Experienced veterinarian earns MBA at Weber State to benefit local workforce, animal care
OGDEN, Utah — After building a successful career in Brazil’s dairy and agribusiness industry, Alexandre Medeiros de Oliveira came to Weber State University in 2024 to refine his leadership skills and prepare for a new chapter in the U.S.
This week, Oliveira will graduate with a Master of Business Administration from the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics, earning his fourth master’s degree.
“My decision to pursue an MBA here wasn’t to build a foundation, but to refine and expand what I have,” Oliveira said. “I have much to give here, and I feel Utah has much to give me too.” 
As an internationally trained veterinarian, Oliveira has experience in both small- and large-animal medicine. He holds a master’s degree in biotechnology, along with postgraduate specializations in agribusiness management and strategic management — a combination he calls the intersection of science and leadership.
“I reached a point where I knew I wanted to expand my global perspective,” he said.
Oliveira first heard about Weber State in 2004, when he was serving a mission in Boston for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paul Thompson, a former WSU president, was the Massachusetts Boston Mission president during Oliveira’s time as a missionary.
Thompson spoke highly of WSU’s programs and quality. Oliveira said this time in the U.S. left a lasting impact, opening doors and showing him opportunities to serve, grow, and lead.
“I want to give back what the U.S. gave me more than 20 years ago,” he said.
Weber State’s MBA program is designed for working professionals. Classes are held in the evening at WSU Davis — and even some on-site at Hill Air Force Base for military personnel, their families, and civilian employees — so students can maintain their jobs while expanding their skills and advancing in their fields.
Oliveira sees this degree as a way to elevate and build on what he’s started. Learning more about leadership and business operation standards in the U.S. will help him manage teams as effectively as he treats animals.
He’s already applying this knowledge at Bayview Animal Hospital in Layton, Utah, where he works as a veterinarian and strategic operations leader.
“My passion has always been being a veterinarian,” he said. “But one of my greatest professional fulfillments has been helping people grow, developing teams, and turning organizations into success stories. I enjoy solving problems, creating improvements, and helping others achieve more than they thought possible.”
While working at Bayview, Oliveira has worked closely with technicians and other colleagues to build their skills and customer relationships. He said the company has seen positive results, both in the increasing number of clients they’ve retained and feedback they’ve received from pet owners.
After graduation, Oliveira plans to continue working with Bayview. He’ll explore expanding beyond the hospital’s two current locations or providing services to a wider variety of animals.
“I came here not only to grow, but to contribute, to build, and to leave a meaningful legacy,” Oliveira said.
His wife and three daughters — 12-year-old Nicole and 7-year-old twins Julie and Sophie — have been Oliveira’s support system throughout this journey. They didn’t speak English when they arrived, but are now thriving in school.
His girls talk about future career possibilities; maybe becoming doctors or, after watching NASA’s successful Artemis II mission, maybe becoming astronauts.
“Even with almost six years of veterinary school and three master’s degrees, I still think education is an amazing opportunity to grow and better our lives,” he said. “We always tell our daughters, ‘Education is success for life.’”
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu