As we finish this academic term, I am proud to share the remarkable strides we’ve made at the Collins College of Business. From student accomplishments to impactful events, it has been an exciting and busy season filled with milestones that reflect the strength and momentum of our college.
This fall was bustling with activity:
- We celebrated the growth of our Student Investment Fund, which has reached an impressive $8.4 million.
- Our students explored cutting-edge technology at two Walmart Supercenters and met Walmart CEO and beloved UTulsa alumnus Doug McMillon at the Walmart Home Office.
- We inducted three exceptional honorees – Chet Cadieux, Marc Maun, and Emmit McHenry – into our Hall of Fame. Selected by past inductees, these leaders exemplify the values of our college and inspire excellence in their industries and communities.
- The Hurricane Pitch Competition brought 10 student teams to center stage, competing for $25,000 in prize money with innovative ideas ranging from emissions reduction to aquaponics.
- The Center for Energy Studies, with guidance from the Energy Advisory Board, initiated a collaborative research program in partnership with the College of Engineering & Computer Science and the Vice President of Research and Economic Development.
- High school, international, and UTulsa teams competed in a live investment challenge, presenting strategies and tackling tough questions from industry judges. The event showcased incredible talent and awarded the championship belt and cash prizes to the top teams.
- The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) was named Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center during the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) 2024 conference.
- This semester our college has been represented by 10 remarkable students across five different prestigious conferences.
- The Collins College of Business is excited to announce the pilot launch of CAP, the Career Accelerator Program, for undergraduate students in January. This program is designed to help students identify and secure jobs that align with their unique skills and interests, navigate the job search process more effectively, and accelerate their career growth and development. If you’re interested in participating as a coach, mentor, advisor, or in another capacity, keep an eye out for a sign-up form where you can indicate how you’d like to get involved. We look forward to having you on board for this exciting initiative!
As we wrap up the semester and welcome the holiday season, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and dedication to the Collins College of Business. Your contributions—whether through time, insight, or encouragement—play a vital role in our success and in shaping the future of our students.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to stay connected with us. There are countless ways to engage with our students—serving as guest speakers, offering internships, or collaborating on new ideas. Your involvement makes a profound difference in empowering the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Jennifer S. Bennett
Genave King Rogers Interim Dean