David Wilson

Professionals - Evening
Current Industry/Job: Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor
From: Houston (Katy/Cypress)

Favorite quote and why:

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." — Gandhi. I have always marveled at how Gandhi was able to achieve success without resorting to altercations. My current and previous career working in the hospital has been physically demanding and fast-paced. I use this quote to draw strength and remind myself how to focus my efforts.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor and why?

I would select Jeff Luhnow, General Manager of the Houston Astros, as my mentor, because I have a big baseball background, and I admire what he has accomplished in his career. After obtaining his MBA and enjoying a successful career as a business executive, he re-built a struggling Houston Astros team through the use of analytics and strategy that went on to make the playoffs in 2015.

Best memory from your first year in the MBA program:

I have a two best memories. My first best memory is at Beer Bike this past spring cheering on the Graduate Student Association alongside my siblings (Rice Alums) and MBA colleagues (full-time and part-time) amidst a crowd of undergraduate students cheering for their respective colleges. My second best memory is attending the tailgate at the first Rice football game last year.

What story does your family always tell about you?

My family usually tells the story of how I caught my first fish, because it highlights how stubborn I can be at times. At age three, my father took my little brother and me to Fairfield, TX for our first fishing trip. After four hours of fishing and catching nothing, my father and brother packed up everything and said that they were leaving. However, I sat on the dock and said that I was not leaving until I caught a fish. After sitting there for an additional hour, I felt a tug at the end of the line and reeled in the smallmouth bass with the help of my father.

What advice would you like to provide incoming students?

I recommend being involved in as many activities as your time allows. This program offers lots of opportunities to expand your knowledge in business, but also non-business areas. I would also like to encourage those who are entering the program to make connections and form relationships with as many people as possible. There are many colleagues and staff that have taught me valuable skills that I can apply to every day business situations.

Any additional unique facts you would like to share:

I am a former college baseball player.

I went to pharmacy school in San Antonio, where I met my wife.