today!”
As a student, Gardner was especially concerned about graduating and finding a job after a recession. Every job was competitive, and still is, due to scalebacks from Covid, so he urges all students to just keep applying. “You have to be persistent in your quest for employment. All you need is one call, one interview and one opportunity that can turn your situation around. Keep going, keep pushing forward, and your hard work WILL pay off.”
