University of South Alabama Press Release

University of South Alabama, Office of Public Relations

May 7, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Z. Ekman, Office of Public Relations, (251) 460-6360

USA Management Students Advise Ecumenical Ministries Inc.
of Baldwin County

Mitchell College of Business Seniors Offer Suggestions

L to R: Sally Deane, Darlene Smith, William Riedel, Justin Koehn, Dr. David Turnipseed, and Lauralee Simpsiridis

At the presentation, from left: Sally Deane, EMI's emergency aid program director; Darlene Smith, community liaison; William Riedel, a senior management major from Daphne; Justin Koehn, a senior management major from Daphne; Turnipseed; and Lauralee Simpsiridis, a senior management major from Mobile.

A University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business management class has been advising Ecumenical Ministries Inc. of Baldwin County on ways to focus its efforts and improve its services to people across the region. Recently, three senior students presented their findings to leaders of EMI. The work begun this semester in support of Ecumenical Ministries will continue when a summer management class prepares a grant application for the organization, which is increasingly in need of funds to support its mission as more families need services, according to Dr. David Turnipseed, professor of management.

The objective of the capstone course in management is for students to learn about management, acquire real-world experience working, and contribute to the community in the process, Turnipseed said.

The University and the Mitchell College of Business emphasize learning experiences that build beneficial relationships with community organizations. A management organizational communication class, led by MCOB Management Professor Dr. Jeanne Maes, also advised EMI during the spring semester.