Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1189682
Recently, our School community embarked on a strategic planning journey that established the School's direction for the next 3 years. As part of the process, we refreshed our mission. Mission statements remind us of our purpose while providing a lens through which to filter our daily decisions. As I considered our new mission statement, and what it means for our work, several aspects emerged that reminded me of networking. Key parts of our mission--such as supporting, inspiring, standing alongside others, and nurturing relationships--apply to what we do when we network. Networking has an inherently educational quality to it. Networking opportunities provide us with ways to both mentor and be mentored by others, promoting a free exchange of information for the further development of each party. In this aspect, networking is similar to a course-room: although you are learning about a particular topic, your professors are also learning from you and what unique experiences have shaped your interests about how you approach your field. Thus, there is a give-and-take in both education as well as in the networking realm. Networking requires an openness to new experiences, ideas, and methods—characteristics that our School works to promote and support in both our students and our faculty members. More personally, those in my network expanded my knowledge, opened doors, and broadened my thinking. Many continue to support me today. Because of my network, I had opportunities to serve on boards, travel abroad, build new skills, consider new jobs, and explore areas of interest. More importantly, I learned the importance of sharing my experiences with others and the blessings that follow. In this issue, members of our School of Business community share their perspectives on our mission, insights about networking, current scholarly pursuits, and provide food for thought regarding our interactions with our networks and those most important to us. As educators, we touch the lives of those we serve, both in and out of the classroom. Our School of Business community is talented, diverse, and holds endless possibilities to build networks. I challenge you to live our mission each day. Build your network. Best Regards, Dr. Tammi Cooper Interim Dean Dean'sMESSAGE 2 Mission We support and inspire developing managers and leaders, standing alongside them to achieve their fullest potential in their chosen careers. We encourage learning and nurture relationships among the university, alumni, and the global business community. Vision Create positive change, value, and impact on the way the world does business. Values • Student Focused • Engaged Faculty • Diversity • Educational Excellence • Continuous Improvement