From the Dean: Our Economic Impact
A recent study commissioned by the UNC System Office on the ROI of its constituent institutions has underscored the significant economic contribution Poole College makes to the state of North Carolina. Poole College boasts an impressive $1.19 billion in total incremental lifetime earnings contributed annually by Poole undergraduate alumni – the highest of any UNC System business school. Moreover, for every dollar of student cost to completion, Poole undergraduate programs generate $15.35 in incremental lifetime earnings for alumni, showcasing the unparalleled value of Poole offerings across disciplines.
The study underscores what we, at Poole, already know: We are North Carolina’s Think and Do business school.
We create real value for our graduates. We set ourselves apart by creating impactful experiences for our Poole students so they can take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to real-world experiences. Beyond internship and study abroad opportunities, our students can engage with the Entrepreneurship Clinic to launch start-up businesses. Our marketing students can provide marketing consulting to local companies and organizations by participating in CMS Consulting, a student-run marketing agency. Those with an eye on the market can apply to be part of Bell Tower Capital Management, a student-run undergraduate investment fund that manages approximately $200,000 under the guidance of faculty.
That’s not to mention the practicum programs offered in areas like business analytics, supply chain management, sustainability and enterprise risk management where students work together, with the support of seasoned faculty, to tackle real challenges presented by real organizations. A new program I’m particularly excited about is Poole’s High-Impact Rural Experience, where we’ll offer funding to send our students to rural communities to drive economic mobility in small towns across the state.
But Think and Do goes beyond our students.
We are North Carolina’s Think and Do business school.
Our faculty are passionate about thought leadership. It is not enough for them to be stellar researchers and teachers; they want to translate that knowledge into actionable insights that help students put theory into practice. Business leaders across the region look to our faculty to provide keen insight into critical issues facing the industry – whether it’s supply chain, risk management, data analytics or something else.
From breaking down the economic impact of a city hosting the Olympic Games to exploring how Generation Alpha, or “mini millennials,” will impact the future of marketing, our faculty are quick to lend their expertise to help the broader community understand what’s happening in the business community – and why.
And these programs continue to grow. In addition to increasing the number of practicums we offer our students, we’re expanding our thought leadership program to reach into other NC State colleges to look at the business side of areas like agriculture, science, design and engineering.
We’re proud of the recognition of studies showing our economic impact. They are a motivating force to show us what we’re doing is making a difference … not just in the lives of our students, but in businesses and communities across North Carolina. Let’s keep going.
Always looking forward,
Frank Buckless
Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean
Poole College of Management
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