Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered on Appalachian State University’s Boone Campus on Sept. 25 for the Walker College of Business' Global Good Conference, a day to inspire sustainability, social impact and global engagement.
The event featured breakout sessions on topics including sustainable agriculture, social entrepreneurship, electric vehicles, and nature-based solutions, among others.
Attendees participate in a question-and-answer session at App State's 2026 Global Good Conference. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Dr. Rogelio Garcia Contreras, Director of Social Innovation at the University of Arkansas’ Sam Walton College of Business, delivered a keynote address on From Capital to Common Good: Reimagining Business as a Force for Dignity, Prosperity and Peace. He encouraged attendees to think critically about the impact businesses have on people and communities. "Businesses impact the world, and the decisions that businesses take along their value chain is worth considering more carefully," he said.
Featured speakers included:
- Sean Bowers, Appalachian Conservation Forester, Family Forest Carbon Programs, The Nature Conservancy
- Mica Crouse, Founder, Big Mountain Impact
- Ross Dillon '03 '09, Project Director, WSP USA
- Rogelio Garcia Contreras, Director of Social Innovation, Sam Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas
- John Kramer, General Counsel, Steward
- Jed Routh, Vice President of Markets and Products, KEMPOWER
- Zachuas Ogonji Olopi, Executive Director, Inua Village to Global Foundation
- Richard Rheingans, Professor of Sustainable Development, Appalachian State University
- Tatyana Ruseva, Professor of Political Science, Appalachian State University
- Rickie White, Director of Corporate Engagement, NatureServe
Zachuas Ogonji Olopi, Executive Director, Inua Village to Global Foundation, speaks at App State's 2026 Global Good Conference. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Meredith Pipes, director of global engagement for the college, said the annual conference is one way the college helps students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges and opportunities.
“The Global Good Conference is about helping students see how business can create positive change in their organizations, communities and the world,” said Pipes. “By bringing together leaders from across industries, we're preparing students to think globally, lead responsibly and create meaningful impact.”
Pipes co-led the event with Scott Gray, the college’s director of sustainable business and resilience, and a team of faculty who coordinated the industry speakers and sessions.
- Dr. Brooke Burrows, Assistant Professor, Psychology
- Dr. Tammy Kowalczyk, Director, Appalachian Impact Clinic
- Dr. Santosh Nandi, Director, WCOB Honors Program
- Jesse Pipes, Facilitator & Experience Designer, Holland Fellowship
- Dr. Jacqueline Tilton, Director, MBA Program
- Dr. Jim Westerman, Holshouser Professor of Ethics, Management
The conference concluded with the presentation of the Walker College's Triple E and Global Good awards.
Related: Walker College honors Global Good, Triple E award recipients
Dr. Rogelio Garcia Contreras speaks at App State's Global Good Conference. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Keynote Speaker Dr. Rogelio Garcia Contreras