by M. C. Jennings | Oct 31, 2024 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Marketing, Outcomes, Professional Development, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights
Senior marketing major Carol Queiroz from Brazil recently completed a rewarding internship at Imaginuity, a marketing agency based in Dallas. Her experiences during this internship have not only enhanced her skill set but also prepared her for future career opportunities.
Carol’s internship at Imaginuity was part of a rotational program, allowing her to gain hands-on experience in various departments. Throughout her time there, she explored areas such as social media, user experience, website creation, and client partnership. This exposure to diverse aspects of marketing provided her with a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
One of Carol’s favorite aspects of the internship was building website pages. This opportunity allowed her to combine her creative skills in content creation with the technical skills required for website development. She relished the chance to see her ideas come to life in a digital format, reinforcing her passion for marketing.
Carol said that learning to be adaptable was one of the greatest lessons she gained from her internship. She learned that even in areas where she initially had little interest, there were valuable insights and skills to be gained. This lesson in flexibility is one she believes will serve her well in her future career.
Interning at Imaginuity has opened numerous doors for Carol. The diverse experiences she gained will enable her to apply for various job opportunities after graduation, equipped with a unique skill set that few candidates possess. While she has been encouraged to apply for a full-time position at Imaginuity, Carol has also been accepted into a master’s program in communication at ACU, which she is excited to pursue.
For students seeking internships, Carol offers some sage advice: “Go to the career fair! I got my job there. Also, talk to Jasmine as much as possible. She is a good resource to help with your resume and job search.” She also recommends building a network on campus and maintaining relationships with professors which can open unexpected opportunities in the future.
Carol credits her time at ACU as essential preparation for her internship and future endeavors. The Professional Development team, in particular, has been instrumental in her journey, providing support and resources throughout her college years.
Being a business major at ACU has not only equipped Carol with technical knowledge but also essential life skills. She values the lessons in negotiation, networking, and entrepreneurship that she has gained, stating, “This knowledge is something that no one can take away from me and something that I will carry with me for life. I am very grateful to have received all of this at COBA.”
As graduation approaches, Carol reflects on her three years at ACU with gratitude. Her advice to current students is to savor every moment of their journey. “The whole process you’re going through on campus is preparing you for life off campus,” she emphasizes.
With her newfound skills and experiences, Carol is well-prepared to take on the next chapter of her life, whether in a full-time role or as a graduate student. Imaginuity has played a pivotal role in shaping her future, and she looks forward to what lies ahead.
by M. C. Jennings | Sep 26, 2024 | Academics, College Decisions, Current Students, Marketing, Outcomes, Student Spotlights
Senior marketing major Noah While efficiently combined his academic knowledge with practical experience through an internship at Red Mansions Realty during his summer break. Throughout his tenure, Noah engaged in a diverse range of marketing activities, including the development of training materials for real estate agents. His contributions encompassed creating training materials for agents on procedures for tenant move-in forms, operating 360 cameras for property reviews, and utilizing marketing tools such as Canva to enhance their market presence.
Additionally, Noah undertook various office tasks that contributed to quality control and operational efficiency. He worked with the handyman to manage minor projects, such as smoke detector installations and worked to strengthen investor relations within the property management and commercial real estate sectors. His responsibilities included maintaining up-to-date investor documentation and loan details, thereby supporting both internal and external stakeholder communication.
Noah noted that the aspect he enjoyed most about his internship was the positive and communicative environment fostered by his colleagues. He commented, “There wasn’t a day that I felt uncomfortable and they really made the workplace fun and easy.” Through this experience, Noah learned that effective communication is essential for the smooth operation of a business and that mastering the art of clear and efficient communication with vendors, investors, and employees significantly enhances organizational flow and success.
The internship provided Noah with great insights into the real estate and property management fields, areas he has been interested in since high school. This experience not only deepened his understanding of the industry but also expanded his professional network in New Braunfels, enhancing his future job prospects.
Noah offers valuable advice to prospective interns to get an early start in their internship search as they can be challenging to obtain. “Once you do get an internship, dive straight in and be the best example of ACU you can possibly be with your work ethic and values that you have learned thus far.”
Noah said that his time at ACU has equipped him in several significant ways. Firstly, it has fostered more independence and confidence in his decision-making. Additionally, the networking opportunities and connections he’s made have been invaluable. Personally, he said “My faith has grown since being at ACU, which has reshaped my perspective on the business world. This most definitely is going to prepare me for life after graduation because keeping God first is what really matters.”
As he reflected on his favorite aspect of being a business major at ACU, Noah said that it’s been getting to know the professors at ACU saying, “You can see God shine through these professors daily while teaching and that is something I will cherish and look up to forever. Hearing that your professors are in the same Bible classes at church or serving as elders is really cool and admirable.”
To learn more about the College of Business Administration, click here.
To learn more about COBA’s upcoming Career Fair, click here.
by M. C. Jennings | Aug 28, 2024 | College Decisions
What was once an overgrown and overlooked aspect of the exterior of the Mabee Business Building now offers a serene respite on a normally bustling campus. The Celtic Garden, located right outside of the Quiet Place on the south entrance plaza of the building, features updated landscaping and seating, along with a more contemplative focus, fitting for a Christian business school.
As the college began renovations on the Mabee Business Building, Jim Orr (’86), Executive Director of the ACU Office of Gift Planning, volunteered to lead a small fundraising campaign with his classmates from the Class of 1986. As Dean Crisp and Orr explored various naming opportunities for the building, Jim suggested enhancing the south side, which is visible from the atrium and The Quiet Place. Over the years, tree growth
has cast the area in shade, limiting light for plant growth, especially in the covered space just outside The Quiet Place. The shaded areas, visible from within the building, were barren and uninviting. Crisp and Orr saw this as a prime opportunity to create a reflective and communal space for students, particularly given that the Class of 1986 was the last cohort to graduate before the Mabee Business Building opened in the fall of 1986.
Dean Brad Crisp (’93) began working with a committee to design and implement the garden plans. This
would be the final project of a complete renovation of the Mabee Business Building that began in 2020 and is especially meaningful for Dr. Crisp. “I have loved the chance to improve the functionality and appearance of the Mabee Business Building, but none of it had an overtly spiritual element. I have enjoyed using a Celtic blessing with our graduates during my time as dean, and so I started wondering what a Celtic cross might look like in that space.”
Demolition of some trees, an existing bicycle rack, and a brick wall that hid the space from street view began as soon as the spring semester finished. The new garden design features concrete pathways incorporating elements of a Celtic cross, culminating in a fully formed cross at the path’s end. Adjacent to The Quiet Place, the Celtic Garden will offer contemplative space for spiritual connection, echoing the sentiments of Crisp’s favorite Celtic blessing:
“May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness and protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you, And bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.”
by M. C. Jennings | Jan 31, 2024 | Academics, Alumni Spotlight, Athletics, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, College Decisions, Management
Growing up in Spain, Matias Montanes (‘23) knew he wanted to play tennis and play at the professional level. Spain is the home of great champions like current world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, and doubles great Emilio Sanchez.
It’s a country steeped in tennis tradition, and Montanes wanted to be part of it. He began playing at a young age, and by the time he was 12, he was winning tournaments and was one of the top young players in his home country.
However, the time spent practicing took him away from other interests and made him realize that the dream of playing as a professional might not be what he wanted after all. He began to think about playing collegiately and pursuing his other dreams, like a college degree and perhaps a career as a lawyer.
That’s when he called ACU men’s head coach Juan Nunez (’09), and as soon as the two made a connection, Montanes knew he had found a new home. But two months before he was to arrive in Abilene for the start of his freshman year in the fall of 2020, he suffered a catastrophic elbow injury in a bike accident in Spain.
He came to ACU with the injury and Nunez honored his scholarship despite knowing that doctors in Spain said Montanes wouldn’t be able to play at a competitive level again. He tried to rehab the injury through the fall, but in December, he gave up tennis and began looking to return home to attend college in Spain.
But that’s when Nunez intervened and set Montanes on a path to something he truly loves: the law. As Matias explored this new road, he found mentors in faculty from ACU and COBA, especially Dr. Phil Vardiman (‘76) and Daniel Garcia (‘07). He graduated in December with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), majoring in management with a minor in business leadership. Mattias has returned to Spain to study law in hopes that one day he can combine his ACU business degree with his law degree.
We recently talked to Matias and asked about his time as a tennis player, his experience at ACU and in COBA, and what’s next for him.
Q: Tell me about growing up in Spain, where you grew up, and what you wanted to be as an adult.
Montanes: I grew up in Menorca, Spain, and started playing tennis when I was four. My family and I moved to Mallorca when I was 10 because of my dad’s job. But that helped me improve my tennis game because I could practice with better tennis players and play at a good club.
Q: Growing up in Spain and playing tennis, did you have dreams of one day becoming the next Nadal or one of the other great players from Spain?
Montanes: When I was 12, I started to win Spanish and European championships. I was in the top three in Spain and maintained that level until I was 16. During that time, I beat players like Carlos Alcaraz (he’s number 2 in the world now), Arthur Cazaux (number 122 ATP right now), and Pablo Llamas (160 ATP right now). I wanted to be a professional tennis player, and that was everything I was seeing in my future. I practiced five hours per day every day of the week for six years. When I turned 17, I finally realized how hard it was to become a professional tennis player.
Q: Was tennis always the way you planned to get your education, and how did you come to learn about ACU?
Montanes: I had a hard-working mentality during my career, but that’s not enough. You must have something special, but I didn’t have it to get to that next level. I started to look for universities in the United States after I realized that. I had to find other goals in my life other than tennis. Tennis wasn’t going to provide me with a living. I started talking to some colleges, but as soon as I spoke with Juan Nunez, I knew that ACU was the place to go. Two months before I arrived at ACU, I had a bike accident, breaking my elbow into 18 pieces. The doctors had to put me in a cast and warned me that I wouldn’t be able to play tennis anymore. I didn’t want to believe them. I called Juan, and he didn’t believe them either. I traveled to Texas and visited more doctors. We had faith, but that wasn’t enough. I started to play tennis, and my elbow was getting worse every day. In December 2020, I decided to stop and start looking for colleges in Spain, but Juan allowed me to be his assistant coach, maintaining my scholarship.
Q: What were your first impressions of ACU and Abilene, and how did those change during the years you were here?
Montanes: My first semester, I didn’t like ACU. I came from the Catholic Church, and it was a change. I wanted to return to Spain; I had all my family, friends, and girlfriend there, but the opportunity Juan gave me was too big; one of those opportunities that only happens once in your life. Finally, I decided to stay. My tennis career changed in January 2021 when I started coaching as a freshman. As a second-year student, I began studying law in Spain, thanks to an online program. Being an assistant, attending Business school at ACU, and law school in Spain wasn’t easy, but I made it through.
Q: I know Dr. Phil Vardiman and Daniel Garcia were integral in your pursuit of a business management degree. Can you expound on how much those two men have impacted your life?
Montanes: I was lucky to have professors like Dr. Vardiman and Daniel. We made a special connection from the beginning. They knew everything I was going through and always supported me. They taught me life lessons without words but facts.
Q: What was the total COBA experience like for you, and what lessons did you learn that will stay
with you?
Montanes: I learned to be a servant business leader, a lesson I will always carry. I realized how good people can be in this world. Before coming to ACU, I never thought that people like this existed. But, thanks to ACU, I know the kind of husband, dad, and son I want to become. It took me some years, but now I’m conscious about it.
Q: How did you become interested in studying the law, and what kind of law degree are you working toward in Spain?
Montanes: I was always interested in law. If I had to choose a major in Spain, it would have been law. I saw the opportunity when I became an assistant because I wasn’t arriving home tired. I was coaching, not practicing. I think both majors (business and law) combine very well. You’d better know the law if you have your own business.
Q: How will you use your law degree, and do you want to merge your ACU degree with your law degree in your professional career?
Montanes: I’d like to find a business job with a multinational company and see how it looks in practice. Once I graduate from law school, I will decide whether to become a lawyer or use my law knowledge in a business position.
Q: What is the one thing you miss about Texas and ACU?
Montanes: The people. I miss the people at ACU and in Texas.
by M. C. Jennings | Oct 19, 2023 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Computer Science, Current Students, Faith Infusion, School of Information Technology and Computing, Student Spotlights
written by special contributor Lance Fleming
Fabrice Mpozenzi spent his summer internship working for JP Morgan Chase in Wilmington, Delaware, where he had the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of working on the front end and back end of web applications and other projects meant to further his understanding of the business.
The junior computer science major from Rwanda also worked on a business with a team of interns, which was eventually presented to senior executives for implementation. Mpozenzi’s internship fueled his desire to work as a software engineer after he graduates from ACU.
We recently caught up with Mpozenzi to get his insights on his summer internship and how ACU prepared him to work with JP Morgan Chase.
Q: What did you do in your internship?
Mpozenzi: “I had a chance to work on several different projects. I worked on a web application’s front and back end and presented it to a team of engineers, including my manager. I also had an opportunity to collaborate with other interns to work on a business plan project that we presented to senior executives.”
Q: What was your favorite part of the internship?
Mpozenzi: “What I loved most about my internship was the opportunity to shadow other teams to see the projects they were working on and learn from them. I also loved networking with different people at the company.”
Q: What are the most significant lessons you learned in your internship?
Mpozenzi: “The internship taught me two things: learning is a journey that never ends because there’s always going to be something new to learn, and one must stay hungry and motivated to learn new skills. I also learned that asking questions, especially in the workplace, is an art that unlocks knowledge and fosters a deeper understanding.”
Q: How do you see this experience aiding you in the future?
Mpozenzi: “It’s given me a roadmap to an industry that I would like to contribute to in the future, and I made connections with people from diverse backgrounds that I believe are going to be helpful in my future endeavors.”
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Mpozenzi: “I plan to work with a Fintech company as a software engineer.”
Q: Do you have any tips for future interns or students looking for internships?
Mpozenzi: “I would tell students looking for internships to stay proactive and seek support from the professional development team. Also, stay informed about your industry, and once you secure an internship, make the most of the experience by learning and networking.”
Q: How has your time at ACU prepared you for this internship, employment, or graduate school after graduation?
Mpozenzi: “The academic coursework at ACU has equipped me with a solid foundation of knowledge and problem-solving skills relevant to my field. ACU’s professional development services, including resume workshops and interview coaching, have also helped me refine my professional presentation. These resources have prepared me for this internship and laid the groundwork for my post-graduation plans.”
Q: What’s been your most memorable experience as a business or technology student at ACU?
Mpozenzi: “My favorite thing about being a technology student at ACU is the supportive faculty and the vibrant student community that has created an environment where I can collaborate and engage in meaningful discussions with peers. ACU’s commitment to fostering a strong community has enriched my academic experience.”
by M. C. Jennings | May 26, 2023 | Academics, Athletics, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Management, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights
Written by special contributor Lance Fleming
Each day, students across the ACU campus display the university’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world through their actions and acts of service on the campus. Each year, students like those are nominated by their academic departments. From those nominations, 50 scholars are selected by the ACU Faculty Senate to receive the University Scholars Award for their graduating class.
Among those 50 scholars who demonstrated outstanding scholarship by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, earning 90 hours towards their degree, and continuing the pursuit of knowledge in their research field, seven are students from the College of Business Administration. The COBA students who received this year’s University Scholars Award are Kathryn Crawford, Gracie Isham, Matthew Roberson, Will Harris, Diego Lozano Welsh, Ben Blackmon, and Garrett Powell.
We have been highlighting each of those seven individuals over the last few weeks, including this profile of Will Harris. A native of Houston, Texas, and a business management major, Will carries a 3.78 GPA while competing on the ACU track and field team. Aside from his work on the track, Will is already a licensed realtor, having earned his real estate license two years ago. Will has been selling properties for two years, and his post-graduation plan is to continue selling real estate with the goal of becoming one of the top-producing tenant representatives in Houston.
Will also wants to open a center for financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and professional development in an underrepresented area of Houston. Will competes in the long jump, triple jump, and 100 meters as part of ACU’s tradition-rich track and field program and is also a member of Lynay and the president of the College Entrepreneurs Organizations (CEO). He’s also a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Nu Kappa Psi, and is a DEI mentor.
Will recently answered a few questions about his time at ACU and in COBA, covering everything from his most influential class to the most unique thing he’s been a part of while at ACU:
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself at ACU?
Harris: “The most important thing I have learned at ACU is how to step into a leadership role even when you feel unprepared. The only way to grow is to become uncomfortable for a period of time.”
Q: What professor or class has impacted you most and why?
Harris: “Dr. Dennis Marquardt and Dr. Matt Deeg had the most significant impact on me because they have taken so much time outside the classroom to invest in me as a young man of God. Both men set the standard for integrity in and out of the classroom, and while their classes taught me a lot about business, the value I gained from being in their presence was more rewarding.”
Q: What has been your experience in COBA?
Harris: “My favorite COBA experience was, by far, Leadership Summit 2023. The Lord did something to my heart on that mountaintop, and I honestly was not the same person when I returned to school. I learned to trust the Lord and surrender my life to Him in a way I didn’t know was possible.”
Q: Of all the things you’ve experienced at ACU, what do you believe will have the most impact on your life?
Harris: “ACU Track and Field gave me a family I will never lose. For four years, I learned what it meant to fight hard towards a shared goal with a team! The way the coaches and team mentored me and grew me as a Christian man is the one thing that impacted me the most during my time at ACU.”
by M. C. Jennings | May 19, 2023 | Academics, Alumni Spotlight, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Human Resource Management, Management, Outcomes, Student Spotlights, Student Spotlights
Written by special contributor Lance Fleming
Each day, students across the ACU campus display the university’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world through their actions and acts of service on the campus. Each year, students like those are nominated by their academic departments. From those nominations, 50 scholars are selected by the ACU Faculty Senate to receive the University Scholars Award for their graduating class.
Among those 50 scholars who demonstrated outstanding scholarship by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, earning 90 hours towards their degree, and continuing the pursuit of knowledge in their research field, seven are students from the College of Business Administration. The COBA students who received this year’s University Scholars Award are Kathryn Crawford, Gracie Isham, Matthew Roberson, Will Harris, Diego Lozano Welsh, Ben Blackmon, and Garrett Powell.
We have been highlighting each of those seven individuals over the last few weeks, including this profile of
Diego Lozano Welsh. A native of Coppell, Texas, Diego recently graduated with a 3.87 GPA as a business management major. In June, he will begin work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Sinacola, a construction company in Frisco, Texas.
As a student, Diego – a member of Frater Sodalis – was instrumental in reviving the Lighthouse Catholic Student Organization, which was hit hard by COVID in 2020 and almost disappeared. But with the help of sponsors and parishes in Abilene, Diego led the effort to bring the organization back to campus. He was also part of Lynay, and as a freshman, he began doing volunteer work with “Palm House Kids,” a group that provides children from lower-income families a meal and a place to play and teaches them about Jesus.
Diego recently answered a few questions about his time at ACU and in COBA, covering everything from his most influential class to the most unique thing he’s been a part of while at ACU:
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself at ACU?
Welsh: “The most important thing I’ve learned about myself is that I have been equipped to spread the gospel. I learned how to involve my faith in everything that I do. This allows me to show my hope in Christ and bring that hope to others.”
Q: What professor or class has impacted you most and why?
Welsh: “Dr. Matt Deeg greatly impacted my development during college. I was lucky enough to have a class with him for three consecutive semesters. During those semesters, I changed my major and concentration a few times. He walked with me each time, having conversations to help lead me in the right direction. He was a fantastic teacher whom I learned a lot from professionally. However, the most significant impact he had in my life was personally, as a mentor and a friend.”
Q: What has been your experience in COBA?
Welsh: “I have loved every moment in COBA. I got to work as a COBA student ambassador during my senior year, giving tours to high school students and working in the offices for recruitment. That allowed me to have a different perspective on COBA. I saw the faculty and staff every day and experienced the culture in COBA. This was such a fantastic opportunity; it allowed me to build relationships with everyone working there and see them as real people: these relationships and all the experiences I had in COBA combined into a beautiful experience at ACU.”
Q: Of all the things you’ve experienced at ACU, what do you believe will have the most impact on your life?
Welsh: “The relationships I built will be the most impactful. The way that I learned to build relationships with mentors and the friendships I developed will shape how I live the rest of my life.”
by M. C. Jennings | May 2, 2022 | Academics, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Financial Management, Student Spotlights
Destanie Crist, a financial management major from Valley Center, CA, is one of 4 business majors recognized as a University Scholar this spring. To qualify as a University Scholar, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher and show a demonstration of knowledge and skill in the research of their appropriate field. Students are nominated by faculty across the university and presented for selection to the Faculty Senate for the final decision. We asked Destanie to share her best advice on how students can become involved on campus and gain experience for post-graduation life. Congratulations, Destanie!
Being named a University Scholar is a great honor! What was your first reaction when you received the news?
I was extremely grateful and honored that ACU faculty and staff picked me! It is a special reminder that God blesses, and that hard work always pays off.
What extracurricular activities/student orgs were you involved with on campus?
- Financial Management Association
- Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
- Off-campus, I served as a mentor for 11th and 12th grade girls through Beltway Church
What are some of your favorite memories/experiences in your department?
Managing the Student Investment Fund (STAR) was by far one of my favorite experiences at ACU. I have invested from a very young age, and I enjoyed being hands-on in class with real day-to-day investing activities. Leading as the Fund Manager taught me how to bring together teams and people with many different talents. The fund also did exceptionally well that year, and I loved working with everyone in the class.
Working at the Griggs Center was such a great career-developing experience. Whether as President of Enactus or the Director of Student Competitions, there was always a task and challenges ahead that I got to help with and improve. It is a great place to learn soft skills and meet incredible leaders like Mindy, Amanda, and Jim.
What has grown you as an individual the most in your time at ACU?
The groups and organizations I am involved in have helped me grow the most during my time at ACU. As a leader or a learner training to be one, I was challenged in ways outside of normal academics to strengthen my soft skills and leadership abilities. Working at the Griggs Center, in COBA, and at JP Morgan Chase are all exceptional work environments which have allowed me to take the skills I learned on campus and in the classroom to an actual workplace.
What is your favorite thing about ACU?
My favorite thing about ACU is the people. The professors, students, faculty and staff make ACU an amazing community. ACU is unique in so many ways, but the professors and peers that I have been blessed to be friends with have brought abundant wisdom and joy into my life.
Do you have any advice for future students?
The best piece of advice would be to seek God in all things: school, career, relationships, and your day-to-day living. Enjoy your time at school, be involved, and try new things, but also make sure to think about your next steps and life after school.
What will you be doing after graduation?
After graduation, I will start working full time as a Commercial Real Estate Analyst for J.P. Morgan Chase and I will get married in August!
by Maddy Crockett | Mar 3, 2022 | Academics, COBA Events, Current Students
“Perhaps this was meant to be.” When thinking about the cancellation of Leadership Summit earlier this year, these are not the words one expects to hear. Yet a pivot from the disappointment of the canceled course to bring the student experience to Abilene has created an opportunity like no other.
Leadership Summit, 2020
Leadership Summit is a weeklong mountain-top experience that combines an executive conference-style environment featuring high-profile speakers with a close-knit community. It has been a beloved COBA event for the past two decades. Last year, the virus canceled the event. This year, hoping to resume the tradition, disappointment struck again. The Young Life camp facility where the course was to be held sustained damage from a burst water pipe in the kitchen on the day that students, speakers, faculty and staff arrived. Because there was no water in the camp due to the damage, Leadership Summit had to be canceled, leaving students, speakers, and faculty devastated.
In the days that followed the cancellation, communication was frequent and plans were made to allow students enrolled in the course the opportunity to complete the credit hours needed for Leadership Summit. Part of the new coursework included watching videos from past Summit speakers and writing reflections on the content.
A Slice of Summit, 2022
However, Dr. Dennis Marquardt, Director of the Lytle Center for Faith and Leadership, said it still didn’t feel quite right. “We had selected speakers specifically for this experience [Summit] – I couldn’t believe we were missing this.” After the cancellation, Dr. Marquardt and his team spent the next two weeks in prayer and listening to student’s stories of how they were impacted by the experience.
With the rest of the spring semester remaining and the impacts of the recent events felt throughout the college, Dr. Marquardt pondered the potential to make the best of the situation. “God allowed these speakers to be on the list and students to be in the program. How can we be good stewards of that despite the change?”
As this question lingered, the idea for “A Slice of Summit” began to emerge. If the students couldn’t go to Summit, could Summit be brought to the students? The speaker list for the year had long been set with the content planned out in advance. Perhaps the speakers would be willing to come to Abilene to speak with the students here?
Elise Mitchel speaking at the first “A Slice of Summit” event.
And so, the idea became a reality. What began as an ask to one speaker – Elise Mitchell – turned into a series featuring five of the guest speakers with an opportunity for the Summit students to gather, share meals together, and be uplifted by the speakers and mentors pouring into them. Elise Mitchell, Kent Brantley, Mo Isom, and others are joining the students in Abilene over the remainder of the semester to share their Summit message in person. Marquardt shared that the speakers have jumped at the new opportunity to travel to Abilene and share the message they had prepared to share in January.
A Slice of Summit, 2022
While Leadership Summit is a packed week full of content, “A Slice of Summit” is sprinkled throughout the semester. Typically, the longer the semester goes on, the more worn down students become. The hope is that these “slices” will encourage students in the perfect moments; key junctures to uplift and encourage them in the middle of their challenges. Marquardt said, “It is all falling into place.”
While the last two years of cancellations have been discouraging, Dr. Marquardt said they aren’t giving up and are already planning for the future. The date for next year’s Leadership Summit is set and preparations are underway to ensure the travel plans work better for students and speakers. In the meantime, the Lytle Center is able to bring a little slice of that Leadership Summit pie to the ACU campus. Students can learn more about guest speakers through the Lytle Center, the COBA Newsletter, or the Compass app. To learn more about Leadership Summit, click here.
by Katherine Norris | Apr 6, 2021 | Academics, College Decisions, Current Students, Marketing, MBA
Noah Brinegar, senior marketing major from Round Rock, Texas isn’t ready to say goodbye to the classroom just yet. Brinegar was recently accepted into North Carolina State University’s graduate school in Raleigh, North Carolina where he will be pursuing a Master of Science in Analytics. The experiences that Noah was able to partake in both inside and outside of the classroom have fueled his desire to pursue graduate school and apply his marketing degree to the more specific field of analytics.
One of COBA’s Strategic Initiatives in the 2022 Strategic Plan is to encourage holistic student learning and development. Noah says that the way COBA works in tandem with the classroom and professional development for students helped him to better understand concepts that were being taught and apply the knowledge he was learning. “Specifically the hands-on learning from projects within the marketing classes made me feel really confident in my ability to handle large amounts of work as well as consulting.” An integral part of preparing students is the professional development program, COBA EDGE, headed by Professional Development Manager Steph Brown. “She helped me get an internship over the summer and in this semester that gave me valuable experience and connections.” Noah expressed his appreciation for the ways that Brown encouraged him to discover his values in order to create purpose statements and helped him build his resume for graduate school applications.
Another holistic student development experience for Noah was being a part of the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy as a participant of the Fellows program. “I gained a passion for entrepreneurship and doing it in a way that redeems the wrongs of this world.” Noah says that the Fellows program grew him in many ways throughout his time here. “I had my eyes opened to many different perspectives from students and leaders of different races, backgrounds, and convictions that challenged me to open my mind and humble myself before others.” More than the programs that Noah was involved in, he also looks back on how ACU became the keystone community that pushed him to achieve personal and professional goals. 
As every entering college student makes the transition into their university, there is always the initial challenge of finding community and understanding your purpose within that community. Noah told us that when he found his place within the ACU body, it quickly became his favorite part of his college experience saying, “It is truly a blessing to be a part of.” One of the memories he will take with him is of Dr. Ryan Jessup’s “Cheese Day”, held in his Data Mining class. Data Mining is a very challenging upper-level marketing course and “Cheese Day” is a learning-centered celebration day looked forward to all semester by Jessup’s students. One might even define the day as an “experiential learning” opportunity as Jessup allows students to work on their final projects in class so they can ask any last questions, while at the same time tasting different cheeses and filling out a form that collects opinionated data on the different qualities of the cheeses. Jessup always brings it back to analytics… as he students can attest.
Noah will take a part of ACU with him when he heads to North Carolina and advises students who are considering attending graduate school to look for a place that will help them continue to grow and develop. “When seeking grad schools, look for the programs that fit you the best (classes offered or jobs that often come from that specific program according to your goals), then tailor your preparation and application to their desires instead of trying to do everything and spreading yourself too thin.“ Congratulations to Noah as he prepares to graduate from ACU and on his acceptance to North Carolina State University. We can’t wait to see how he uses his talent to honor God and bless the world.
