Obregon finds renewed calling through MBA program

Obregon finds renewed calling through MBA program

Kim Chaudoin | 01/14/2026

When Linda Obregon reflects on her path to earning her Master of Business Administration from Lipscomb University's Pfeffer School of Business this past December, she sees more than a degree. She sees the hand of God guiding a journey that began in Nicaragua, carried her through unexpected detours and ultimately led her to a place she now considers an extension of home.

Obregon, who works in Lipscomb's Business Office in accounts receivable, where she directly supports students, grew up in a large Christian family in Nicaragua, where her father was a preacher.

"My parents instilled in me a deep love for God and a commitment to serving Him, while my father emphasized the value of education," she recalls. "By the time I was ready to pursue higher studies, I dreamed of becoming a journalist."

However, this was shortly after the Sandinista Revolution, a period when Nicaragua was left devastated in many ways. Obregon explains that in the early 1980s, the government implemented food rationing and prioritized national self-sufficiency.

"As part of this effort, the state determined the fields of study for young students rather than allowing them to choose freely. Although I applied to the journalism program at Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) of Nicaragua, the government assigned me to study zootechnics, a discipline focused on animal reproduction, nutrition, handling and welfare," she says. "While I respected the importance of this field, it was not aligned with my passion or aspirations.

Obregon began her studies but continued to pray for a different path. Over time, an opportunity arose for her to move to the United States, a door that she firmly believes "was opened by God." In 1988, she arrived in the U.S. facing language barriers, cultural challenges and financial strain.

"Yet through every difficulty, God's faithfulness sustained me," Obregon affirms. "A verse that has guided me throughout both trials and triumphs is Joshua 1:9: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'"

Years later, after raising a family and building a life in Nashville, her long-sought opportunity to complete her education finally arrived. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Lipscomb in May 2023 before beginning her MBA program.

"I chose Lipscomb for both my undergraduate and graduate studies because I wanted a university that combined academic excellence with a Christ-centered community," she says. "As an undergraduate, I was drawn to the welcoming environment and the opportunity to grow both personally and spiritually while pursuing my education.

"When it came time to continue my studies, I knew Lipscomb's MBA program would challenge me academically while also preparing me to lead with integrity and purpose," Obregon continues. "The relationships I built here and the values the university instills made it the natural choice for me to continue the journey I had previously started, but I was not able to finish."

Her Lipscomb experience, Obregon says, exceeded expectations.

"Lipscomb has had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. It has given me the opportunity to grow in my career while also strengthening my faith and values. The relationships I've built here, with faculty, staff, and fellow students, have been a source of encouragement and inspiration," she says. "What makes it even more meaningful is that my husband and two children also earned their undergraduate degrees from Lipscomb, so the university has truly become part of our family's story. I am forever grateful to God and to Lipscomb for the opportunities, blessings, and sense of community that have shaped us."

Obregon's husband, Oscar, works in Lipscomb's Environmental Services department and completed his undergraduate degree at Lipscomb. Their son, Caleb, graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and is on track to graduate with his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York in May 2026. Their daughter, Priscilla, was a trustee scholar and graduated from Lipscomb in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in information technology management and is working on a master's degree in applied analytics while working at HCA.

"Reaching this milestone is both humbling and empowering, reflecting the resilient spirit that carried me through the many barriers I had to overcome. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice and growth, not only academically but also personally and spiritually," Obregon admits. "This achievement is especially meaningful because it reflects the support of my family, colleagues and professors who encouraged me along the way. I feel grateful to God for guiding me through this journey and to Lipscomb for providing the environment where I could thrive. Completing my MBA is not just the end of a chapter, it's the beginning of new opportunities to serve, lead and make a greater impact. "

Obregon plans to continue serving students through her work in the Business Office while also engaging more deeply in her church community. She is eager to apply the new skills in leadership, strategy and financial management that the MBA program equipped her with to enhance the way she supports students and contributes to the university's operations.

For Obregon, reaching this milestone is a legacy continued.

"Education has always been one of my deepest personal goals, a value instilled in me by my father and one that I have intentionally passed on to my children," she says. "Lipscomb has truly been an oasis in my journey, a place where I discovered not only a wealth of knowledge but also a Christ-centered, loving community. For my family and me, Lipscomb has been more than a university; it has been a blessing that has shaped our lives academically, spiritually and personally."

Learn more about Lipscomb's Master of Business Administration program.