The Exchange Dean’s Message January 2024

As we embrace the optimism that a new year brings, and with the start of a fresh semester, I am filled with a sense of excitement for what the future holds for our College of Business community. The beginning of the year is a time for reflection on our past achievements and for looking forward with anticipation to the opportunities that lie ahead.

In this spirit of celebration and aspiration, I am delighted to share some outstanding accomplishments of our college. It’s a well-known fact that family businesses are the backbone of the American economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP, employment, and job creation. Hence, it is with immense pride that I announce the College of Business’s recent recognition in the top 40 for family business research. Moreover, we celebrate the individual rankings of our esteemed faculty members, with Isabel Botero standing at #8 and remembering the valuable contributions of the late Daniel Holt at #35. These accolades are a testament to the impactful research and dedication of our faculty.

I would also like to shine a spotlight on the remarkable efforts of Candance Bensel, our Director of the Family Business Center. Candance’s work over the past year has significantly influenced our local family business community, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Our students continue to excel and make us proud. I extend hearty congratulations to Professors David Chrisman’s and Tony Manni’s students for earning top spots in Kentucky in the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2019 Exam. Their excellence showcases the caliber of education and the practical skills we impart. Our Finance major Eric Nelson won top prize in the College annual pitch competition organized by the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship. Eric will represent UofL in this year’s ACC InVenture Pitch Competition.

We also bid a fond farewell to Eileen Davis who, after 18 years of devoted service, has retired. Her work has left an indelible mark on the College of Business. The Ulmer Career Center has flourished under her guidance, and her legacy will continue through the countless students she has coached. Eileen’s departure is a poignant reminder of the change inherent in life, and we wish her all the joy and relaxation retirement can offer.

As we move forward, let us carry the momentum of our collective achievements and the dedication of individuals like Eileen into the future. We invite our alumni and business partners to engage with us, contribute to our journey, and help shape the next generation of business leaders. Your involvement and support fuel our mission and enable us to continue offering an education that is both exceptional in quality and rich in real-world relevance.

Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and shared success. Let’s continue to work together to forge new paths, inspire change, and make a positive impact on the world of business.

Happy New Year, and as always, Go Cards!