by M. C. Jennings | Jul 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
Sunday evening June 17 2012 – Sydney Australia by Ian Shepherd
As we gathered tonight it struck me that this group of students is very special to me. I appreciated the 100% attendance at our worship service after such a fun weekend for all. As we gathered and had a cup of coffee or tea, each of the students were loudly telling of their wonderful experiences this weekend. Today was probably the sunniest day we have had this whole week. There were three basic groups traveling around Sydney. One group, along with Dr. Jinkerson, spent the weekend walking and sightseeing in Sydney (The Rocks, George Street, Darling Harbor, Paddies Markets). Another group went to Bondi Beach and spent the day walking the cliffs of the beaches along the coast. Another group went to Manly beach on the ferry and spent the day surfing and swimming. There were so many great stories and such exuberance from a group of excited students. A few of the students now want to extend their trip and maybe learn to surf here in Sydney. We will be looking into that tomorrow for them.
I was lucky enough to go to see my mother with my son Ethan and his wife Leah. What a joy it is to go home to the old home place. We had a great weekend just visiting and listening to stories and just catching up on what was happening with everyone.
Tonight as we gathered for worship we were glad to have Peter and Claire Tickner and family from the McQuarie congregation here in Sydney 
drop by to bring the lesson and share the Lord’s supper with us. We sang, prayed, read and worshiped together bringing a great weekend to a perfect end. Peter and Claire are longtime friends and missionaries here in Australia. We have appreciated the faithful nature in which they have served the Lord for many years. Strangely enough, Ethan my son told his workmates in the Adams Center at ACU that he was traveling to Sydney and one of them said “I know someone in Sydney, Peter Tickner”. Nuria, from the Adams Center, used to baby sit Peter when he was young. Ethan responded quickly that he had known Peter since 2002 when Peter baby sat him in Murfreesboro Tennessee. It truly is a small world when you are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Tomorrow we will spend the day cranking out assignments at Sydney University here in town. We have arranged to have a classroom for both our classes for the day. We will be able to use the internet and catch up on all our work that requires the internet.
Take care!
Monday 6/18/2012 – Our walk to University of Sydney by Ian Shepherd
Having had so many problems with internet access I called University of Sydney (who have a large campus here in Sydney) to see if we could get a room with internet access for all 24 of our travelers. The university was able to allocate a room for 2 days with internet access for $130. Doing the math for internet access for 24 people for 2 days…..that is pretty reasonable. After booking the room I received and email with directions. The email said it was a short walk from Central Station. I jumped on the web and mapped our walking directions to the school. It was 2.8 kilometers….how bad could that be? It is not much more than walking around the walking track at ACU!
Setting off on the walk a little late I set off with 23 people in tow. I can tell you that the 2.8 kilometers at a brisk walk up and down hills and through heavy traffic was no fun! It took about 40 minutes to get there…and…it is NOT within walking distance of Central.
We found our room, set up, and then held class for most of the day. During breaks and at the end of the day the students were able to upload most of their pictures and also skype with parents at home. It was enjoyable to quietly listen to all their excited discussions with parents about the new experiences they have had these last few days. At the end of the day we shared a cab back to our apartment and collapsed onto the couch.
Tomorrow….we do it all over again!
by M. C. Jennings | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
Sydney – Day 4 by Ian Shepherd– Johnson & Johnson Visit to North Ryde.
Finally a day without rain! Our day started at 6:50 am when we met in the lobby of our hotel. At 7:00 am we set off walking to Central station 
(about a 10 minute downhill walk). After purchasing 24 return tickets at the station we set off for platform 16 and our first test of the Sydney Urban Transport System. The train system here is very easy to use. Each destination is easily found on display boards and trains are announced electronically up to 3 in advance of when they arrive. We boarded our train on time and had 
to stand for a few stations until the majority of Sydney workers left the train. As we headed north over the harbor bridge we were able to take seats and enjoy the quiet ride north to Ryde.
When we arrived we had a short distance of about a block to walk to get the Johnson & Johnson headquarters (J&J). I am proud to say that we arrived at J&J exactly on time at 8:30 am ready for a great day of information gathering. A few of the students had new shoes on and we had a few blister injuries due to the walking today. 
Once at J&J we signed in and then were escorted to a large conference room for our day of presentations. Thanks go out to David Swearingen for arranging what came to be “An MBA in a day!” for our students. Both Dr. Jinkerson and I agree that the presentations today were of the highest quality we have seen and covered in detail all the topics in both our Leadership and Operations classes. The students presented themselves well with engaging questions and interest in all the topics.They did COBA and ACU proud. I must also say that many were dressed very professionally and again made great impressions with the executive team at J&J.
At the end of the day several of our students were asking how they might apply for internship positions with the company there in Ryde. Tomorrow we go to Subway for a comparative analysis of their stores here in Australia compared to Abilene.
Tonight we were so tired that we caught a cab to dinner in china town. After dinner Dr. Jinkerson, Ethan and Leah Shepherd, and I walked around Darling Harbor to give Dr. J. an idea of where we plan to pick him up on Saturday with our fishing charter.
Sydney Day 5 – Subway Visit to Flemington Markets
Up again at 5:30 am to get ready to leave at 6:50 am for Central Train station. Our students once again looked great as they donned their business attire and set off on a second day of train travel to review operations and leadership methods in an Australian Subway Franchise. Once 
again we arrived exactly on time at the Subway and we broke into two groups. Group 1 (half our group) met with Tony who is head of Subway location finding in Australia. This group focused on the operations of location and store setup and how the franchise portions of the business are run. Group 2 met next door with an actual subway franchisee who covered his management style with his employees and how operations within the store run on a day to day basis. In each session 
the students posed questions that drew out further discussions on other important aspects of the business.
After the technical side of our business visits were completed, we were treated to a Subway lunch outside in the lovely sunshine (a first for our trip). As we were leaving we walked back through the largest fruit market in the Southern Hemisphere where early activity in the day peters out at about 2 pm. By then all the Sydney stores have purchased their daily requirements and have set off for their own stores.
As we made our way back to our hotel, we rode the train for what may be the last time. Class met for a little while this afternoon and now we are advising students on how to behave and spend the next two days of free time in Sydney. Most students are staying in town. I am going out to see my mother in Blacktown and a few students (I think) are going tandem sky diving on Monday afternoon. 
We will gather together Sunday evening at 7 pm when we get together for Devotional and worship with Peter and Claire Tickner (another local preacher from McQuarie Church of Christ). We look forward to hearing great stories from the kids as they become more comfortable in getting around the city.
Parents…the more we are with your kids…the more we love them. I am proud of each of them and their patience and presence that exemplifies Christ.
Blessings to all…!
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 29, 2012 | Uncategorized
Sydney Day 2 by Ian Shepherd
Rain, rain go away…..! Well, day 2 (Tuesday) was set aside for our first and only tour in Sydney. The day started at 6:30 am with early wake ups, 
showering and preparations for our 8 am start to the mountains. We met our tour guide Laurie and our driver Gary and set off for Featherdale farm in Blacktown. Strange as it sounds, this wildlife farm is right smack in the middle of the town where I grew up. It is by far the most hands on of all the wildlife farms in Sydney. On entry our students set off on their amazing journey down the marsupial road. It is amazing to see grown adults turn to mush when they get to pet a kangaroo or koala. The pictures will tell it all. I took both video and still shots to show the extent of our one on one interaction with the local fauna.
After Featherdale we set off for the Blue Mountains and Katoomba. The weather turned cold and foggy so our sightseeing was somewhat limited 
of the valley but we did get to ride the incline railway (52 degrees down slope) and then walk the board walk along the side of the mountain showing the coal mines and fauna in the area. At the end of that walk we got to ride the gondola overhead car back up to the top of the mountain.
After our ride to the top we ate at the revolving restaurant and enjoyed a taste test of both Vegemite and Pavlova. Pavlova was a winner….vegemite got the thumbs down from all except one! While eating Jack Rich’s brother Alan and his family from ACU walk up to greet us. We ran into them in Dallas while waiting to fly to LA. Then in LA we ran into them again. Then in Sydney airport we bumped into them again….and then….up at the restaurant who should walk up….but the Alan Rich family! The world is a small place. What a blessing that these kinds of things happen.
As we made our way back to Sydney Ethan, Leah and I hopped off the bus halfway down the freeway and were picked up by Susan (my sister) for a visit with mum (Grandma Audrey). So I got to spend a couple of hours sitting next to my mum relaxing and catching up. I am 55 years old and still love to see my mum. What a great day.
Thanks to Sue who drove us back into the city tonight and helped us with groceries and a projector for our classes tomorrow. She is a gem!
Tomorrow, just classes and preparations for two days of company visits. Keep the prayers coming….!
Sydney – Day 3 by Ian Shepherd
Rain, rain, not again! Today was a class day with Dr. J meeting with his class at a library near the hotel and my class going out and working on any of the special company projects required to complete the course. There is an increased frustration with internet access. To get access each 
room needs $125 for 7 days coverage and then only two devices can attach. After meeting with one student today I contacted University of Sydney (near our hotel) and they have offered a classroom for two days (morning and afternoon) that comes with full internet access.
Tonight we watched the State of Origin Rugby match between New South Wales
(N.S.W) and Queensland (Qld). One of the most brutal games of rugby I have ever seen. I can report happily that N.S.W. won….so GO BLUES!
Tomorrow we have an early start at 6:50 am to go to Johnson and Johnson for a full day of interaction with their executive team. I do hope that our students are prepared and well read. When I called to tell each room about our schedule there were no students to be found. They are all out enjoying the night life of Sydney.
Keep your prayers coming! We love and miss all our families in the U.S.A.
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 19, 2012 | Current Students
Congratulations to Dr. Andy Little, Assistant Professor in the Management Sciences Department of the College of Business, who was named ACU’s 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Little joined the College of Business in 2010 and teaches business law.
ACU’s Teacher of the Year is nominated by the student body. One student commented, “Dr. Little has been an incredible mentor, friend and teacher to me. His classes are engaging, but more importantly, he has offered support beyond the classroom. He has been a life plan adviser – academically, personally and spiritually. He is a great asset to the business department, and I have no doubt he will continue to positively impact lives of students for years to come.”
You can read more about Dr. Little and his award by clicking on this link: http://www.acu.edu/news/2012/120614-andy-little-teacher-of-the-year.html.
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 18, 2012 | Uncategorized
It’s summer and that means that we have student groups from COBA studying abroad. We have one group in Australia and one group in China as I type. We thought you might like to share in their adventure so just for the summer, we’ll be posting daily blogs/diaries of their trips abroad. We hope you’ll find their stories interesting, intriguing, and that it inspires you to head out into the world for your own adventure.
Sydney Day 1 – by Dr. Ian Shepherd
Most of us slept until about 8 am today. Classes began at 9:00 am for Dr. Jinkerson’s class and my operations class had a delayed start until 11:00 am due to internet connectivity problems. We are lucky to be located in a downtown hotel that allowed Dr. J to hold his class in a conference facility room downstairs. My operations class didn’t require direct access to the web today so we started off in my room and after instructions on the next few days activities, dispersed to begin the practical applications of our course readings. The students have completed the readings from 18 chapters of our texts, have taken quizzes and exams and are now applying their readings to many businesses across Sydney that give them an insight into the Australian culture as well as how businesses operate here. Last night we distributed 4 flip cameras to students for additional video recording of interviews and activities throughout the week.
With their iPads in hand, my class set out across town to work on several of the required business assignments. Students had the option to do whichever topic they wanted to first.
We had lunch with my brother Steve Shepherd and Debbie Roper. Good to catch up with family.
The weather has been the coldest and wettest days in June in over 5 years. So, most of the students spent the day running around Sydney finding wet weather gear and enjoying their first day of shopping in Sydney. At one point today I was greeted at the door by four drenched students with huge smiles on their faces….all were excited about the incredible shopping mall that they had found. It’s the little things…..!
Another fun experience for me was just having some of the guys drop by, sit down on the couch and watch some rugby with me. Relationships 
that we build on this trip will last a lifetime. Tomorrow we are off on a day tour to the mountains. Pray that the weather improves for us.
We do have one other visit to Johnson and Johnson scheduled that will take all day Thursday.
by M. C. Jennings | Jun 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
The College of Business is preparing to send students and professors across the globe this summer. In June, Dr. Darryl Jinkerson and Dr. Ian Shepherd are leading a trip to Australia while Dr. Brent Reeves and Dr. Phil Vardiman are leading a trip to China. In July, Dr. Andy Little and Dr. Jim Litton are leading a trip to Honduras where they will partner with Mission Lazarus and focus on social entrepreneurship.
Students have an opportunity to enhance their directed course work with “active learning” experiences through our study abroad programs, which combine business fundamentals with international and inter-cultural perspectives. COBA seeks to develop globally competent students living out their lives from a Christian worldview, working together in global community. Check back with us throughout the summer for blog updates from each of these trips.
by M. C. Jennings | May 29, 2012 | Current Students |
COBA bid farewell to Dr. David Wright and Assistant Professor Mike Winegeart at a luncheon held in their honor this month. Faculty, staff and friends shared stories about David and Mike and presented them with tokens of appreciation from the college.
Dr. David Wright is retiring after eleven years of service as an associate professor of marketing. With broad academic and industry experience, David joined ACU in 2001 to teach management. When the College of Business needed extra help in teaching marketing courses, David employed his past experience in the field and graciously added these classes to his routine. David served for several years as the sponsor of the American Marketing chapter and mentored countless student teams while providing consulting services to over thirty clients in the area as part of the marketing research class. David has helped train a generation of ACU management and marketing students. His kindness and Christian example have blessed many.
Mike Winegeart has served as Assistant Professor of Marketing and Director of Global Initiatives for COBA since 1997. Mike brought extensive European business and cultural experiences to his ACU classes along with a passionate faith. His fingerprints are evident on ACU’s summer Global Apprentice program in Oxford, England and in COBA’s winter Leadership Summit in Colorado. Because of Mike, a decade and a half of students have left ACU with inspiring words in their ears and hearts and a well-formatted portfolio under their arm.
Each of these men have left an indelible mark on the College of Business faculty, staff, alumni and students. COBA and ACU will greatly miss Mike and Nancy Winegeart and David and Gayle Wright. We wish them God’s blessings in their future endeavors. 
by M. C. Jennings | May 21, 2012 | Uncategorized
The College of Business honored May, August and December 2012 graduates at the COBA Senior Dinner on May 11th. Held in the Teague Special Events Center, Corbin Cross, Senior Accounting major from Southlake, Luz Hernandez, Senior Marketing major from Sulphur Springs, and Kendall Lundschen, senior Computer Science major from San Antonio represented their fellow graduates in addressing the crowd of 380 graduates, family members, friends, faculty and staff. They challenged the class of 2012 to pursue their dreams, their friendships, and their relationship with God on a deeper level. Mr. Matt Corbin, father of Drew Corbin, spoke on behalf of parents to the graduates, urging them to treasure the friendships they have made at ACU, have pride in their alma mater, and forge new friendships with fellow ACU alumni all over the world.
The Senior Class voted for and honored a faculty member from each department with the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Alfa Nyandoro, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, received the School of Information Technology and Computing Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Nyandoro’s students have said that he “goes above and beyond trying to make his courses fun and as hands on as possible. He has a real desire to see students succeed and do well. He has a genuine enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter. His kind attitude and his desire to communicate effectively to students is incredible”.
Dr. Terry Pope, Professor of Finance, received the Accounting and Finance Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Students stated that Dr. Pope “has a great love for the Lord and pours this into all of his classes. He truly cares about his students and their success both in and out of the classroom. It shows in the way that he conducts his classes, speaks to students, and opens his home to students for dinner.”
Mike Winegeart, Assistant Professor of Marketing, received the Management Sciences Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Professor Winegeart’s students remarked that he is “passionate about Christianity’s role in business. He focuses on the truth and what God’s point of view is. He gets students actively involved in class, relating class to real life business examples and helps prepare students outside of the classroom for the business world while challenging them spiritually”.
Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean of the College of Business, also gave four Dean’s Service Awards. Dr. Ian Shepherd, Associate Professor of Management, received the Dean’s Award for Innovation for applying mobile and distance learning tools to teach economics in novel ways. His work has been spotlighted nationally and he, along with Dr. Brent Reeves, will serve as Mobile Learning Fellows at ACU for 2012.
Associate Professor Bill Fowler, Chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance, Dr. Don Pope, Chair of the Department of Management Sciences, and Dr. Brad Crisp, Director of the School of Information Technology and Computing, received the Dean’s Award for Service and Leadership. Dr. Lytle commended them, stating that “although their work is often unseen and under-appreciated, our academic chairs perform a valuable and necessary service to our programs. They teach, research, attend meetings, counsel, build curriculum, allocate resources, attend meetings, provide assessment, oversee faculty development, design programs of study, and attend meetings as they serve the needs of faculty and students. In short, they are the front line leaders who deliver what it is we produce and sell.”
If you would like to see more pictures of the dinner, please follow us on facebook by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/ACUCOBA. We congratulate the outstanding faculty award winners and the graduating class of 2012 and we offer this blessing; “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
