The Business Leadership Symposium, hosted by the Truist Center for Leadership on April 11, 2024, serves as a conduit between theoretical academia and tangible business strategies. This gathering showcased the endeavors of 14 students, each presenting their unique projects that shed light on innovative, cross-disciplinary methods employed to address practical business hurdles. The Truist Center for Leadership is dedicated to nurturing future business frontrunners imbued with a sense of curiosity and a penchant for exploration.
A panel of nine judges with extensive experience in the business and academic world evaluated the presentations using a common rubric to identify the final winners. The judges included Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, Casey Baker, our first student judge, Kelsey Garrison,Tim Hazelett, Corey Jarvis, Alissa Stewart Sparks, Dr. Uday Tate, and Dr. Sharaon Zhang. The Center also decided to prepare a colloquium this year with the topic of leadership. Our panelists include, Ms. Amy Frasure, Owner of Bullseye Total Media; our moderator, Mr. Tim Hazelett, COO of Cabell Huntington Health Department; Mr. Joshua Scott, Market President, and Senior VP at Truist Bank; and Ms. Alissa Stewart Sparks, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries. The discussion showcased their invaluable knowledge and expertise on navigating change as a leader in these challenging times.
Twelve individuals participated in the symposium, and the winners of the cash prizes were:
- First Place: Isabella Schrader with the topic: sustainability management techniques for nonprofits, specifically Habitat for Humanity of Huntington, West Virginia. The project was focused on increasing energy efficiency for their organization, so that they can continue to serve their mission of helping those in need. Isabella is a sustainability management and technology major at Marshall, and this project fits perfectly into her studies and the field itself.
- Second Place: Zachary Kincaid with the topic: how transformative business research focuses on exploration and investigation of innovative ideas, methodologies, or approaches that have the potential to fundamentally change or revolutionize existing business practices, strategies, industries, or markets.
- Third Place: Jamison Lewis with an idea for the Lewis College of Business/Brad D. Smith Schools of Business: Student Mentorship and Career Development Program at Marshall University. Jamison was also assisted by Mr. Glen Midkiff, the Chief of Staff for Academic Affairs. The project supports students by helping them navigate college life, be more involved in student organizations, and helps them define their direct goals.
- Fourth and Fifth Place: Lucinda McCullough with the topic of Rank One Computing: Expanding to the Netherlands. Rank One Computing (ROC) is the only American-made multimodal biometrics and computer vision provider. The Netherlands has a thriving financial sector with a focus on digital banking and FinTech Innovations. Kole Jarvis with the topic of an affordable sustainable modular container buildings called “Achievable Future” where their mission is to provide individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses the opportunity to establish affordable housing and business spaces.
- The other participants include Ashley VanCross with her business proposal: to educate people about the dangers of declawing cats through fashion. Danielle Sloan with her topic: Maslow-AI: A Revolutionary ChatGPT plugin for analyzing buyer motives during market segmentation. Mattison Null and Kole Jarvis with their business: “Sun Armor, UV protective shirts that use lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable material. Michael Croff with the project of making the online community a safer environment with a social interaction app. Dominic Konopka and CJ Fazio with their protein-based ice cream. Jonathan Hale with the project of a sleep app connected to TV shows.
