Business Professionals Share Experience, Insights with USM Students

Programs within The University of Southern Mississippi College of Business and Economic Development strive to be relevant, engaging, and connected with the professional community. Hosting business professionals inside the classroom enriches the minds of business students by providing interactive education and cultivating long-lasting relationships. 

The college welcomed several business professionals to share their stories of success and inspiration to students during the fall 2018 semester. A few of these guests included Kyle Fulcher, CEO of Mississippi Ag and Arkansas Ag Company, Max Draughn, President of Heartwood Capital Inc., Jonathan C. Hamilton, Partner and Head of Latin American Arbitration with global law firm White & Case, and Aaron Beam, former founder and Chief Financial Officer of HealthSouth Corporation. 

Topics that were covered focused on the challenges and advantages of the franchise/franchisee relationship, keys to success in the pharmaceutical industry, "The New Globalization", and ethics. 

"I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the Healthcare Marketing students. Their excitement and questions show that they are engaged and eager about the future,” said Draughn. “Dr. (Kelli) King has done a wonderful job of molding the program to provide the best opportunities for the students and increase its awareness.” 

Mr. Chris Balaski, Dr. Kelli King, Dr. John T. Lambert, Jr., and Dr. Maurice Forsyth connected with external constituents to engage their students in programs that foster connections with people.

However, they are not the only ones; the college faculty and staff continue to invite guest speakers to come and share their stories, expertise, and experience. More than 125 executives have interacted with students this fall semester alone. 

To learn more about the USM College of Business and Economic Development, call 601.266.4659 or visit: https://www.usm.edu/business