Aspire is a special honors experience for upcoming juniors who have a 3.5 GPA or above and who demonstrate the virtues and values of Jesus embraced by the College of Business: Purpose, Credibility, Creativity, Boldness, and Servanthood.
Aspire is funded primarily by the Sue Nokes Leadership Development Program. Ms. Nokes is a member of the Board of Trustees, and a generous donor and mentor to students in the College of Business. She has had a long career as a top executive and change agent in Fortune 100 companies including T-Mobile, Walmart, and AT&T. Interacting with and learning from Ms. Nokes is one of the benefits of Aspire fellows.
To develop and support students who, through their character and coached skills, will make an exceptional contribution to virtuous leadership in business.
To develop and support students who, through their character and coached skills, will make an exceptional contribution to virtuous leadership in business.
- 2 Academic Classes for Aspire Fellows only (one with Honors credit)
- Individual coaching by a licensed executive coach (up to 2 sessions per month)
- Group coaching sessions led by licensed executive coaches (1 session per month)
- Domestic Business Site Visits
- International Business Trip and Site Visits
- Special Mindfulness Training and Retreat
- Leading and Creating Service Projects
- Networking and Mentorship opportunities
This experiential program includes two special Aspire sections of academic coursework. In the fall, MG 4613, Communication Skills for Managers (Honors Credit), will equip students with the core competencies of listening, questioning, contributing, asking for feedback, delivering feedback, and organizing and leading effective meetings. Students will use these skills as they create and implement service projects and business site visits domestically and internationally.
In the spring, BA 3603 International Business will help students prepare for a May 2024 trip to an international business center. Students will also participate in a mindfulness workshop and retreat that will help them practice the skills of silence, patience, and empathy with self and others by limiting distractions such as social media and spending time in meditation and prayer.
Students will create a personal action plan in individual coaching sessions and small group coaching sessions to develop their knowledge of and skills in purpose, boldness, creativity, credibility, and service.
