by M. C. Jennings | May 17, 2016 | Academics, COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
Every May, COBA holds a dinner to celebrate our graduating seniors as well as to honor outstanding students, faculty and staff. On Friday, May 6th, almost 300 people attended the event held at the Hunter Welcome Center. Dr. Andy Little welcomed the crowd and recognized students and their families for all of the hard work and sacrifice it took for them to reach the milestone of graduating from college.
Families gathering to celebrate their May graduates.
Dr. Andy Little greets the May 2016 graduates and their families.
Each year we ask a student representative from each department to provide an Au Revoir to their classmates and faculty, reflecting on their experiences in COBA and at ACU. This year’s student speakers were Hayley Griffin, management major from Quanah, Texas and Austin Cotton, financial management major from Keller, Texas. Each reflected on their time in the College of Business and thanked faculty and their parents for making a difference in their lives.
Hayley Griffin
Austin Cotton
It is also a COBA tradition to ask a parent of one of our graduates to speak on behalf of all parents of the graduating class. This year we were delighted to have Rick Lytle, former COBA Dean, current Director for the Lytle Center for Leadership and Faith Development, CEO and President of CEO Forum, and father of now three ACU alumni, as our parent speaker. Rick is the father of Michelle Lytle, marketing major from Abilene, Texas. Dr. Lytle encouraged the students to live lives both personally and professionally which make a difference for the kingdom of God in their workplace, community, and home. Dr. Lytle then had the pleasure of introducing the newly named Dean, Dr. Brad Crisp, as Dr. Crisp commended the students on the many activities and accomplishments they have achieved.
Dr. Rick Lytle gives the parent address as the father of COBA graduate, Michelle Lytle.
New COBA Dean, Dr. Brad Crisp.
Dr. Crisp also recognized sixteen students who were chosen by the COBA faculty that symbolize three COBA values: Competence, Character, and Community. The criteria for choosing students who fulfill those qualities are listed below as well as the names of the 2016 graduates who received the awards.
Competence – Professional competence is a prerequisite for capable leadership. These students have demonstrated that they understand how to create and deliver value in their work, think critically, communicate well, work in teams and understand the complexities of today’s global marketplace. COBA students to win this year’s award are: John Allen, Jaci Browning, Hayley Griffin, Evelyn Hernandez, Parker Mason, and Mandy Stratton.
From L to R: Mandy Stratton, Evelyn Hernandez, Parker Mason, Jaci Browning and Hayley Griffin.
Character – The intent of COBA is to graduate students who seek to glorify God in their personal and professional lives. These students stand out as examples for being able to discern right from wrong, articulate what they believe and why they believe it and behave consistently with those beliefs regardless of personal consequence. COBA students to win this year’s award are: Christy Duke, Callie Kerbo, Griffin Pedigo, Jason Proctor, and Connor Steinmetz.
From L to R: Christy Duke, Connor Steinmetz and Jason Proctor.
Community – Successful business graduates give back by providing service and leadership in the workplace, their churches, homes and communities. These students have demonstrated that they understand how to serve and lead in the ACU community. COBA students to win this year’s award are: Austin Cotton, Emily Dosa, Michelle Lytle, Alyssa Timmons, and Rebekah Wood.
From L to R: Emily Dosa, Michelle Lytle, Rebekah Wood and Austin Cotton.
Each year, junior and senior students in the College of Business vote for their favorite teachers of the year. One professor is selected to receive the award in each academic department.
This year’s Teacher of the Year in Accounting and Finance is known for teaching his students the basics of accounting while doing so in a manner that is logical and interesting, for his love of coffee, and for playing his guitar for students. One student said, “He’s always very enthusiastic about the subject and he’s very good at relating to students as well as showing his interest in what the student is looking to do in the future.” Another student commented said, “He has a gentle, kind spirit and was always there to help, whether it be regarding accounting or just what’s going on in our lives. He was one of the best professors I have had in COBA.” The class of 2016 named Dr. David Perkins as Teacher of the Year in Accounting and Finance.
Dr. David Perkins, the 2015-16 Accounting and Finance Teacher of the Year.
This year’s recipient of the Management Sciences Teacher of the Year award went to a professor who is known as one of the most entertaining professors in COBA. One student commented, “I never expected to learn so much about how BLAW was related to Hot Pocket commercials! He was one of the most entertaining, fun teachers I have had in COBA. Never a dull moment!” Another student said, “When you come into college, you expect to be taught by professors but you don’t expect to have them engage with you and walk alongside of you in your learning. That is something he has done beyond what I could imagine. He’s become more than a professor. He’s become a friend.” The class of 2016 named Andy Little as Teacher of the Year in Management Sciences.
Dr. Andy Little, 2015-16 Management Sciences Teacher of the Year.
The dean also honored two COBA staff members in recognition of their service to COBA and COBA students. The first 2016 Dean’s Award for Service went to Nuria Hall, academic advising specialist, who continuously goes above and beyond expectations. Nearly always she is among the first to offer help, create better solutions, and offer her Christ-like wisdom to enhance the overall experience for our students.
Dean’s Award for Service recipients, Nuria Hall and Karen Viertel.
The second Dean’s Service Award was awarded to Karen Viertel, manager of COBA student services and academic advising, for her many years of service to the students, faculty and staff of COBA. Karen is the definition of team player and is always one of the first to help in any situation, whether that’s advising a student in her office on or a co-worker in the college, always with a servant-leader heart.
The evening concluded with a blessing from Associate Professor, Jozell Brister. Following the blessing, Madison Haggerton, management major from Keller, Texas led the group in the long held tradition of singing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”
Associate Professor, Jozell Brister, reads a blessing over the graduates.
Madison Haggerton
Congratulations again, students! And to the students, their families and friends, we say thank you for allowing us to be walk alongsde with you over the last four years. May God bless each of you greatly as you enter into this new phase of your lives.
The May 2016 COBA graduating class
You can find more pictures from the evening on our COBA Facebook page. We will be hosting a separate event to honor December graduates at the end of the fall 2016 semester. Stay tuned for more details!
by M. C. Jennings | May 6, 2016 | Academics, COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, Current Students, Dean Chronicles, Uncategorized
COBA is excited to announce that Dr. Brad Crisp has been named as the new Dean for the College of Business Administration.
Dr. Brad Crisp
In a statement from the Provost’s office, Dr. Robert Rhodes said, “Based on the recommendation of the search committee, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brad Crisp as the Dean of the College of Business Administration effective May 9, 2016.
During his 10 years on the faculty at ACU, Dr. Crisp has served as director of the School of Information Technology and Computing, which earned ABET accreditation under his leadership; and he launched the online Master of Business Administration as its first director.
I am confident in his ability to lead the College of Business Administration. He is committed to supporting faculty and to preparing students well through his continued commitment to academic excellence and his sharp focus on intentional Christian spiritual formation.
Dr. Crisp is a 1993 COBA graduate and holds an MBA and a Ph.D from the University of Texas. Brad is married to Jennifer, and they have two sons, Jon and Caleb.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Crisp as he begins his tenure as Dean.
by M. C. Jennings | Apr 7, 2016 | Academics, COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
On Tuesday, March 29th, generous donors and scholarship recipients enjoyed a luncheon in memory of Ruth Allen Griggs. Ruth’s children, Jack Griggs and Ann Griggs Berger, along with their respective spouses Ann Griggs and the late Bob Berger, established an endowment in 2015 to honor their mother and her spirit of generosity by having a yearly luncheon bringing together COBA donors and students. The goal for the endowment is to honor and thank donors for the scholarships given to the College of Business that allow so many students to attend ACU and to participate in many of the experiential learning opportunities that COBA offers.
COBA students Bailey Thomas, senior marketing major from Lubbock, and Jack Oduro, junior accounting major from Garland, spoke to the audience about what receiving COBA scholarships has meant to them and the impact that it has had on their education and experiences at ACU. Jack said, “A relationship with a donor is usually one with some distance; however, it was humbling to be in deeper conversations with the men and women who have sacrificed time, money and energy in making my experience at COBA great. It (the luncheon) was one of the most effective avenues to allow donors to meet who their resources are developing and to give students the opportunity to express our profound appreciation. ”
Don Crisp, accounting alumnus (class of 1964) from Dallas, spoke about he and his wife, Carol’s experiences as young college students at then Abilene Christian College. Mr. Crisp encouraged donors to continue to pour into the lives of students at ACU and exhorted current students to give back to students in the future.
Dr. Brad Crisp, interim Dean for the College of Business, said “COBA’s donors make so many things possible. Their generosity eases the burden of tuition on our students and enables us to constantly innovate in our goal to consistently provide high quality educational experiences. We’re so thankful for their support and giving spirit.”
by M. C. Jennings | Mar 10, 2016 | Academics, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I have a B.S. degree from Lubbock Christian College from back in the “dark ages”.
Karen Viertel
What is your work background?
I have been a business manager for a medical clinic, a school nurse/secretary, and an academic advisor. My most important work has been being a mom and now grandmother.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
I am so privileged to serve as an academic advisor in COBA. I have been here for more than 10 years and I.LOVE.MY.JOB.
The three Amigos. Karen Viertel, Samantha Matta and Nuria Hall.
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
What drew me here was the opportunity to work with students every day. No two days are the same and it is NEVER boring. I love watching the life metamorphosis that happens between a student’s freshman year and graduation day. It’s truly remarkable to witness and I get to have a front-row seat for the whole show!! Most come to college scared and afraid and not sure at all about what they want to do after college. To watch them grow wings and be ready to fly off to a new job or adventure upon graduation, ready for the world is a pretty incredible feeling.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
My husband Mark and I operate a large family ranch north of Abilene. There we raise cattle and LOVE to build things: fences, houses, good memories. I enjoy “junkin’” and repurposing furniture, etc. I love a good flea market or junk store almost more than anything. My favorite thing to do is to be with my family. We have two grown children, both married and now two grandsons. At ages 3 years and 7 months, they are simply amazing. I can’t get enough of them.
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
I remember landing my first job as a business manager for the only obstetrician in the small town we lived in, just prior to college graduation. I had NO IDEA what I was doing but he was patient and I worked hard to soak up everything I could while I was there. In the two years I worked for him, we made tremendous improvements in office efficiency and accuracy. Plus, I learned a lot about teamwork. Without the ability to be a team player, you severely restrict your effectiveness in any organization. Work chemistry is essential.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Yes. Mark and I are very involved with Global Samaritan, Dry Bones in Denver and our church family. I also really love to help with Meals on Wheels.
Mark and Karen Viertel
Who is your role model and why?
My grandmother has always been my role model, but now I would also add my mom. Granny was a very strong woman that raised two children, one of which became my equally strong mother. My mom became a widow at 28 and managed to raise myself and two sisters with the help of her widowed mother. I look back now and wonder how they did it. My mom was a rancher/farmer. She drove a tractor, plowed fields and pulled calves – not the type of work any other mothers at the time did. They both showed us that being a strong woman is a good thing. As a result, I’ve always been pretty much of a tomboy and am very at-home with outdoorsy ranching pursuits and I don’t shy away from hard, manual labor. In fact, I like it. It’s good for the soul.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
I would list two teachers: Dr. Gary Evans at LCC. He was my first college Bible teacher and he will never know the impact he had on my life and thinking about being a Christian. Incredible man and mentor. Also, Dr. Christa Dobbs, my accounting teacher. She was an amazing woman and fantastic teacher.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly and also time-travel. I mean, come on…who wouldn’t?
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I LOVE to travel, I know how to use a cutting torch and enjoy ranch work. I am learning how to weld.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 24, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, MBA, School of Information Technology and Computing, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I received my bachelors in Public Relations and Advertising from Hardin-Simmons University and I will complete my masters in Higher Education from ACU in 2016.
Jenni Williams
What is your work background?
My first job was in PR for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This was an amazing opportunity and had a great impact on my life. I learned so much from the wish kids and will always be grateful for that opportunity.
Following that role, I began working in Higher Education in 2004. I have worked in several areas of Higher Ed at two universities, including campus visits, financial aid, admissions, student life, retention, recruiting, event coordination, and student services.
What do you do at ACU?
I manage the recruiting process for SITC and assist in bringing new students to ACU. Additionally, I manage marketing communication to current and prospective students. I also play a role in other areas in SITC, including coordination of special events, SITC news, and staff contact for Women in Tech.
What’s the best part of working with students?
I love working with students! It is so amazing to watch students transition from their first visit to campus through to their graduation. I play a small role in their ACU experience and I love being able to share in this transformational process. I enjoy being able to encourage and cheer on students as they take on new challenges, navigate their demanding schedules, and ultimately, interview for jobs. We are able to witness the process of development from the front row. While it is sometimes painful, there is nothing quite like sharing in the moments when they realize that they are capable of more than they imagined.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
No. I’m right where I want to be.
Outside of work, what passions and hobbies do you have?
So many things. First and foremost, I have an amazing husband and two precious daughters that I love very much. Our girls keep us extremely busy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I also love baking and have a sugar cookie business. This hobby-turned-business started out by making cookies for my daughters’ class parties. I really love the creative and artistic outlet!
The Williams Family having fun
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
At this juncture, completing my masters will be a huge accomplishment. I have enjoyed the entire process and love how it has cultivated a passion for learning.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
I am on the parent council at Alliance for Women and Children.
Who is your role model, and why?
I have a strong network of men and women in my life, who have taught me a great deal about living life. They have served as spiritual, professional, and personal mentors. They have guided me in times of uncertainty and doubt, as well as times of joy and success. I have learned what it means to love others, how to be a better parent, how to walk through challenges and failures, and how to live a life worthy of the calling placed on my life.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
Several professors come to mind, but one of the most inspirational was Dr. Susan Piggott. She was one of my Bible profs and I had her for Theological Research and Writing (I was a Bible major at one point). That course was easily one of the most challenging courses I had in undergrad. Dr. Piggott had a reputation of being a pretty tough teacher. When it came time for me to take her course, I experienced this first hand. However, I learned so much from her about questioning preconceived ideas and learning to think on my own. Some of her ideas conflicted with mine, allowing me to examine why I believed what I believed. This experience strengthened my faith and propelled my spiritual development.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Power over time, hands down. Primarily to slow down time. Obviously, this would be helpful for accomplishing a lot. However, I think it would be more useful for the ability to slow down and cherish the priceless moments that are over too quickly.
The Williams Family
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I love Christmas and have a sizable collection of Christmas paraphernalia, which nearly fills up our entire storage shed, seven Christmas trees, and over 700 Christmas songs in my iTunes library. It’s absolutely my favorite time of the year.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
I have spent 11 years in higher education working with students in some facet. In this time, I have learned that there is so much more to college than awarding degrees. I view this as a calling. I have the opportunity to impact students in a measurable way, by simply being here. I am committed to the holistic development of students as they explore their identity in relation to others and to God. I will not have all the answers, but I am always available to listen, encourage, and pray for students.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 9, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
B.B.A. in Marketing from ACU.
M.B.A. in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. The company I worked for was based in the Bay Area. When I moved from the field office in Denver to the corporate headquarters, the company paid for me to get my M.B.A. This was very convenient. Golden Gate University is located in downtown San Francisco, but their East Bay campus was located where the company I worked for, Triad’s Systems Corporation, was based in Livermore, CA. Triad paid for all my tuition and books. I went to courses at night, while working full-time.
Tim Johnston
What is your work background?
Originally I worked for Triad Systems Corporation in customer service, then sales, and later became a Regional Manager for our Education Services. I had a team of 12 people, working in 10 cities. This team took care of the system configuration and training for all of our customers.
Eventually we moved to the headquarters in California. I held several positions over the years, including Marketing Analyst (putting together our service offerings), Sales Trainer, and Sales Development Manager (responsible for training our training team for industry training, system training, sales training, and supporting regional manager hiring and coaching programs).
At ACU, I worked as the Chief Enrollment Officer for 11 years and then moved to the Career Center. I have worked in COBA for the last 6 years as the Assistant Dean.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
First of all, I work with the Connections team to ensure we have a good advising process and career development program to come along side the academic coursework required for each major.
A key tie-in with the Career Development work is our partnership with ACU’s University Relations Managers, who live in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. These managers are critical to our efforts to help students connect to starting career opportunities.
ACU’s alumni provide us with scholarship dollars to help improve the affordability of the COBA experience. This is another area of work I help to coordinate.
As one of the co-founders of Leadership Summit, I serve as the leader of our management team to ensure our enrollment, satisfaction, budget and connection goals are achieved through this program.
Tim and crew at Leadership Summit 2015
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
Rick Lytle and I met in Denver. After earning my master’s degree, he encouraged me to consider working for ACU. Rick’s statement of, “Not everyone goes to church but most everyone goes to work”, really resonates with me. It’s challenging to be a Christian in the workplace. It’s difficult to be competitive and honorable. It’s important for our graduates to bring hope to their workplace. I wanted to help equip students for this challenge.
What’s the best part of working with students?
It’s great to see students understand how they can prepare to make a valuable contribution to an organization, both in terms of their business ability and their character. It’s exciting to see where they will have a place to live out the mission. A job search is difficult, it takes a lot of effort to put yourself out there in an effective manner. It can be hard on your psyche. This is where my coaching comes in. I like helping students face the challenge and win.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
Mountains, mountains and more mountains. I like to snow ski and hike whenever I can. Plus the mountain biking at Buck Creek trails here in Abilene is a lot of fun. A few years ago I bought a shotgun and joined the Sporting Clays Club here in Abilene. COBA students have tried to help me improve my shooting. It’s a work in progress. The students tend to shoot 70 – 80% out there, but I’m usually in the 40% range.
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
I remember working for a client in Steamboat Springs, CO. After a few days it was time to return to Denver. I was on a “puddle jumper” – we called it Rocky Mountain Scareways. As I was sitting on the plane watching them plow the runway as the snow kept coming down and the plane received multiple de-icings, I really questioned my career choice.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Currently I am commander of the armies of the north communion team at Highland CoC, (northside of the building) at second service. Over the years I have been very involved with our church Teaching class, or running the Habitat for Humanity Building project or Bus Ministry. Also, I am very passionate about supporting missions and really appreciate the work of World Vision and Compassion International.
Who is your role model and why?
At ACU I have had several including Jack Rich who was my boss for many years. He never got rattled and he always took the high road. And be careful if you are meeting with Jack and you criticize a team member. He will get them on the phone right away and ask them to address the complaint you just levied. That helps you learn quickly. Dr. Terry Pope is so wise and a man of integrity. If you haven’t heard Terry’s 10, you need to, it’s wisdom to guide your life. Rick Lytle is the most enthusiastic, hopeful Christian I have ever met. His positive energy constantly gives me a boost. My mom and dad were awesome. My dad was an Electrical Engineer and Elder at our church. Together they raised 5 children, one of which had special needs. I don’t think he ever wasted any time. Mom was a great communicator who would pour good Biblical wisdom into me, whether I wanted it or not. I could go on and on …
The Johnston Family
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
In graduate school, I had an economics professor who BELIEVED all problems are pricing problems. When the price goes high enough, people will solve the problem. I could tell his academic discipline was his belief. We disagreed, but he really made me think.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
My initial thought was to say that I really wish I could fly. But this is a selfish desire. What I really think would be most useful would be to be able to listen to people like Jesus listened to the women at the well. I wish I could tune into someone’s spirit.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I wanted to be an artist. But being an art major (courses are double blocked) and being a baseball player did not coincide well. So I switched to accounting. I really swung the pendulum on that decision. Ultimately I landed on marketing. This helps me be patient with our students. It can take a while to find your sweet spot.
