The Mission of the Division of Business at Concord University is to transform our undergraduate students into competent and responsible business leaders through high quality teaching and personalized advising, while stimulating their academic and service zeal within the context of Concord's strong liberal arts tradition. The Division expects and supports active research and service by its faculty members to ensure that our graduates are ready to take on the challenges of the business world or pursue rigorous graduate education.
Students seeking careers in business may seek the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree with areas of emphasis in accounting, administrative systems, finance, management, and marketing; a minor in Business Administration, or the Bachelor of Science in Education.
Goals, Vision, and Values
The goal of the Division of Business is the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. We nurture learning and intellectual development for both students and faculty.
The faculty's primary responsibilities are instruction, advising, and contributing intellectual contributions that enhance learning. Faculty also provide students with group and individual attention, along with contributions to instructional scholarship. The students' primary responsibilities are the pursuit of a business education and a commitment to the learning process. Service activities of our students and faculty include but are not limited to contributions to the Division of Business, the University, and the regional community.
The vision for the Division of Business is to:
- be the preferred business program in Southern West Virginia and Western Virginia, characterized by excellent teaching and high levels of student achievement as defined by the faculty, the business community, and national standards.
- be a leading provider to employers seeking graduates.
- engage in academic and pedagogic research.
- develop curricula that includes the values of teamwork, ethics, and diversity in the workforce.
- create processes that will emphasize continuous improvement. We will continually provide professional development opportunities for faculty to enhance their instructional abilities and offer appropriate intellectual contributions.
- provide service to the University and the region.
- be engaged in grant and proposal writing.
- work with the business community to develop networks for student entrepreneurs.
- be in a supportive role to enhance student entrepreneurial learning in the University.
All of the above will be achieved under the auspices of a future School of Business.
Ten core values inform our goals to achieve the mission and vision.
- Excellence in teaching and involvement in research and publication.
- Continuous revision of the program to maintain currency with the changing business environment.
- Inclusion of the teaching of ethical values in the curriculum.
- Inclusion of diverse viewpoints and cultural values essential to success in the global economy.
- Provide a work environment conducive to teaching, research and service.
- Attract, maintain, and support high quality staff.
- Apply leading edge technology to the curriculum and research.
- Interaction with the community, with the goal of improved programs.
- Provide a broader University experience that includes international travel, business practice, internships, regular symposia and leadership development in student organizations, as well as joint research with faculty.
- Develop support within the community about the importance of a School of Business format to achieve the aforementioned goals, and cooperate with University administration towards achieving the objective.
Professional Accreditation Membership
Concord University is a member of AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (www.aacsb.edu/about/). AACSB International is a membership association of educational institutions, business, not-for-profit and government organizations devoted to the advancement of higher education in business administration and management.
Concord University is also a member of ACBSP Global Business Accreditation -- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (www. acbsp.org). ACBSP is a membership association of educational institutions dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence in business education. Professional membership does not imply accreditation by either accrediting organization.
Additional Program Enhancements
The Division of Business offers options to satisfy the following: Concord's Honors Program, Independent Studies courses, Interdisciplinary degrees, McNair Scholars research, and distance learning courses. Details of these programs and courses are contained in other sections of this Catalog.
Business Symposium Series for Students
The Division offers a series of symposiums organized around a variety of current business topics. Attendance at symposiums is a means by which the Division can provide students with an enhanced understanding of business through their interactions with presenters.
In order to matriculate with a degree from the Division of Business, students must attend at least 2 symposiums in both their junior and senior years; thus, attendance at a total of 4 symposiums is required for graduation. Information about times and dates can be obtained at the Division Office, from the business division listserv, the Business Division website, or in local news coverage.
If students cannot attend symposiums due to scheduling conflicts, they may access the events from the Business Division website (www.concord.edu/academics/business).
Shared Program of Study
B.S. in Education - Business Education Comprehensive 5-Adult (BS ED)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BS BA)
Minors
