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 of governments to prioritize the child related SDGs and put children first.
Business for Good Residential Learning Community
The Business for Good Residential Learning Community is open to first year, first generation business students and will focus on exploring how businesses can address social, environmental, and economic problems in an effort to build a better world. Non-profit organizations and governments have a role, but often don't have the resources, scope, or ability to act quickly to address cross-border issues of social justice and sustainability. This community will investigate how businesses can help further the United Nations' Sustainabile Development Goals. Members will take the First Year Seminar class "The Business of Building a Better World" and will participate in community-building activities.
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 are 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:
- BUS 3055/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.
- 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 COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. 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.
Student Organizations
- 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. The work Enactus students perform not only transforms the lives of the people served, but in turn, also transforms the lives of the participating students as they develop into more effective, values-driven leaders.
- 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.
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 advance 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.