Interview with Winston Bennett, Anaheim University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Student



Winston Bennett is a retired National Basketball Association (NBA) player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as well as a former men’s basketball coach. Winston has entered the business world and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program through the Anaheim University Akio Morita School of Business. 

1. Could you please tell us briefly about your career in NBA? 

Winston: I played in the NBA from 1989 to 1992 for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat; I jokingly tell people I helped pave the way for LeBron to do the same. I was the only player I know of to hold Michael Jordan to 4 points during a game… well, during half of a game. The other part to that was he scored 65 points in the second half to end the game with 69 points. So, yes — I am that man who Michael Jordan scored his most ever points on 69 points. What a memory.

2. Why did you choose Anaheim University?

Winston: I chose Anaheim at a time when I was trying to decide whether to go to Law School or to pursue a Doctorate. I think it was divine intervention really. Just before I was ready to make my decision I received an email from the NBA saying that Anaheim had a program for retired NBA players who wanted to take the education to the next level. I am always looking for ways to get better, to stretch myself. Once I did some research on Anaheim I was sure this would be a great fit for me. With me putting in countless hours on my job I needed a program that was not only academically strong but a program that was flexible and able to meet my needs as an academic student, father, husband, and insurance professional. 

3. What are you studying with Anaheim University and why did you choose the program? 

Winston: I am studying to obtain a Doctorate of Business Administration. This fits perfectly with my job where I am interacting with businesses all day long. I chose this program because I felt it would enhance my knowledge both academically and professionally about business, how to be successful, and how to take my business acumen to the next level.

4. How has your experience been so far with Anaheim University?

Winston: My experience thus far has been excellent. The staff at Anaheim has been unbelievable; my professors are the best of the best, and very caring. There was a popular phrase that epitomizes the staff at Anaheim. The phrase reads, “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” (Author unknown).  Anaheim makes you feel as though they really care about you achieving your goal of obtaining your degree and moving on to be a success in your field. I love that about the school.

5. What do you do for a living and how is studying at AU helping your career? 

Winston: I am an insurance professional that insures businesses on the property and casualty side of insurance. We insure a number of colleges and universities. The program has made me more aware of how business owners think. It also is teaching me how to evaluate a business, what to look for in successful businesses, and what to look for in unsuccessful businesses. The program is also teaching me how to think more critically. I have to say; so far I love the program, the staff and the professors. It has been a Godsend for me.