The
program will focus on communication and social skills, professionalism,
personal values, problem solving, and teamwork, among other topics.
The activities comprising the program will be different for
lower-division and upper-division students.
Sample
activities for lower-division students include attendance at talks by
visiting speakers and participation in the Leadership Conference and
other college-sponsored events. Upper-division students will also take
a business seminar and participate in a practicum. Based on its
research, the College of Business believes a required professional
development program will be unique among collegiate business schools in
the U.S.
“Coming from rural Slater, Mo., I was ill-prepared
to tackle my first job in the bustling city of Chicago in 1958, even
with a marketing degree from Mizzou,” says Caldwell. “With the need
for better and more advanced education today, I believe this
professional development program will give Mizzou students a firm
foothold in the business world.”
Professional development
of students is one of the strategic priorities set forth in the
college’s strategic plan. Gifts like Caldwell’s help to advance these
priorities, for the benefit of the college’s students and faculty
members.
“Having this extensive professional development
program in place will set our college, and most importantly, our
students apart,” said Mary Beth Marrs, assistant dean of undergraduate
programs. “Bill recognizes the value of being well prepared to enter a
professional field, and his gift will help students be ready for the
business world. This program, we believe, will also give our
graduating students an edge in competing with students from other
business schools in securing an appealing post-graduation
job.”
Caldwell has been an active supporter of
Mizzou for years, serving as a member of the board for his local MU
Alumni Association chapter and as a Jefferson Club Trustee. He is also
a member of the MU Legacy Society, the Chancellor’s Society, and the
college’s Herbert J. Davenport Society.