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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NCCU Business Launches
A State-of-the-Art Cybersecurity Lab
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ON OCTOBER 20, 2020, NCCU Business faculty, staff, students, alumni, administration, and corporate partners celebrated the launch of a brand-new Cybersecurity Lab. This lab is the perfect complement to a new program opportunity for students interested in pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity. Directly responding to the global need for increased cyber protection particularly during a time when more and more interaction and transactions are happening digitally, this program has been developed to provide the instruction required to be significant and immediate contributors to this industry.
Gartner reports that the worldwide information security market will reach $170.4 billion in 2022. There has been a 350% growth in open cybersecurity positions from 2013-2021. There is a critical call for talent to support the market needs and NCCU is ready for this important mission.
“We are so grateful to have received a grant to support the construction of this lab for our students,” said Dr. Anthony Nelson, Dean NCCU Business, “this project has been a labor
of love as our faculty worked tirelessly to ensure the physical structure of the lab not only has the requisite state of the art equipment necessary to help support cybersecurity education but has a curriculum that will advance the innovation and instruction needed to sustain a well versed and dynamic program.”
The need to protect our networks, systems, devices, and data from cybercriminals, cyberthreats and cyberattacks has become imperative for our businesses and society as a whole. “The ever-changing and complex strategies, tools and techniques needed to mitigate security breaches and really become more proactive than reactive in regard to our security policies and practices has made the need for our cybersecurity program and cybersecurity lab essential for our students to understand, analyze, incorporate and apply these skills,” reflects Dr. Donna Grant CIS Chair.
“The global need for digital protection is a call that we must answer and with the new cybersecurity lab and curriculum, our professors, industry partners and corporate leaders are ready to provide students with what they need to be viable influencers and contributors to this area,” said Dr. Yolanda B. Anderson, Interim Provost, NCCU, “we are excited to open our Cybersecurity Lab so that our students are able to have a first-hand engagement with the technology they will utilize to solve some of the world’s most pressing security issues.”
“As I learn more about the industry and acquire the skills and techniques, I need to be an immediate contributor I look forward to being able to work with my peers to create new and exciting methods to attacking cyber issues,” said Jasmine Pittman, Senior, Cybersecurity Lab Assistant.
Dr. Nelson.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NCCU to Offer In-Demand
Scaled Agile Framework Certification Courses
Clayton Mack
DURHAM, N.C. – The Division of Extended Studies through the Office of Continuing Education and the School of Business at North Carolina Central University is sponsoring Scaled Agile training and certification. Through Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), learners are exposed to core Agile and SAFe® roles, preparing students for careers as change agents, Agile professionals, and technical delivery leadership across business and technology.
North Carolina Central University is partnering with EBK Syndicate, a minority owned consultant organization based in Charlotte, N.C., to provide public training offerings for individuals and organizations interested in learning about implementing SAFe® and related roles, competencies, and capabilities. SAFe® is a leading approach to doing Agile at scale, enabling businesses to rapidly produce new, high-quality, innovative, digitally enabled products and services. Knowledge of these crossdomain practices and theories are in high demand in professional services, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, defense contractors, government agencies, and more. “We are hopeful our partnership with NCCU will not only expose more members of the HBCU community to Agile concepts and practices but also increase the diversity of Agile professionals and practitioners.”, says Ebony Burroughs, Co-founder of EBK Syndicate. “The NCCU Office of Continuing Education seeks to launch and promote innovative programs that enhance the skills of current students and working professionals,” says Clayton Mack, Project Coordinator for the NCCU Division of Extended Studies. “We are excited to partner with EBK to offer this in-demand training opportunity,” Mack said. “The NCCU School of Business is committed to providing opportunities for students and area professionals to expand their skill set and increase their marketability. This collaboration is an impactful way to do just that” says Dr. Deirdre Guion Peoples, Director of the NCCU MBA Program. “This Scaled Agile Certification is the first in the portfolio of many professional certifications that the School of Business will sponsor,” according to Dr. Anthony Nelson, Dean of the School of Business at NCCU. “The best way to change the economic and professional landscape while encouraging life-long learning, is to offer relevant, strategic career enhancements,” says Dean Nelson.
Agile courses will be offered online beginning April 24th 2021. Each two-day course covers a different knowledge domain within the Scaled Agile Framework.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NC Central University and Duke University Pitch Competition
Basketball Legends and Entrepreneurial Leaders
DURHAM, N.C. – Local college students and recent alumni who founded or lead growing businesses showcased their companies to investors who are committed to investing in Black-founded and Black-led businesses to compete for up to $25,000 through a new Duke University-North Carolina Central University (NCCU) program.
“pitch: A Competition for Black Student-Founders” took place virtually on April 8-9, 2021. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and the North Carolina Central University School of Business are co-promoters of “pitch,” in partnership with the Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative and Resilient Ventures.
The two-day event provided transformative workshops, business coaching and an opportunity for participants to pitch their businesses to interested investors. Participants heard first-hand about the successes and woes of business leadership and entrepreneurship.
”Black businesses continue to be marred with a variety of barriers that stand in the way of successful launch or sustainability,” said Anthony Nelson, dean of the NCCU School of Business. “This ‘pitch’ experience promises to provide student business founders with access to resources that will significantly enhance the opportunity for growth and development of their businesses. It is our honor and privilege to collaborate with Duke in this effort and we look forward to seeing how these businesses influence social justice and economic development.”
Participants also enjoyed a fireside chat with Grant Hill, Duke University alumnus and basketball legend; Fred Whitfield, NCCU alumnus and president of the Charlotte Hornets; and Charles Whitfield co-founder
of Hidden Beach Records and manager of community relations for Lowes Companies Inc.
The event concluded on April 9 with a keynote discussion with Rodney Sampson, executive chairman and CEO of Opportunities Hub; Karen LeVert, president of Southeast TechInventures; and Dan Roselli, co-founder of Queen City Healthtech.
Beyond the possibility of prize money, “pitch” is focused on delivering a robust experience for the participating entrepreneurs, who can expect expert feedback from investors knowledgeable about their industry. Each cohort of entrepreneurs will be appropriately sized so participants can be seen and mentored during and after the competition.
The participation gaps faced by Black startup funders and founders are staggering. For example, 1% of venture-backed companies have Black founders, 3% of investment partners at VC firms are Black, and fewer than
50 startups led by Black women have raised $1 million or more.
“We believe business activity provides a remarkable opportunity for societal transformation,” said Bill Boulding, dean of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. “We therefore have the responsibility of using the platform of business as a force multiplier to tackle pernicious and persistent issues of racial equity, justice, and fairness that plague society.”
“pitch” supports three of the pillars of Duke’s strategic framework – empowering the boldest thinkers, forging purposeful partnerships, and engaging a global network.
“pitch” is also aligned with North Carolina Central University’s commitment to creating a culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration among the broader community in order to spur economic development.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NCCU Becomes the First HBCU to
welcome a Real Estate Concentration to its Master of Business Administration Degree
March 11, 2021 | Durham, NC
North Carolina Central University Master of Business Administration program has introduced a Real Estate concentration to its growing MBA course offerings. “Real estate is a central part of our daily interactions-- encompassing where we live, work, shop and eat. Being able to understand this industry is not only instrumental to the foundation and sustainability of our communities but it is essential to our personal well-being and financial success,” said Dr. Anthony Nelson, Dean, NCCU School of Business, “Through the offering of a relevant and challenging real estate curriculum within our MBA program at NCCU we are able to not only provide education to support the needs of the real estate industry, but we are able to fill a much-needed diversity gap within the field itself.”
Organizations like Walker & Dunlop have provided industry insight, structure, and support to ensure this program is not only relevant but is able to grant students’ access to an expansive industry network.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with North Carolina Central University. The university’s commitment and excellence in training the next generation of black leaders and developing innovative programs that provide young leaders with new career opportunities, aligns with Walker & Dunlop’s DE&I mission. We strive to make a significant impact on the professional growth of the NCCU students and provide them new and exciting professional opportunities in commercial real estate,” commented Jason Golub, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walker & Dunlop and NCCU School of Business Board of Visitor member.
Emil Malizia Professor, UNC Department of City and Regional Planning has extended his expertise and guidance to the program in concert with NCCU Department Chair, Ibrahim Salama to create a curriculum that ensure appropriate instruction and framework.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is well positioned to build a pipeline of diverse talent ready to bring their capabilities and perspectives to a growing and more inclusive community. Through full tuition paid scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships the program looks forward to being able to attract students from all over the country. A real estate center located within the school, will be a resource for students seeking experiential opportunities and organizations that desire a platform for innovation and discovery. Within the School of Business’s fully accredited MBA program, this new concentration, available to both online and in-residence MBA students, will be the first of its kind in an HBCU Master of Business Administration Degree program.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS Online MBA Introduced
To NC Central Graduate Programming
North Carolina Central University School of Business introduced a new Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree in fall 2020 designed to take advantage of online learning.
The online option was added to NCCU’s MBA offerings in recognition of the popularity of such programs in managing coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Enhanced Online MBA was curated to meet the industry needs for leadership in critical areas: Marketing, Data Analytics, Hospitality and Tourism,” Real Estate and Wealth Management said Diedre Guion Peoples, Ph.D., interim director of the MBA Program. “We are excited to be able to offer a wider array of course offerings to a broader market of prospective industry leaders.”
This curriculum will offer graduate students access to industry professionals, networks, and instructors for education in consumer behavior, healthcare marketing, brand management and strategic selling.
Shopify Plus reports that Global B2C ecommerce sales are expected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2021. As digital marketing continues to grow, there is an increasing need for strategic planning and more targeted outreach in response to trends, technology, and analytics.
ResearchAndMarkets.com anticipates that the global big data analytics market size will increase 12.3% by 2027, reaching nearly $105.08 billion. Data analytics enables companies to identify profit potential, trends, and other pathways to success, and it applies to all areas of commerce, including technology, sports, music and entertainment.
“NCCU’s online MBA was developed to advance the careers of professionals through programming that speaks to the growing needs of a variety of industries,” said Anthony Nelson, Ph.D., dean of the NCCU School of Business. “We are positioning leaders to understand their responsibility in promoting equitable practices while forwarding innovative thought and making informed business decisions.”
In the field of Hospitality and Tourism, creativity and innovation has become even more essential because of Covid-19, as companies strive to ensure safety and service while providing a fun and rewarding experience for customers, according to PoJu Chen, Ph.D., chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Administration program.
“Analysts looking forward to the postpandemic periods expect this industry segment to grow exponentially, putting professionals with the ability to lead, manage, and create in even greater demand,” Chen said.
NCCU plans to add new programs, such as commercial real estate, to the online MBA as the learning platform continues to grow.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NCCU Business Students
Ranks high in AACSB Peregrine Comprehensive Exam
The Peregrine Test is a practical, knowledge-based exam that evaluates students on the following topics: Accounting. Finance. Business Integration and Strategy and Economics. This test is important because it gauges the competency and retention of students within prominent business courses. NCCU Business prides itself on the quality of instruction given and the aptitude of our students within these programs.
NCCU Business scored +27% against other AACSB-Accredited institutions that use Peregrine. NCCU Business is ranked at an Above Average category for proficiency overall. The school is ranked in the 97 percentiles of the selected aggregate pool for AACSB accredited institutions who completed the exam.
“As an AACSB accredited institution the standard from which the School of Business must adhere is at the highest level of business instruction,” said Anthony Nelson, Dean NCCU Business School, “I’m happy that the result from the peregrine test exemplifies the exceptional quality of instruction and high capacity of our students to learn and grow."
Create Symposium to Address Issues of Diversity in Business
Business students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University hosted a virtual symposium titled Sustaining the Momentum of AntiRacism in Business on April 9, 2021.
Students from UNC and NCCU came together to address issues surrounding inequities within corporate systems and to assess the role everyone plays in being conduits for change.
Amid the backdrop of a global pandemic in 2020, the country experienced several months of social unrest. Within these months, young people from across the globe rose in solidarity to march and protest to bring attention to systemic issues that continue to sully the lives of black and brown people.
Is this awareness a mere moment or is it a sustainable movement for the country? This question is driving students to provide a platform for honest discussion and collaborative coordination with the goal of sparking a cultural awareness. As the conversations continue, real change can be made.
“I am a big believer in collaborative change,” said UNC senior Jessie LaMasse, who is pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies, with a minor in Public Policy. “A symposium that joins our schools together against racism is a unique opportunity to see where we have all come since June 2020 and discuss where we still need to go. This is an important event to ensure that last summer’s conversations do not end, but grow and see change.”
THE SYMPOSIUM INCLUDED:
▸ Keynote remarks from Lowe’s CEO Marvin
Ellison regarding the responsibility of corporations to be committed to equitable practice.
▸ A fireside chat featuring two deans – UNC
Kenan Flagler Dean Douglas A. Shackelford and NCCU School of Business Dean
Anthony Nelson – about preparing students for entry into a diverse and evolving marketplace.
▸ A panel discussion featuring Kevin Brown, a lead manager in the Digital Divide Institute at Ernst & Young in New York; Kevin J. Clark, head of operational excellence for digital marketing at LinkedIn; Rebecca Fernandez, senior account manager for Nike; and
Michelle Witherspoon, chief of operations for diversity and inclusion at CISCO. Each panelist will discuss their respective experiences regarding issues of diversity in the workplace. “This symposium is very important, and we are happy to be in conversation and partnership with UNC business students surrounding this critical topic,” said Jordyn Martin, NCCU junior Business AdministrationMarketing major. “As I find my place in the corporate world, I look forward to learning about ways I can advocate for just and fair practices while being in an environment that recognizes my own potential and perspective.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: PLEASE VISIT antiracisminbusiness.unc.edu
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS NCCU School of Business Tackles Social Justice Issues with High
Schoolers at the 2021 Virtual Summer Youth Business and Entrepreneurship Academy
As the world continues to revel in Covid pandemic and social justice issues, NCCU School of Business facilitated its 2nd virtual summer academy for high school students in July. The Summer Youth Business and Entrepreneurship (SYBEA) introduced 22 students from across the country to a virtual portal of self-discovery with workshops developed to spur their innovation, aspiration, and problem-solving capabilities.
“Each year we are able to welcome students to NCCU and our business program through entrepreneurial education that centers on interpersonal and technical skill building in order to spur their own business ownership
aspirations,” said Keisha Williams, Director of SYBEA, “more important than the overarching charge we presented to the students to develop and present a solution to a challenge plaguing our communities, this year it was very important that we emphasized and reaffirmed the importance of their abilities to lead, act and advocate for what they know to be fair and just right from where they are today.”
The 5-day virtual experience took students through workshops that featured social business leaders from across the country with skill building workshops in branding, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The students also had the opportunity to meet with their peers to discuss what they can do to bring about solutions to societal injustices that are affecting their communities. From presenting opportunities to liaison with School Resource Officers to mitigate school to prison to pipeline to providing financial literacy services from young people to young people, the students were able to cultivate a number of programs/organizations that could be developed to make a significant difference to their communities today.
Amonte Harley, rising Senior from Henderson Collegiate High School in Henderson, NC said “My experience with the academy is something I won’t forget, I feel ready to be a leader and make some positive changes in my community. Even though it was virtual, I gained more knowledge and more love for NCCU”.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Administration:
DURHAM, N.C.— The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Administration has another accomplishment under its belt: OnlineU has recognized the online bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management as a high return-on-investment program for students.
In the category of “Online Bachelors in Hospitality Management with the Highest Return on Investment,” NCCU was ranked No. 12 in the United States .
The ranking was drawn from median postgraduate salaries of over 450,000 alumni, as listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
OnlineU spokeswoman Adria Vaughan said the informational site offers college performance data to potential students based on the “proven outcomes of real alumni.” “NCCU Hospitality and Tourism Administration alumni had an impressive 10-year ROI (return on investment), resulting in your placement among the nation’s top online schools,” Vaughan said.
Po-Ju Chen, Ph.D., chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Administration Department, credits the positive ranking to the hard work of faculty, staff and students enrolled in the program.
“As our program continues to grow and our online reach extends, we look forward to continuing to provide state of the art programming that prepares hospitality leaders for immediate contribution to an ever-evolving hospitality and tourism industry,” Chen said.
