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Story by Ivy Packee, a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a SOM student marketing assistant.

Each year, SOM takes time to evaluate its strategic vision. In this fast-paced, ever-changing world, it is easy to get distracted and experience mission drift. Students, staff and faculty were asked in the summer of 2020, amid the COVID pandemic: What does SOM do best? Identifying these core areas of excellence helps us plan for the future, engage stakeholders and promote efficiency. Below are three key areas identified as the current strengths for SOM.

Sense of Community

SOM provides a strong sense of community for students, faculty and alumni. The wide variety of events, clubs and opportunities makes it easy for people to get involved. Through these experiences, students are able to make connections with their peers and find people who can offer support and mentorship. There is a feeling of connectedness that comes from the high level of community involvement, even for distance education students.

“SOM is a very tight-knit group of professors and students. When I first started working towards my degree, I didn't know if I would be able to participate in the community because I am a distance-education student. Living in Delta Junction, my life is far from campus. Yet, I felt included, and was brought into the community that was SOM. I was able to interact with professors in a way that I hadn't experienced before, and it excited me so much. To actually take part in SOM through the activities and the events, I felt like a true part of that community. Frequently, the SOM team reaches out to me with newsletters, personal notes, and kindness. This has allowed me to engage with different members and become even more involved. As more things have become virtual, I feel I have been able to engage even more with the SOM community.”

Emily Nerbonne

Current accounting student

Quality Programs

Whether in the classroom or online, programs offered at SOM are of the highest quality. SOM is the only business school in the state with both business accreditation and specialized accounting accreditation from , a highly sought after dual accreditation that has only been attained by approximately 1.5% of universities worldwide. Several classes are certified, meaning they are well designed, engaging online courses that have been reviewed and meet national standards. SOM classes prepare students for the workforce through projects like developing  actual business plans and through clear links between classroom concepts and their real-world applications.

“Classes go way beyond lectures, students are getting to apply textbook concepts to reality, which is exciting to see when they really get engaged. SOM offers several hands-on learning opportunities. Students are creating marketing plans for sports organizations, and they're conducting sports analytics projects. Even in first-year Introduction to Business classes, students are writing business plans. Including guest speakers with a breadth of experience is also a major component of my classes. I think our degree programs provide students with a real-world understanding of what's required to be successful in business.” 

Jon Nachtigal

Instructor, Sport and Recreation Business Program

Faculty Who Care

Caring at SOM is about more than just teaching. Our faculty members are focused on mentorship, and they actively promote and encourage students in ways that benefit their academic careers. Caring about students also means providing them with opportunities to work with businesses on actual projects that will expand their knowledge and skills. Additionally, there are options to take on increased responsibility and leadership roles within student organizations.

“SOM faculty and staff sincerely care, and no matter how busy they are, they take the time to really listen. I feel they genuinely care about me and my success. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, or want to share something good that happened, I go to Ruth Prato's office. She helps me celebrate my accomplishments, or talks me through my struggles offering some perspective. Since I started in the accounting program, Amy Cooper has been there for me as a teacher and mentor. If I have an issue, or want to talk, she makes herself available. Her mentorship is priceless. I can’t imagine making it through the program without Ruth and Amy.”

Marisa Martinez

Current MBA student