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Thoughts on a Successful Career and Other Musings

Friday, March 27, 2026
Name: Jim F. Burr '89
Title: Co-Head of Global Financial Services
Company: Carlyle

Event Photos (Kyla Willoughby)
Event Video (Mountaineer AV)

Speaker Bio

2016: The college offers a Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics

The MS in Applied Data Analytics program was designed to bridge the gap between industry demand and the skills in big data. Organizations increasingly rely on both structured and unstructured large-scale data for operational and strategic decision-making, and this provides students with not only the technical skills to work with data but also to do so within the business context. The program develops business professionals who understand and apply data analytics concepts, techniques and tools to promote effective organizational problem-solving.

Turkey - UN Climate Negotiations ECO 4530/5530

United Nations Climate Change Negotiations 

Students are selected for the UN Climate Negotiations course and program through a competitive application process. The program is offered through the Walker College of Business and welcomes students from all disciplines. The course familiarizes students with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the annual Conference of the Parties (COP). Each fall, a delegation of students and faculty from App State travel to the COP and participate in the negotiations. 

Portugal - Building a Better World in Portugal - ENT 3600

Explore the coast of Portugal in this service learning study abroad program. Enjoy the beach, explore Lisbon, and volunteer alongside locals to experience how social enterprises are doing good in Portugal.

 

Courses

ENT 3600 - Entrepreneurship Study Abroad (3 semester hours) Prerequisites: 54 earned hours

2014: Raley Hall renamed Peacock Hall

The Walker College of Business is located within a 130,000 square-foot, four-story building in the middle of the Appalachian State University campus. Opened in 1990, it was named and dedicated in honor of Thelma C. Raley in 1993.

In June 2014, Raley Hall was renamed Peacock Hall in honor of Appalachian's sixth Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock.

Scotland - Adventure Leadership Academy - MGT 3045

Are you ready to advance your leadership skills while exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Scotland? Join us for an unforgettable study abroad experience that combines adventure, personal growth, and hands-on leadership training. Imagine yourself navigating rugged trails, tackling real-world challenges, and working with a diverse group of peers to build high-performing teams. You'll practice resilience in tough situations, learn to leverage individual strengths, and discover how to communicate effectively-even when conversations are difficult.

Belgium - International Entrepreneurship - ENT 3190

The focus of this course is on international entrepreneurship and the development of business plans. Approximately 15 ASU students will work with a similar number of students from the Universite Catholique de Louvain (UCL) in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. ASU students will visit Belgium in March. Belgian students will visit Boone for one week in early April. During the semester, groups composed of American and Belgian students will work together on business projects .

Portugal - Martha Guy Business for Good Fellows - ENT 3600

The Martha Guy Business for Good Fellows program aims to align with the Walker College of Business's mission of preparing and inspiring students to be ethical, innovative, and engaged business leaders. This experience is designed to empower our first-generation college students with practical skills and insights, enhancing their ability to positively impact local and global communities, in line with the college's commitment to producing business leaders who are conscientious about their societal and environmental responsibilities.

Netherlands - Sustainable Business Practices in Amsterdam - BUS 4055/MBA 5020

This course consists of a trip to Amsterdam to gain an understanding of the process of measuring and reporting on sustainable business practices. The class incorporates oncampus class sessions with an international travel experience. During a 9-day period, each student on this trip will travel to Amsterdam and visit with an international accounting firm, to learn more the services it provides in the assessment of sustainable practices and reporting of sustainability performance results.