Griffin MBA Student at A-State Earns Prestigious PMP® Certification
JONESBORO – Maliha Razvi Ali, a Master of Business Administration student in the Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University, has achieved a major milestone in her academic and professional journey.
Ali earned the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute. The PMP® designation validates a professional’s ability to manage projects, lead teams, and drive results across industries.
Earning the certification required months of focus, consistency and determination. “Preparing for the PMP exam demanded a level of structure and discipline unlike anything I’ve done before,” Ali said. “It’s not something you can study for casually. It requires daily commitment, even on the days when you don’t feel motivated.”
Balancing graduate coursework with exam preparation was no easy task. A native of Hyderabad, India, Ali developed a structured study plan that combined reading, practice exams, and time management strategies. “By choosing an exam date — and sticking to it — I was able to push past the initial self-doubt and ultimately pass the certification exam on the first try.”
Ali expressed appreciation for the support she received from the Griffin College. “I’m thankful to the college for funding my PMP® study materials and exam fee,” she said. “The constant support from my professors was invaluable. A huge thank you to Dr. Matthew Hill and Dean Jim Washam for their encouragement and guidance throughout this process.”
According to Hill, associate dean of graduate programs and research, Ali’s success was no surprise.
“Maliha has consistently been a high performer in the Griffin College graduate program,” he said. “She has a rare combination of intelligence, professionalism and grit that will take her far. I am thrilled that she is the first of our graduate students to earn the PMP® certification while still enrolled in classes.”
With graduation approaching in December, Ali is proud to have reached this milestone ahead of time.
“Earning my PMP® certification prior to graduation feels like the perfect way to bring everything I’ve learned at A-State full circle,” she reflected. “This certification has broadened how I see my career and the kinds of challenges I want to take on next.”
