Business for Good
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University is committed to advancing sustainable business practices that promote responsible management of economic, social, and natural resources. Each year, the college hosts Business for Good, an educational summit for students, faculty, and invited guests to learn why sustainable business matters to us all.
Global Opportunities Conference
The annual Global Opportunities Conference highlights innovative and entrepreneurial ways of addressing global challenges. The conference goal is to inspire students, faculty, and the local community to use their knowledge and skills in the business of building a better world. The 2019 conference brought 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Kailash Satyarthi, to campus to speak on his work to end child labor. Mr. Satyarthi and the grassroots movement founded by him, Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), have liberated more than 87,000 children from exploitation and developed a successful model for their education and rehabilitation. He has been at the forefront of driving child-related agendas into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He has also highlighted the need for governments to prioritize the child-related SDGs and put children first.
Martha Guy Business for Good Community
The Martha Guy Business for Good Community aims to create a sustainable, equitable, and diverse environment to assist first-generation transfer students in their transition to Appalachian and help them succeed in the Walker College of Business and beyond. The community explores how business and business professionals can address economic, environmental, and social challenges. Benefits include mentoring, professional development, financial literacy training and scholarships for travel. Members will take the Gen Ed class "The Business of Building a Better World" and will participate in community-building activities. Contact Sara Figlow for more information.
Holshouser Ethics Program
The Holshouser Ethics Program contributes to the quality of undergraduate teaching, research accomplishment, and instruction in the area of ethics. The goal is to enhance ethics and ethical decision-making as a strong, positive component in the education of Appalachian State University students. Learn about upcoming events sponsored by the Holshouser Ethics Program.
Sustainable Business Careers
Knowledge of triple bottom line accounting and an interest in sustainable business is becoming increasingly relevant in the job market. Students with a minor in sustainable business or an interest in working for B Companies or other organizations that are motivated by more than profit have increasingly more jobs from which to choose. Learn more on the Walker College's Truist Student Leadership Center's site.
Walker College International Programs
The Walker College of Business encourages students to study abroad and provides a variety of short-term international programs designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge. Most programs with a specific emphasis on sustainable business are listed with the course designator BUS 3055 or 4055. For a full list of upcoming faculty-led programs, visit the "international" tab on this webpage. The 2022-23 faculty-led programs with a sustainability emphasis are:
- United Nations Climate Negotiations [ECO 4530/5530] This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental issues regarding climate change, the negotiations process, and the political dynamics of the UNFCCC. The course is intended to develop students’ analytical thinking and experiential learning at the international level – including the potential opportunity to attend the COP Conference. This program is open to MBA, Honors, and undergraduate students.
- William R. Holland International Impact Exchange Program This immersive international impact exchange program explores Asia and the US in a changing world. A unique international learning journey allows participants to explore business design and comprehensive internationalization strategies by visiting with organizations and individuals shaping the business landscapes across Asia and the world.
- BUS 4055/MBA 5020 - Energy, Environment & Ecology in Brazil focuses on renewable energy in Brazil and includes visits to the Itaipu dam and hydroelectric plant, as well as a visit to Brazil’s only nuclear power plant in Angra dos Reis. This program is open to MBA, Honors, and undergraduate students.
- BUS 4055/MBA 5020 - Advanced International Sustainable Business Seminar Abroad in Thailand This international business seminar offers a deep dive into Thailand's sustainable development challenges and the groundbreaking solutions crafted to address them. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Thailand's pressing issues and equip them with the tools to make a difference.
- BUS 4055/MBA 5020 - SDG Issues and Opportunities in Spain This program aims for participants to develop knowledge of Spain's sustainability issues and innovative solutions to these problems. On the trip, participants will visit various cities throughout Spain. Participants who complete this course will be able to contribute to making Spain and the world a better place.
- BUS 4055/MBA 5020 - Sustainable Business in Costa Rica For this short-term study abroad program, Appalachian will be partnering with the Monteverde Institute to study sustainable business practices in agriculture, small businesses, and tourism. During the time abroad, participants will visit various places in Costa Rica including San Jose, Puntarenas, and the Pacific coast.
- BUS 4055/MBA 5020 - Advanced International Sustainable Business Abroad in Japan This course aims to develop knowledge of Japan's sustainability issues and innovative solutions to these problems. The course teaches students valuable lessons about issues other countries are facing and allows them to learn ways in which they can assist in making the world a better place.
Student Organizations
- Student Sustainable Business Association (SSBA)
- Mission: To empower the next generation of entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities necessary to integrate sustainability into their business endeavors.
- Vision: The Student Sustainable Business Association or SSBA will function as a community for aspiring entrepreneurs, business students, and anyone interested in aligning their business endeavors with sustainability. The club will provide resources, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities centered around sustainable practices in business.
- To get involved with SSBA contact President Matthias Von Feilitzsch at vonfeilitzschmh@appstate.edu.
- Executive Impact provides opportunities for professional growth to the community of MBA students at Appalachian, including networking, learning from regional professionals, and serving the community. Through these opportunities, the club promotes a space for integrity, philanthropy, insight, networking, and balance to be at the forefront.
- Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that provides a platform for teams of outstanding university students to create community development projects that put people's own ingenuity and talents at the center of improving their livelihoods. Guided by educators and supported by business leaders, Enactus students take the kind of entrepreneurial approach that empowers people to be a part of their own success.
Alternative Service Experiences
Alternative Service Experiences allow students at Appalachian the opportunity to explore a variety of social issues while working with communities across the globe. These opportunities create deeper connections between classroom instruction and the communities of the world.
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Member
Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business has officially joined the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global platform that affirms the university’s commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDSN membership allows students and faculty members opportunities to participate in SDSN-sponsored events on a global stage and collaborate on solutions-focused research on a broader scale. The Walker College SDSN will focus its efforts on SDG # 8 — promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all; SDG # 12 — ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns; and SDG #15 — protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combat desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.