Sorrell College of Business students are helping to chart their own course through their service on the Student Advisory Council.
Twenty-two students were selected to participate on the Council for the 2020-2021 year and their input serves as a steering mechanism to make the student experience within the college more fruitful, said Dean Dr. Judson Edwards.
“This group has been in existence for five years and is clearly making a positive impact by providing needed input and taking on special projects that contribute to the continuous improvement of the Sorrell College,” he said.
A new multi-year orientation/professional development course was developed based on feedback from prior Councils, for example. It is also often used as a sounding board for faculty and staff to discuss any actions that would impact the student educational experience.
“I wanted to be involved because it’s a good way to meet other students and build a network,” said Nelson Ortiz, a senior from Puerto Rico.
Ortiz, like other students on the Council, are interested in learning more about the College as well as finding ways to make a positive contribution that ultimately helps other business students.
Senior Railey Ayers said, as a sophomore, she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Throughout her recovery, the sympathy and support she received from faculty and fellow students helped her continue her studies.
“By serving on the Council, I want to help people understand what the Sorrell College of Business can do for you outside the academic level,” she said.
And while the students on the Council see their selection as a two-way street, there are tangible benefits to the administration that come from inclusive policy making.
“This committee gives me immediate access to students so that I can get instant feedback on new ideas and initiatives,” Edwards said. “The group also knows they have access to my office any time, so if they have concerns or hear things they feel need to be related to the administration of the college, there’s an easy way to do so.”
The dean isn’t shy when it comes to encouraging students to apply for membership on the Council, either.
“These students gain access to influential alumni and friends of the University that make a real difference in their lives and careers. Council selection is, without doubt, rewarding and allows the students to have a direct impact on the future of their business college and university,” he said.
The student members certainly see the importance of their involvement.
“I want the experience, and to gain knowledge in the business world,” said Terry Skipper, a sophomore from Dothan.
Students selected this year to serve are: Ada Ballard, Jordan Hicks, Andrew Markwell, Nelson Ortiz, Keitt Trammell, Andrew Womack, Trinity Tew, Rachel Rasberry, Railey Ayers, Dalton Cates, Thanh Mai Lam, Emily Kerley, Trista Jarvis, Romi Shah, Ashlie “Eden” Hipps, Mark Grant, Jalyn Hamilton, Terry Skipper, Sarabeth Miller, Kadin Whatley, Emily Willeford and Jesse Pierce.
