探花族

As we close out 2024, the Davis College of Business and Technology at 探花族 University reflects on a year of remarkable achievements, innovation, and community impact. Here are a few of the highlights that made this year unforgettable:

1.  First Regional SBAA Societal Impact Award: The Southern Business Administration Association awarded the Davis College of Business and Technology the Societal Impact Award for the college鈥檚 Business for Social Good (BFSG) program. This is the first time the Davis College of Business has received the regional award, which recognizes outstanding approaches and achievements in business education. The Davis College of Business BFSG program is an innovative service-learning initiative that connects students with local nonprofit organizations to address real-world business challenges.

2.   Excellence in Cybersecurity Designation/NSA-NSF Grant: The Davis College was recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) through academic year 2029. This designation places Davis College among a select group of accredited, four-year institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious distinction, and the only private higher education institution awarded in the region. The Davis was awarded a highly competitive GenCyber program grant, funded jointly by the National Security Agency and the National Science Foundation for nearly $950,000 for project-based service learning and career training.

3.  Novel Faculty Research: Our faculty was at the forefront of innovation, publishing over 20 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. Notably, marketing professors, Drs. Irina Toteva and Selen Savas-Hall, uncovered in their new research that consumers will feel a stronger connection to a company or a brand if they put effort into creating something with that company or brand through a third-party app. The marketing duo recently had their research, 鈥淧erceived Effort in the Co-Creation of Electronic Services and Influence on Brand Loyalty: The Case of Food Ordering Apps,鈥� published in Services Marketing Quarterly. This is the first research to investigate the role of perceived effort in electronic services and the influence on brand loyalty.

4.  Alumni Achievements: Our alumni network continued to shine, with several graduates being recognized for their leadership and accomplishments. EMBA alumnus Joe Nackashi, vice chair of ICE Mortgage Technology Intercontinental Exchange Inc., earned the 2024 Business Achievement Award from the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. Another EMBA alum Earnie Franklin, chief operating officer for VSP Vision, was selected to receive the inaugural Executive Alumnus of the Year Award from the Davis College, celebrating his leadership and contributions to his profession as well as community.

5.  Davis College Dean Elected to AACSB International Board of Directors: Dr. Barbara Ritter was elected to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Board of Directors as an official of an Organization from the Americas region. Ritter, who has been at the helm of Davis College since 2020, was among only four other individuals selected to the international board. She will serve a three-year term.

 As we look ahead to 2025, the Davis College of Business and Technology remains committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and creating a lasting impact on our students, community, and beyond. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners for making 2024 a year to remember. Together, we will continue to redefine the future of business and technology education.