This spring, the Haslam College of Business established and bestowed its inaugural Student Organization Awards. The awards recognize clubs, honor societies and other student groups for their contributions to Haslam’s undergraduate community.
“Haslam possesses a strong community culture and our student organizations are a major part of that,” said Lane Morris, associate dean of undergraduate studies and student affairs. “Our 24 student-led organizations expose Haslam students to personal and professional development opportunities, guest speakers, site visits, leadership experiences and community service, which ultimately connect our students and better prepare them for the world.”
Mark Willoughby, Haslam’s director of student engagement, coordinated the program, which recognizes achievements in six categories: overall organization, specific members, advisors, events and most improvement.
Beta Alpha Psi, the international organization for accounting and finance majors, won Organization of the Year. Beta Alpha Psi members gain insights into industry, exposure to firms and often preferred recruitment status. Haslam’s chapter retained 98 percent of its class in the fall of 2016 and 100 percent in the spring of 2017.
Maggie Mobley, Member of the Year
The Member of the Year award went to Maggie Mobley, a senior supply chain major, for her participation in NeXxus. NeXxus brings female supply chain professionals and students together for mentoring and networking in an attempt to increase gender diversity in the field.
“Maggie was responsible for all of the public communications about the chapter, and for so much of the behind-the-scenes management of the organization and planning for each event NeXxus held this year,” said Dianne Mollenkopf, the NeXxus advisor. “Maggie’s enthusiasm and can-do attitude were infectious and highly appreciated.”
Advisor of the Year, Alycia Winegardner and Organization of the Year Beta Alpha Psi
Alycia Winegardner, a lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Information Management, was recognized as Advisor of the Year for her work with the AIM Accounting Alliance and Beta Alpha Psi. Nominators cited Wingardner’s dedication to student growth, including the relationships she maintains with more than 12 companies to facilitate student networking and recruitment.
The Economics Club won Event of the Year for their trip to Washington, D.C., in December of 2016. Students visited with Senator Lamar Alexander’s staff, a committee responsible for the federal budget and the Federal Communications Commission.
The Most Improved award went to the University of Tennessee Investment Group (UTIG). UTIG experienced its largest membership numbers this year, including improvements in its number of women members.
