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Colleges of Distinction cites Wilmington College’s business program

The Highland County Press - Staff Photo -
Dr. Sara Myers, assistant professor of business administration and economics, works with students in her Money and Banking course in the new Buren Business Center. From the left are Cody Vanhoose, Myers, Jordan Domoe, Cailub Solis and Nathan Lukens. (Submitted photo)
By
Randy Sarvis, Wilmington College

The national collegiate honor society, Colleges of Distinction, renewed Wilmington College’s membership for 2025 as an institution with engaging programs. Business Administration was one of WC’s academic areas cited for its “engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.”

Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction, said his staff was impressed with Wilmington College’s commitment to implementing high-impact educational practices. He lauded the College’s “effective dedication” to student success.

“Wilmington College has proven itself to be at the forefront of American higher education with a modern, student-centered approach to teaching,” he said in citing the institution’s dedication to hands-on learning and leadership development opportunities, along with fostering close relationships between students, faculty and staff.

The business program stresses the importance of experiential learning through internships and off-campus field trips, like recent class excursions to Procter & Gamble, the American Sign Museum and Jungle Jim’s international food store. Also, the annual Quaker Tank entrepreneurship competition showcases students’ real-world experience and business prowess in a public forum in which they convince judges and the audience to award them funding for their existing and proposed business ventures. It’s based on TV’s popular “Shark Tank” series.

Dr. Angela Mitchell, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of business administration, said the College is honored to have its business program recognized in such a manner.

“As a former faculty member of the Business Department, I can attest to the hands-on experience students receive in the program,” she said. “Our faculty bring both the strength of expertise in their fields and professional experience to the classroom — these bolster the students’ learning and interest. Because of the faculty’s connections within their industries, students are exposed to unique opportunities through real-world class projects, behind-the-scenes field trips and internship experiences.”

A recent survey of the College’s alumni in business, accounting and economics reflected those accolades. One alumnus noted, “I enjoyed the interactive teaching environment, also collaborating with other classmates and the culture that encourages creativity and expression of perspectives,” while another said, “I liked the small classes and the relationship you were able to build with the faculty. It was also nice that a lot of the professors had worked in the real world and were able to bring that experience to the classroom.”

Other comments from alumni lauding the program included, “I loved the flexibility of certain classes to be able to focus on the areas we had the most interest in. I also found it beneficial to get a well-rounded education so that I can better teach my students well-rounded content.” Also, “My favorite part about taking marketing/business courses at WC is the practical knowledge gained through our projects and the connections built with each faculty member in the department.”

The College’s business programs include majors in business administration with concentrations in finance, management, marketing, cybersecurity, logistics and supply chain management, and strategic organizational leadership. Also, WC offers majors in the related fields of accounting, agricultural business, equine business management and sport management. In addition, minors in accounting, economics and esports management are available, as well as an online Master of Organizational Leadership degree.

Learn more about academics at Wilmington College by visiting: www.wilmington.edu.

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