Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University business students recently assisted an agency in developing a strategic vision to better serve the needs of residents in Nacogdoches, Shelby and San Augustine counties.
For the second year in a row, seniors in business policy and strategy, the capstone strategic management class at the Rusche College of Business, worked with the Nacogdoches Area United Way to analyze the nonprofit’s operations and find areas for improvement.
The summer course was taught by Dr. Marcus Cox, associate professor of management. He organized the United Way review with Gary Lee Ashcraft, NAUW president and CEO, Caroline Garner, NAUW executive vice president, board members Wendy Buchanan and Sherry Morgan, and Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the college of business.
“I’m especially proud of the work done by our students in support of this important cause,” Bisping said. “We also look to support the Nacogdoches Area United Way further during our State Employees Charitable Campaign on campus this fall.”
Implemented as a case competition with four teams, the review encompassed the organization, the three-county region it serves – Nacogdoches, Shelby and San Augustine – and resulted in recommendations on a new strategic vision that included additional sources of funding, critical analysis of the organization’s online presence and usage of various social media platforms, and additional ways to tap into the students and resources at SFA.
The first and second place team in the case competition received a $500 and $300 scholarship, respectively. Presentations were delivered via Zoom.
“It’s very fulfilling for me personally to see our students end their college experiences on a strong note and I am excited for them as they now launch their careers,” Cox said.