Dear Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business Family,
This past year has reminded me of something both simple and profound: the true impact of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business is not measured solely by our achievements, but by the people who make those achievements possible. As we approach the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together, what we’ve learned, and the many moments that showcase the very best of our community. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners brought energy, purpose, and heart to everything we did. Behind every success, every new initiative, and every milestone, there is a dedicated community committed to excellence and to one another. It is a privilege to lead such a remarkable group of people.
It’s natural to notice the numbers— the enrollment numbers, the expansion of our programs, the research our faculty produce, and the new initiatives we launch. And make no mistake, those accomplishments matter. They reflect the dedication, talent, and vision of our team, as well as the trust our students, alumni, and partners place in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. But beyond every statistic, chart, and milestone, there is something even more meaningful: people coming together to inspire, challenge, and transform lives through education. It’s that human connection, that shared commitment to growth and excellence, that truly defines who we are and the impact we make.
You’ll see many of those accomplishments highlighted in this edition of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business Newsletter. We’ve included stories that showcase our dedication to academic excellence, innovation in teaching, and meaningful engagement with students and the community. Together, these stories illustrate what it means to live our mission and embrace the future of business education.
Over the past year, we strengthened our communication efforts in exciting ways. We’re preparing to launch our new Engler e-magazine—a modern platform designed to share the stories, innovations, and achievements that define who we are. And early next year, we’ll introduce video versions of our BuffSpeak podcast, giving us a new way to highlight the voices shaping business and leadership in our region.
Our community outreach thrived as well. Through our Buff Business Summits, we welcomed hundreds of area high school students to campus—introducing them to our programs and giving them a firsthand look at college life. Our CareerTreks provided valuable real-world insight into local businesses, reinforcing how classroom learning connects to daily business challenges and opportunities.
Innovation continued to guide our academic mission. Faculty deepened the integration of AI in teaching and research, preparing students to use these tools responsibly and effectively. Student creativity flourished too: senior Jake Potter’s custom GPT project is just one example of how our learners are applying emerging technologies in meaningful ways.
We also celebrated one of our largest graduating classes, with more than 320 students crossing the stage this December. Our pre-commencement reception remains a cherished tradition, especially for online students meeting their professors in person for the first time. Efforts like the SHRM Clothing Closet, which has grown into a full-scale professional wardrobe resource, helped ensure our students step into their careers confident and prepared.
Our faculty continued to excel in teaching, scholarship, and service, and student organizations such as Women in Business thrived—providing mentorship, leadership opportunities, and community for our future leaders. Even our entrepreneurship students made their mark, with the “Rush Hour” team winning this year’s pitch competition and earning enthusiastic support from the public.
Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast: strengthening student success, expanding innovative programming, fostering meaningful partnerships, and preparing graduates who lead with integrity, creativity, and resilience. With your continued support, the Engler College of Business will remain a place where ambition meets opportunity—and where people, more than anything else, drive our success.
Thank you for the passion, energy, and heart you bring to this community every day. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and an inspiring start to the new year.
With gratitude and optimism,
Dr. Amjad Abdullat