News
School of Business Celebrates 40th Anniversary (1983-2023)
Celebrating 40 Years of Academic Success
Forty years ago, Roberts Wesleyan University’s School of Business was founded. Since 1983, with the introduction of business degree programs, the School of Business has grown through the addition of degree programs and concentrations that meet the needs of the industry. These programs have helped to launch Roberts graduates into business careers in our region and throughout the nation.
"It has been an honor and privilege to celebrate 40 years of God's faithfulness to the business programs at Roberts. The School of Business is marked by a team of staff and faculty who love Jesus and live out their Christian faith with their students and their colleagues. This team shares a deep commitment to integrating their faith with their work and shaping the character and professional competence of our students, preparing them to be world changers," said Dr. Steve Bovee, Professor of Business and Founding Dean. Bovee was recognized with a gift from the School of Business for his extraordinary contribution and commitment.
To commemorate the anniversary, current faculty, past employees, community leaders and staff held a celebration luncheon on May 4 in the Ellen Stowe Roberts Dining Room. The program included a walk through the historic timeline (1983-2023), alumni video testimonials, recognition of faculty leaders, and prayers of thanksgiving and for continued guidance.
"Throughout my 17 years in the business programs at Roberts, I have always known that we have high quality programs, high caliber faculty and staff members, and a unique family-like culture. However, taking the time out this week to deeply reflect on the full 40 years of faith-based business programs at Roberts has really been powerful! Looking at old pictures, hugging former co-workers, and being able to both laugh and cry together is foundational to trust,” said Dr. Laura Falco, Interim Dean of the School of Business.
Inaugural William H. Todd Character of Christ Award
The celebration set the stage for the presentation of the inaugural School of Business William H. Todd Character of Christ Award. Professor Todd was hired in 1984 as the first full-time faculty member for the new undergraduate business programs. He is a beloved faculty member who teaches and leads with the grace and love of Christ.
Cultivating Character-Driven Leaders
Over the years, students have benefited from leadership development, specifically a focus on character-driven leaders. The School of Business has been committed to teaching the importance of character education for every student who has come through their doors. “Our unified team is excited for the future and what that will bring to the next generation of business students. We have a solid foundation of trust that we will continue to build upon for the next 40 years of School of Business programming," said Falco.