Message from the Dean

Bob Wood

December in Mobile.  The end of another semester.  This one was special; the College’s 50th Anniversary only happens once (obviously).  Narrowing our list of potential Impact Award individuals to 50 was a significant challenge—but what a great problem to have.  The celebration also gave us the opportunity to begin a new emphasis on alumni outreach.  We will continue to expand that effort during the coming semesters.

Fall is always a busy time even without a 50th celebration; this fall proved no exception.  We welcomed a new group of students in August with the annual Open House hosted by our Mitchell Ambassadors following Convocation.  The first two days of classes were eased somewhat with Doughnuts with the Dean and MCOB Faculty.  We hosted Vice Admiral Dean Lee (ret.) as our Executive Leadership Series speaker.  Our Enactus chapter held their first meeting; our Beta Alpha Psi, FMA, and SHRM chapters were all recognized as honors chapters.  Over forty women spoke to students during our annual recognition of National Business Women’s Week.  Mr. Dan Grafton, retired CEO of Trustmark and L3 Communications served as our inaugural From the Boardroom Speaker while Mr. Jake Gosa, retired CEO of American Woodmark, served as our inaugural Senior Seminar speaker.    

The end of the term also reminds me to say thank you to a number of individuals that make the College what it is.  First, I want to say thank you to the College faculty.  The faculty of the Mitchell College are, in my mind, the best faculty at any university.  These individuals are in higher education because they want to make a difference, and they do so daily.  Of course, without the College support staff things would quickly grind to a halt.  Although they may not hear it enough, their efforts are very much appreciated.  The Mitchell College is also blessed with many advisory council members, student mentors, employers, and other external constituents that enhance the student experience.  I appreciate all that they do to add to the learning experience.  I would be amiss if I didn’t acknowledge the Mitchell Scholars, Mitchell Ambassadors and other student organization leaders.  Finally, a special thank you to Abe Mitchell and the Mitchell family; their support gives the College opportunities that would not exist without them.

January and the Spring Semester will be here before we know it.  A busy time awaits; we look forward to the opportunities.  Best wishes to you and yours for a great holiday season.  See you next year.

 

Bob