Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 364 Langdale College of Business MESSAGE from the DEAN The Langdale College wishes to share with you some of the exciting initiatives it has undertaken that address engagement, innovation, and impact in its inaugural magazine. The first feature of our magazine discusses just a few of these initiatives. A high quality business education must have meaningful academic and professional engagement for both students and faculty. Langdale College students are participating in internships in record numbers. Corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profit executives are being utilized as guest speakers in many of our courses. Top executives with much needed practical expertise are teaching courses in healthcare and entrepreneurship. Faculty are engaging with regional economic development initiatives. The gap between the business world and the classroom is being bridged. We must respond to the business world’s dynamic environment by providing needed skills and knowledge to the region that we serve. We must create new programs and courses. We have been challenged to experiment and innovate. Regional labor market forecasts show shortages in healthcare professionals and individuals trained in logistics. We responded by creating a new major in healthcare administration. Regional distribution centers have chronic shortages in managers trained in logistics. We responded by creating a minor in logistics and supply chain management. We are integrating SAP software across business disciplines which will create many more opportunities for our students. We have expanded instructional deliver methods to include “flipping the classroom”, hybrid classes, and online courses. We met the challenge to experiment and innovate and we met that challenge. Our business students and faculty are making a difference and have a positive impact on society. Beginning this fall semester, all Langdale College students must participate in one of three experiential learning activities: internship, study abroad experience, or 150 hours of community service related to their major. Our students have created businesses nationally and internationally. These businesses have made a meaningful difference in the lives and communities that they touch. Our student organization are internationally recognized for their excellence in service and impact. Our faculty perform practical research which is felt in the classroom and our local economy. In February 2017, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) will conduct a fifth-year peer review visit of the Langdale College. We are currently preparing our Continuous Improvement Review (CIR) report for this visit and maintenance of accreditation. AACSB focuses on continuous quality improvement in business education through engagement, innovation, and impact. Through its accreditation standards and procedures, AACSB accredits business schools that attain quality as defined in the standards. Less than five percent of business schools worldwide achieve this highest level of accreditation. In the following pages of our inaugural edition, we will expand on our efforts to engage, innovate, and have significant impact on our students. I invite you to become an integral part of our future successes and challenges. Once a Blazer, always a Blazer! L. Wayne Plumly, Jr. Dean, Langdale College of Business Administration 4 Langdale College of Business