This edition of the Walker College of Business Dean's Update is one in a series of monthly publications for Walker College faculty, staff, stakeholders and Appalachian State University community members. Please share your news items for inclusion in this and other publications of the Walker College of Business. For up-to-date information, please check the news section at business.appstate.edu.
The 2016-17 academic year is underway, and with it, we welcome a record number of business students to Peacock Hall and the Walker College of Business. Data from Appalachian's Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning (IRAP) reflects an approximate 25% increase in the number of students majoring in business over the course of the last five years. To meet our community's growing needs, the Walker College of Business continues to evolve a dynamic curriculum, which this academic year includes a new supply chain management major, marketing sales concentration and both a master's degree and graduate certificate in Applied Data Analytics. New coursework is being implemented alongside existing high-quality programming, all of which helps our faculty create transformational experiences for our students and readies them to make a positive impact on our local and global communities.
The Walker College continues to push forward in innovation and entrepreneurship. Programs through our Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship continue to expand, serving more students who are launching small businesses. A generous gift from alumnus Steve Norwood has made possible a new venture fund that will allow more student business ideas to become reality. Accounting Professor and Appalachian Sustainability Fellow Tammy Kowalczyk is partnering with key individuals at UNC sister schools to develop a central repository of sustainability resources that will streamline communication and leverage research and talent across the state. Kowalczyk and collaborators will help businesses to better utilize academic resources to improve their triple bottom line. The triple bottom line, also known as the 3Ps (People, Planet, Profit) aren't the only Ps we're considering this academic year. Our university is collaborating with the UNC system on ideas for P3 - Public-private partnerships - too. P3 may offer increased revenues, more jobs, and stronger industry ties, all while enhancing existing research, service, teaching, and economic development of our community. Pictured at left are Norwood and Kowalczyk.
This year, the college will work to complete searches for permanent department chair, faculty director, and new faculty positions; execute an internal program review to prepare for our AACSB accreditation visit in 2017-18; and make strides toward major fundraising initiatives, including two new professorships in the college to honor Dr. Harry Davis and Mr. Dave Thompson. We also aspire to grow our executive education program and, as always, continue to explore new ways of thinking and teaching. To continue our success, we count upon input from many to help guide us, ensuring the Walker College is ahead of the curve, ever pushing forward for better. We value internal and external input, strive to always listen to the voice of our student body, and aim to better engage with our alumni, donors and business community. One way we engage is through regular meetings with a network of seven college advisory boards, each providing invaluable perspective. In addition to serving on an advisory board, there many ways in which I would like for our alumni and friends to interact. Share your story with us, read your fellow alumni class notes, and come back to campus to visit often. This semester, consider joining us for the October 22 Walker College of Business Football Game Day Tailgate (which coincides with Appalachian Homecoming), the October 28 Boyles Distinguished Lecture, and the November 11 Entrepreneur Summit.
As we graduate more Appalachian alumni, our network grows, and it is my sincere hope that you will utilize your network and connect with not only Appalachian, but to the Walker College of Business, your major, department or program, and the 2,900+ current students in Peacock Hall.
Heather Norris, Dean
Walker College of Business
Steady enrollment growth, a dynamic curriculum, and a Walker College network for all alumni
Steady enrollment growth, a dynamic curriculum, and a Walker College network for all alumni