Building strong partnerships with area businesses and industries is the key concept behind the Sorrell College of Business’ formation of the Center for Corporate and Community Collaboration.

The new center plans to offer business partners professional development programs and will pursue internship opportunities for Sorrell students to gain workforce experiences and full-time jobs. In addition to career fairs for employers, the Center will engage local business leaders to provide mentoring programs for students and plans to establish an executive-in-residence program to bring CEOs and significant leaders to the Troy community to share lessons learned through their experience. The Center is also developing an executive education program to help executives and corporations improve organizational performance, strengthen leadership and address development needs. 

“Our ties to the region are strong, and we provide broad access to our resources and intellectual capital, cultivating strategic opportunities and partnerships,” said Stan Blankenship, the Center’s director. “Through our new Sorrell Center for Corporate and Community Collaboration, we will offer numerous ways for companies to tap into various Sorrell College resources.”

Blankenship explained that the Sorrell College’s strategic plan and AACSB accreditation requires the faculty to provide meaningful service to the College and to the community.

“Our faculty are currently identifying their specific areas of expertise, sharing an inventory of their talent, highlighting current and past experiences (academic and professional), addressing their skills and attributes, demonstrating the strength of talent in the Sorrell College.  We are excited to strengthen relationships with business partners to enhance the learning experience for our students at Sorrell College,” said Dean Dr. Judson Edwards.

To learn more about the Center for Corporate and Community Collaboration, contact Stan Blankenship at slblankenship@troy.edu.