Brigitte Owens | ICL Alumna | University of Memphis
Dr. Brigitte Owens
Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, PRG Commercial Property Advisors
Degrees: M.A.T. Instruction & Curriculum Leadership ('93)
Master of Science in Administration and Supervision, ('94)
Master of Science in Administration and Supervision, ('94)
Current Title: Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, PRG Commercial Property Advisors
What year did you graduate, and what degree did you earn?
I am a proud double-alumnus of the University of Memphis. I first earned my Master
of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in 1993, followed shortly by a Master’s in Administration
and Supervision in 1994.
Why did you choose the University of Memphis for your studies?
The university was the perfect fit for my professional life at the time; its proximity
to the school where I was teaching and the availability of evening and Saturday classes
allowed me to balance a demanding career with my studies. More importantly, I come
from a long line of Tigers. My mother earned her Master’s in Elementary Counseling
here, and my father received both his Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Administration
and Supervision from the UofM.
What is a favorite or meaningful memory from your time at UofM?
My most impactful memory was working with Dr. Lorraine Essex during my student teaching
seminar. She provided incredibly practical, "on-point" advice that helped me navigate
the complexities of the classroom. Beyond the mechanics of teaching, she was the one
who first encouraged me to pursue my doctorate, setting me on a path toward higher
leadership.
How did your experience at UofM prepare or shape you for the work you do now?
The University of Memphis laid the essential foundation for my 28-year career as a
successful teacher and principal. The positive environment there gave me the confidence
to further my education, eventually earning my Ed.S. and Ed.D. from the University
of Alabama at Birmingham. The leadership principles I learned at UofM have been the
bedrock of every professional milestone I’ve reached.
What is your current career path?
After retiring from my role as a principal four years ago, I executed an "extreme
pivot" into the business world. I currently serve as the Vice President of Commercial
Real Estate at PRG Commercial Property Advisors in Louisville, KY. I want other educators to know that their skills—communication,
management, and strategic leadership—are entirely transferable to any industry. My
journey from the principal's office to commercial real estate is a testament to the
versatility of a leadership-based education.