SWU business students ‘network’ to help solve global problems
Pictured at the Enactus conference in Atlanta are, from left: Mariah Royce; Richard Baker; Dr. Charlotte Houke, professor of Accounting; Dr. Debra Eischen, professor of business; Curtis Burkhalter of Northport, Ala.; Joshua Cook; and Rhett Keaton.
Recently attending an Enactus conference in Atlanta, Southern Wesleyan University students and faculty witnessed impressive presentations while gaining insight into ways they can contribute to this community of academic and business leaders that are seeking sustainable solutions to benefit others.
“The conference was excellent; It was hard to take it all in,” said Dr. Debra Eischen, associate professor of business at Southern Wesleyan. Eischen and and Dr. Charlotte Houke, a business professor at Southern Wesleyan’s North Augusta learning center, got together to develop an Enactus program for students enrolled in the university’s adult and online programs, as well as those in the traditional program at the Central campus.
Richard Baker, a student enrolled in Southern Wesleyan’s adult evening program, stepped forward to become the leader of the Enactus group in North Augusta. Richard, who attends the university’s North Augusta learning center, volunteered to put together an agenda for the group’s first meeting.
According to Eischen, the students are given autonomy in development of their business projects.
“Faculty advisors help in the process, but the students create their own business models,” Eischen said. She also pointed out that each Enactus team develops critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, entrepreneurial skills and presentation skills. There are also opportunities to enter projects in regional, national and international competitions.
“Enactus,” derived from the phrase “Entrepreneurial Actions for Others Creates a Better World for Us All,” is an international organization that gives business students opportunities to design a business product and/or service that addresses a societal problem and/or need. More than 70,000 students worldwide participate in the program, developing nearly 5,000 projects annually. Projects can range from repurposing discarded materials into marketable products to addressing chronic unemployment with training and developing new job markets.
For details about Enactus, visit enactus.org or contact Eischen at or call (864) 644-5485.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.