Thank you to those who have written and stated your appreciation for our new e-letter—the Byrd Business Review. It’s good to learn of your continuing interest in the business school, and I appreciate your suggestions for improvement. Many of you recently returned the alumni survey mailed to you a few weeks ago. Thank you for doing so. If you have not, please take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire so we can record your thoughts and experiences from attending the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. Your feedback is very important to us as we continue the journey towards AACSB International accreditation. Continuous improvement will always be important to all of us who work in Henkel Hall, and your involvement is actively solicited. Over the months to come, you will hear about many exciting things in which we are all engaged. In the meantime, we hope you will continue to contact us and share your news or requests. I look forward to hearing from you and would enjoy a personal visit at your convenience.

United Kingdom Study-Abroad Program

A new study-abroad program to the United Kingdom will commence after spring graduation. Leaving on May 10, attendees will create unforgettable, life-long memories while making the world their laboratory. Field trips and excursions will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to obtain a deeper understanding of their field of study, expand their personal skill set and learn to adjust and adapt. London is truly one of the most influential cities in the world. Its rich past makes history come alive. Students will spend time doing, seeing and learning—through the arts, museums, theaters, galleries, businesses, field trips and meeting new people. Don’t miss this opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. Students or alumni interested in this three-week trip should contact Randy Boxx at rboxx@su.edu or call 540-665-4572 by February 28. [More]

Payne to Present at Spring Byrd Distinguished Lecture Series

Jeffery E. Payne, CEO and co-founder of Cigital, will be the featured speaker during the Byrd Distinguished Lecture Series, March 14, at 7 p.m. in Hester Auditorium. Cigital, a leader in software quality management solutions, is one of the fastest-growing companies in Northern Virginia and the United States. Under Payne’s leadership, the company’s growth and success has been built on its culture and staff. Payne focuses on the future of software quality management and how to make his vision for the future a reality at Cigital.[More]

SU Developing Articulation Agreement with Lord Fairfax Community College

Dr. Dan Pavsek (pictured right) and Dean Boxx (left) recently met with Lord Fairfax Community College’s John Piazza, dean of business, math and technology, to develop an articulation agreement. Students matriculating into the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business’ bachelor of business program from Lord Fairfax’s associate in arts and sciences degree program will be able to transfer 60-61 credits out of their 62 credit hour program.These students will pursue their remaining course work at Shenandoah University. For information, call 540-665-5428 or e-mail Emily Tremoulis at etremoul@su.edu.

Student Investment Fund—Learning Through Investing

Several years ago, an unnamed businessman provided initial funding to establish a Student Investment Fund at Shenandoah University. The objective of the fund was to provide students with hands-on experience at managing an investment portfolio that would yield a rate of return greater than that achieved by a broadly diversified portfolio of common stocks. The current market value of the fund is slightly over $90,000 with a portfolio consisting of organizations such as American International Group, Best Buy, Diebold, Dell, Nucor, Pfizer, Raytheon and Walmart, among others. For further information, contact faculty advisor Dr. Bruce Gouldey at bgouldey@su.edu.