Alan Llavore | Office of Strategic Communication | 909-537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
Recent CSUSB alumnus and international student, Mohammad “Moe” Allary, is gearing up to scale new academic heights. In December 2023, Allary graduated with his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in cybersecurity from CSUSB’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. Now he is ready to advance his academic career at Claremont Graduate University, pursuing a doctor in technology degree.
"Mohammad is resilient, disciplined, hardworking, and a fast learner," said Anthony Escoto, a fellow alumnus and Allary's study partner and friend. "In the program, our study routines synced up perfectly. We took charge of a class project together, and before we knew it, we were not just classmates but close friends. We started gearing up for the comprehensive exam well in advance, and we proudly graduated side by side. Now, we're both diving into the doctor of technology program at Claremont, aiming to graduate with the Class of 2026."
This educational trajectory is a testament to Allary's unwavering determination. Originally from Jordan, Allary moved to the United States a decade ago, finishing his high school education in the Bay Area before pursuing a bachelor's degree in business analytics at San Jose State University. His path was influenced by his father's advice and the burgeoning potential of data analytics — recognizing it as a tool of innovation and a cornerstone of modern business.
His journey at CSUSB began with a management focus, but guided by his father's wisdom and insight from a friend, he switched to cybersecurity, and it soon became his passion.
"CSUSB introduced me to the world of technology," Allary explained. "The program was comprehensive and laid the groundwork for my interest in furthering my education."
Reflecting on his time at Cal State San Bernardino, Allary fondly remembers meeting his wife while he was in the MBA program, a testament to the university's ability to foster not only educational growth but personal connections. He also cherishes the friendships he made while at CSUSB.
Of the professors who impacted his academic experience, he identifies Ying Cheng as being one of the most influential. Cheng, assistant professor of management, taught him advanced managerial communications. She made the classroom experience interactive and memorable, particularly through a rigorous class project that he shared with Escoto.
Asked about his choice to apply to Claremont Graduate University, Allary's reasons are clear: "Claremont matches my preferences – like CSUSB matched my preferences with the MBA program. And the location is ideal. I’m planning to stay in this area. I love California." He sees his future doctorate as a steppingstone to gaining the necessary experience in technology to reach his goals, which include eventually starting his own business.
For Allary, family has been the core motivator throughout his educational journey. His story is interwoven with profound respect and gratitude for his parents' sacrifices and the vision his father has had for him. This foundation of support and ambition is what drives him to succeed and to become the second person in his family to earn a doctorate.
To current and prospective international students, Allary shares this perspective: "Being an international student at CSUSB is amazing. If someone is brand new to the country, they may worry, ‘Am I going to fit in? Am I going to be able to make friends?’ You don’t have to worry because of the diversity at CSUSB and the friendliness of the students and professors. The professors are good, and they know what they are talking about. You can meet people from across the world and get to know different cultures. It was a really good experience.”