It is always a privilege to communicate with you each month through the Byrd Business Review. In reflecting over the past 18 months that we've lived in Winchester, I've spent much time discussing programs, activities and initiatives of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. A common ingredient of each conversation is the importance of people - those with whom I work each day and those whose support we depend upon for the long-term success of the business school. It's people who are our most important asset. People make the difference between an average business school and one poised to make a remarkable difference in preparing students to compete successfully in a global marketplace. We have a lot to look forward to over the coming months and years. Just know one thing: your continued involvement and support are essential as we build a stronger business school for future generations of students and alumni.

Dean W. Randy Boxx

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR LI TO JOIN THE FACULTY IN AUGUST

Dr. Bingguang Li will join the business school faculty in August as assistant professor of supply chain management and quantitative methods. Currently a professor in the College of Business at Albany State University in Albany, Ga., Dr. Li holds a doctorate in industrial and management systems engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also holds a master's degree in management science and engineering from Tianjin University, a bachelor of laws in humanities and social science from Tianjin University and a bachelor's degree in industrial and management engineering from Tianjin University. He is a certified financial risk manager and a chartered financial analyst. Possessing peer-reviewed journal publications, proceedings and presentations, Li brings extensive teaching experience in supply chain management, quantitative methods, operations management, management science, statistics and management information systems.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDING TO BEGIN SOON

On Feb. 12, the Executive Committee of the board of trustees gave final approval to President Davis to proceed with the construction of the new business school building. Actual groundbreaking will begin in the coming weeks, with a completion date of approximately 12 months. The total budget for the project is $12.95 million plus $1.2 million for the former Millwood Station Fire and Rescue Squad building. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this project a reality.

AACSB INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION UPDATE

The business school faculty and administration completed a draft of the 243-page Self-Evaluation Report in February. This report builds the case for why the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business is ready for a March 2007 peer-review team visit by AACSB International–The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The report denotes another milestone on the school’s journey toward excellence. As part of the process, AACSB International standards challenged business school leaders to make decisions consistent with the school’s mission and strategic plan in order to improve educational programs, to strengthen the curriculum, to develop the faculty, to deliver high-quality instruction, to provide an engaging learning environment and to enhance intellectual contribution activities. As a result, the business school has laid a solid foundation for success through dedicated and committed stakeholder involvement in its future.

JOIN BUSINESS STUDENTS FOR SUMMER STUDY-ABROAD TRIPS TO ARGENTINA AND CHINA

Dr. Miles Davis and Dr. Randy Boxx will lead study-abroad learning trips this summer to Argentina and China, respectively. Students are currently in the process of completing their registration materials for these trips. The study-abroad trips support the mission of the business school to "…educate its students to become successful, principled leaders with a global perspective." Participants will receive academic credit while discussing coursework, going on field trips, interacting with business executives and government officials, and participating in cultural excursions in each country. Business students and alumni are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful and exciting learning opportunity.

 

STUDENTS CONNECT WITH ENTREPRENEURS AND EXECUTIVES


Nearly every faculty member connects students with people who have built successful enterprises or who currently work for outstanding organizations. In Dean Boxx's advanced management theory and practice class, students have already taken four field trips to discuss business topics with successful entrepreneurs and business executives. These experiences have resulted in the formation of a leadership and management philosophy on how to build and sustain a successful enterprise over the long term. Students heard from Peter Justen of The Corporate Registry who said, "You build an organization around people, and remember…morality in the marketplace is one of the most essential things in the business world today. True success isn't reached just through profit charts; it's getting there while doing the right thing." Nick Nerangis of Nerangis Management Corporation said, "People must know what your core values are and that you hold these values in high esteem." Kent Guichard of American Woodmark Corporation said, "It's all about one thing - people, people, people, people and people. Customer satisfaction, integrity, teamwork and excellence are our guiding principles." Russell Combs of Winchester Incubation Regional Enterprise said, "It is important for those who want to start their own company to get assistance from those individuals who have experience and knowledge, but also remember one thing…you must have fun doing business."

FROM THE DEAN: A FINAL THOUGHT

While the faculty is busy preparing students to succeed in their careers, they are also doing so much more. They are enabling students to lead business enterprises in new directions in order to constantly change and adapt to market opportunities. As scholars, we must not just describe business as it is, but we must constantly think about what it will become. As a group of individuals engaged in building a school of excellence, we believe we are aligning ourselves with the future of business. Come and join this us in this exciting enterprise.