Tillman School of Business Advisory Board Gathers for Productive Meeting
May 7, 2024
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
Mount Olive, NC – The University of Mount Olive’s Tillman School of Business (TSB) Advisory Board recently held their annual meeting focusing on strategic initiatives to enhance student opportunities and academic programs.
TSB, named in honor of Mr. Robert L. Tillman, former President and CEO of Lowe’s, Inc., hosted the gathering to discuss various facets of the business school’s operations and future endeavors. TSB Dean Dr. Kathy Best introduced new members, Kate Whetsell, Director of Finance for FreshRealm, and Neal Stancil, Director of Organizational Development for Pepsi Bottling Ventures, along with newly appointed Assistant Dean Waylon Woodall, CPA.
Attendees heard about the TSB’s newest academic program, Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science. Best elaborated on the unique program, emphasizing its collaborative nature between TSB and the School of Arts and Sciences. “The program offers two distinct tracks, providing students with a comprehensive education encompassing business and technical expertise,” she said.
The meeting featured insights from students and industry professionals. Kolby Jessup, a rising senior accounting major, shared his perspective on the student experience, highlighting the value of extracurricular activities such as internships and professional networking events. He also praised the TSB faculty for their insights and availability to students. Steve Mitchell from Markham, Mitchell and Stroud, CPAs, discussed the firm’s successful internship program, which has provided valuable opportunities for UMO students.
Bret Strickland, President of Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company (ACIC), elaborated on the various opportunities available for students at ACIC, including internships and specialized training programs. Additionally, Neal Stancil, Director of Organizational Development at Pepsi Bottling Ventures, outlined his company’s commitment to fostering a strong relationship with TSB through collaborative projects and internship initiatives.
During the meeting, TSB Advisory Board Chair John Kluttz proposed the “2024 Internship Expansion Initiative,” aimed at identifying and developing internship opportunities for UMO business students across various sectors. In closing, Best highlighted the success of TSB’s recent graduates and the ongoing efforts to enhance the academic offerings and student experience within the business school.
For more information about the Tillman School of Business and its initiatives, please visit TSB’s website. Contact: Dr. Kathy Best, Dean, Tillman School of Business, at kbest@umo.edu.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
Waylon Woodall, Assistant Dean of the Tillman School of Business
John Kluttz, Chair of the TSB Advisory Board
Dr. Kathy Best, Dean of the Tillman School of Business
Kolby Jessup, senior UMO accounting major
Bret Strickland, President of Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company (ACIC)
Neal Stancil, Director of Organizational Development for Pepsi Bottling Ventures
