Dr. Earl Walker has accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer for the CSBA's Mentor Association. The former Dean of the Citadel School of Business Administration adds another task to his duties.
The Mentor Association was formed:
To serve as a bridge from the academic environment to the business and professional community and to provide an opportunity for Citadel School of Business Administration undergraduate and MBA students to interact with highly successful business leaders and professionals.
As a Teacher, Advisor and Mentor to many CSBA students himself, Dr. Walker will be assuming some new responsibilities in the Mentoring Association, which include:
- Analysis of operations to evaluate performance of the Association in meeting objectives and determine areas of potential investments in the Association, program improvement or policy change;
- Coordination of the development and implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, and other administrative control processes to include standard operating procedures (SOPs); and
- Serve as the public affairs officer of the Association.
Dr. Walker has great expectations for the Mentor Association and hopes that all cadets and MBA students will get involved.
"The program will provide individual coaching, helping these students achieve excellence in their field. They need to dream bigger. Some students do not realize how good they are and their value as leaders of principle and accountability," Dr. Walker explained.
The program is well-received by female and male cadets alike and their Mentors have a broad range of experience, an interest in youth, integrity and honesty. Cadets must fill out a questionnaire and matches are made based not only on career choices but also on common interests and hobbies. The Mentors are asked to attend "Boot Camp" where they are given a basic overview of the Citadel and its administration. The Mentor Association sponsors planned events and occasional social gatherings. Mentors have an opportunity to meet the students and other business leaders involved in the Program.
The Mentor Association is a great benefit to both Mentor and Mentee. Dr. Walker believes it helps in the growth of good business for the Region and in finding great prospective employees.
"This is an evolving experience. One that is a career visioning program, allowing the students to go beyond what they think they can achieve. The companies have a broader horizon about the world, recognizing centralization of principled leadership and a sense of integrity; for the student, it helps them think about their lives and all that they can achieve. It expands the imagination."
The President, Provost and administration at the Citadel have all been very supportive and helpful in sustaining and recognizing this program. A lot of assistance goes into putting it all together and Dr. Walker gives credit to Sandra Brown, Coordinator for the Mentors Association & Speakers Bureau, for her hard work. Brown plans, coordinates, schedules and executes events, including orientation for both mentors and students.
Dr. Walker is very enthusiastic regarding his position as a mentor and teacher. The Mentor Association is growing, much of it by word of mouth. The School of Business Advisory Board began discussions about the Mentoring program in 2001; in 2002-2003 a pilot program began with 18 students and 14 mentors. Now the Program has expanded to 150 Mentors and 200 students. By any measure, that is a success and good reason to be enthusiastic.
