EMBA Newsletter - October 2013
Greetings Executive MBA Alumni and Friends!
I recently attended the Executive MBA Council’s annual conference in Houston. The EMBA Council represents more than 200 schools internationally and more than 300 EMBA programs. Nearly 400 delegates attended representing 149 schools. Dr. Springate presented “Rethinking and Revitalizing the EMBA Curriculum,” which highlighted the process we took in revitalizing our curriculum this year.
It’s exciting to be part of such a dynamic organization that challenges executive MBA programs to be forward-thinking, relevant and dynamic. There were lots of stimulating discussions about online learning, day-to-day operations, career management services and curriculum development, especially in the area of globalization. One thing I learned is that we must continue to grow and evolve our Executive MBA program.
Contents
- Upcoming Alumni Events
- Texas Legends Suite
- Progress Report on the JSOM Addition
- From the Desk of Dr. Springate
- Class Snapshots
- Upcoming Recruiting Events
- Past Events
Upcoming Alumni Events
Texas Legends Suite
Network at the Texas Legends, dates ranging between February 1 and March 19, 2014
Dr Pepper Arena
2601 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 300
Frisco, TX 75034
The Executive MBA program inherited a suite for Texas Legends — the NBA development team for the Dallas Mavericks — games. Food and beverages (soft drinks and water) are included. If you are considering hosting an EMBA class reunion or would like to use the suite for a networking event, contact Connie to reserve the suite at 972-883-5983. Games are usually held in the evening beginning at 7.
Progress Report on the JSOM Addition
Despite a lot of noise and dust, we are excited to see the progress being made each day on the new facility.
From the Desk of Dr. Springate
Our Faculty
I stated previously my aim to bring into this column words from some of our distinguished faculty. But why would I do this? Time is scarce for all of us; why read the words of someone we knew, or perhaps, never did get to meet?
My answer is threefold. First, if I accomplish the job properly, starting next month, readers will be able to catch the faculty member’s image of what is important in his or her area of concentration and how this is translated into professional activities. This may serve to recall thoughts and concepts relating to an area of business or management that is usually not top of mind. It may do more and open a new horizon or way to think about an issue. How a faculty member defines important parts in a field of interest may provide a sorting mechanism or a unifying theme for concepts that remain ill-defined or unconnected in the reader’s mind. You may even disagree with what is expressed.
The second reason is to showcase some of our individual faculty members and their stature or accomplishments. High-quality programs attract high-quality faculty, and vice versa. I want our readers to understand that we have some of the best brains in business right here in our school and our program. Sometimes, this fact is overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. Graduates are in a better position than they were as students to appreciate faculty standing and accomplishments and how far we have all come over the years.
Finally, faculty members have probably influenced your life more than you realize. Some readers will recall individual faculty members as being truly influential in their choice of career goals or career path. Recognition of this fact and the mental reconnections that often follow are important. Reflecting upon and recalling influential figures among those faculty members who taught your courses or otherwise crossed your educational path to whom you were exposed enable connections to school, program and university to flourish.
Class Snapshots
Each month, I’ll give you a snapshot of what each class is doing.
The Class of 2014
On October 25, Kathy Aslin transitioned the Springate Cup to the Sue Davidson in the Class of 2015. Kathy presented Sue with Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun (Business Plus, 1990) by Wess Roberts.
The Class of 2015
After Dr. Diane McNulty’s Board, Risk Management, and Corporate Governance class with guest speaker Larry Guydos, head of the Sarbanes-Oxley section at the law firm of Haynes and Boone. Dr. Springate shared the story of the original Springate Cup, which was actually a beer stein from the original EMBA class that Doug Gordon (1994) brought back from Germany. The Class of 2015 voted on its first Springate Cup recipient, and over lunch the votes were tallied for Sue Davidson. Congratulations, Sue!
On October 17, the EMBA students had the opportunity to network with the Professional MBA students at Marcus Café. Jeff Steele and Randy Black from the Class of 2014 joined me at the event.
Upcoming Recruiting Events
Past Events
Executive MBA Alumni Appreciation Night, October 8
We held our Alumni Appreciation event at IceHouse 121 in Plano. James Dowd (2001), Jeremy Gregg (2006), Bhaskar Rayavaram (2006) and Stacy Workman (2013) joined us, along with Class of 2015 members Randy Black, Michelle Miller and Fausto Ortega. Amanda Boyd, the assistant director of GLEMBA, our online EMBA program, also joined Connie Imhof and me.
PowerGrid, October 9
JSOM hosted PowerGrid at the Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth. We had the opportunity to try five flavors of beer and had a tour of the facilities. We hope you’ll join us at our next PowerGrid meeting. Stay tuned for details!
I know Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, but I hope that each of you has a relaxing and happy holiday. If you are traveling to visit friends or family, please stay safe.
Best Regards,
Pamela Foster Brady
Director, Executive MBA