The College of Business (COB) at UTC makes headlines. Recognized as one of the nation’s best, the college is committed to a continuing standard of excellence in academic achievement and graduates who perform at the highest levels in their chosen fields.
Both The Princeton Review and Business Week have ranked UTC’s COB as one of the best in the country, according to their surveys of students and leaders of companies which have employed its graduates, and other criteria. The college has been commended by these publications for the overall preparedness of its graduates to compete in the job market and perform well in the business world, its facilitation of opportunities for students to interact with alumni and network, assistance in career planning, and the college’s strong connection to the business community to assist students entering the job market.
“Recognition by national publications such as Business Week and The Princeton Review validates the quality inherent in our business programs,” comments Dr. Richard Casavant, Dean of the college. “This validation enhances the value of the UTC business degree and is a door opener to the future for our graduates. You can go further away and pay more, but one of the best values in business education is right here in Chattanooga.”
Adherence to rigorous standards related to faculty, students, curriculum, community relations, and support infrastructure, including its technology, library, and building resources, has also brought accreditation by AACSB International, the association established by the United States Congress to accredit business colleges. Maintaining the coveted accreditation requires a continuing focus on areas such as retaining and recruiting academically and professionally qualified faculty members, the formulation and implementation of a strategic plan, and the assurance of learning rather than simply covering various topics in the curriculum. Accreditation by the AACSB allows students to enroll in UTC’s COB with confidence.
Educational opportunities extend beyond the traditional weekday or evening time periods, with highly successful MBA, Executive MBA, and Master of Accountancy programs. Working professionals may attend part-time during the evening to pursue MBA or Masters of Accountancy graduate degrees while continuing with their careers. Individuals on a corporate fast track may complete the Executive MBA program in 16 months, attending classes late Friday afternoon and all day on Saturday. An international component, which includes a trip abroad, emphasizes globalization.
Faculty members of the college have published more than 250 articles in regional and national journals during the last five years, and Dr. Richard Becherer, Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship, has been honored as a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Becherer spent the recent spring semester teaching and conducting research in the Czech Republic.
“The national rankings for the college clearly show that our quality professors prepare students well for the business world,” remarks Associate Dean John Fulmer, “and the College of Business provides numerous networking opportunities for its students. These activities, along with accreditation, indicate that there is a national, quality business school in Chattanooga at UTC.”
Indeed, reaching beyond the classroom is a critical element of a comprehensive educational experience. Networking builds connections and creates paths to professional fulfillment. Students interact with members of the college’s advisory boards and participate in the Corporate Connection program, which was begun in 2005. On a monthly basis, the Corporate Connection luncheon series brings top business students and representatives of a sponsoring company together for an informal discussion of business, industry, and employment opportunities. Finance Week offers a series of presentations from professionals in the field, and finance majors are required to attend.
“The COB offers many programs and services to help students network and find jobs upon graduation,” relates Assistant Dean Lisa Flint. “Part of knowing what you want to do when you graduate is also knowing what you don’t want to do, and students have the opportunity to hear from professionals and engage in conversation with them so that they are able to do just that. Additionally, faculty members are supportive in students’ efforts to find employment. They offer help with recruiting, networking, and recommendations, while also providing a stimulating campus environment in which to learn about business.”
Each year, the Clarence E. Harris Entrepreneurial Forum promotes dialogue and interaction among students, faculty, and entrepreneurs. Since 1996, a group of up to 12 entrepreneurs has been invited to campus annually for a half day of informal interaction and a stimulating panel discussion. During the fall semester, approximately 300 students attend the forum, which begins with a breakfast kickoff session and includes breakout panel discussions to promote comparisons in entrepreneurial perspectives with lively question and answer periods.
Required of all business majors, the Senior Seminar course is completed during the final year of undergraduate study. During Senior Seminar, students learn from individuals already engaged in the world of work and gain insights into life after college. Working professionals offer advice and real-world lessons, sharing personal experiences. Speakers also provide perspectives on entering the workforce, such as interviewing tips, making a good impression, salary expectations, and a strong work ethic.
Student organizations, including Beta Alpha Psi, the Society for the Advancement of Management, and the American Marketing Association, offer activities outside the classroom to discover previously unexplored aspects of a particular field. Students interact with business people and also take advantage of opportunities to assume leadership roles within these organizations. Beta Alpha Psi annually hosts a Meet The Firms event at the UTC University Center, and representatives of more than 25 firms discuss career opportunities in accounting and finance. The members of Beta Alpha Psi are entirely responsible for the event, including recruiting the presenting firms, marketing, and event planning.
Responsive to the needs of the community, the College of Business engages the members of its five advisory boards to continually evaluate those needs. Recently, the Finance Department developed a program for students to earn the CFA designation. “The finance advisory board was consulted about the idea before moving forward with the new program,” says Flint. “Finance majors may now choose one of two tracks, the Business Finance Track or the new Investments Track. The Investments Track is particularly helpful to those interested in preparing for the CFA Level I exam. In addition, the Certified Financial Planner Certification review program was developed and is now offered based on feedback from advisory board members regarding the need to offer this program in Chattanooga.”
Acknowledging that personal accountability is a key element of professional life, the college has established a professional standards policy, which was developed, reviewed, and approved by a group of faculty members, students, staff, and members of the business community. Titled “Beliefs Regarding Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct,” the policy may be viewed online at www.utc.edu/Business/CodeConduct.pdf.
Real involvement and interaction between the college and the community result in positive experiences for both. The law firm of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel recently funded an endowment to support the college’s annual student recognition banquet, which recognizes the college’s top business students, who receive the John C. Stophel awards. The long-term goal for the banquet is that it will be an effective venue for business leaders and prospective employers to discover the depth of talent and potential in COB students. Certainly, the support of generous corporate donors, who understand the benefits of investing in the college, allows such events to grow in stature.
UTC’s College of Business is an active participant in the life of the community, presenting a number of events each year, involving the faculty, students, and alumni of the college, as well as area professionals and business leaders. Among these are the annual Accounting Lecture Series, which brings prominent accounting and auditing professionals to the campus, and the Burkett Miller Speaker Series, which has featured a number of luminaries such as former Vice President Dan Quayle, Wally Amos of Famous Amos Cookies, Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, and a number of Nobel laureates. Recently, the series hosted Dr. Thomas R. Saving, a member of the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security, whose presentation was entitled, “Medicare: Does It Have A Future?”
In addition, the college has offered seminars on a variety of timely topics. These include “Freedom and Economic Prosperity,” during which Dr. Robert Lawson, holder of the George H. Moor Chair at Capital University, presented, the “State of the U.S. Real Estate Market.” This event was co-hosted by the CFA Society and the UTC Finance Department. “Doing Business in China: Demystifying the Asian Market,” was co-hosted by the College of Business and the Baker Donelson law firm, and the “Tennessee Business Tax Seminar,” was co-sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, the Tennessee Treasury Department, and the UTC Department of Accounting.
The signature event of the business school is the annual Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame ceremony held at Chattanooga Golf & Country Club. Pioneering entrepreneurs are recognized during the event, which is attended by more than 300 faculty, students, alumni, and business leaders.
The College of Business at UTC is a vibrant center of learning and a continuing contributor to the quality of life in the Chattanooga area and beyond. For more information on academic programs or on how to become involved with the college, call (423) 425-4313 or visit online at www.utc.edu/Business.