School of Business - Shenandoah University

10/15/2026

Are you a thermostat or a thermometer?

That's one of the questions Rousawn Dozier posed to students during a lively, thought-provoking visit to Chelsea Hester's Mind of the Entrepreneur class.

His point? A thermometer reflects the temperature around it. A thermostat helps set it.

And leaders have a choice about the energy, attitude and influence they bring into a room.

Dozier, an entrepreneur, keynote speaker and leadership advisor, brought plenty of energy of his own! Through humor, personal stories and engaging exchanges with students, he challenged them to think about what matters most as they prepare for their futures.

His central message was simple but powerful: Know your mission. Understand your values. Let both guide your decisions.

As Dozier reminded students:

“When your goals compete, your values have to decide.”

From career opportunities to personal commitments, he encouraged students to think beyond what they want to accomplish and consider why those accomplishments matter.

Thank you, Rousawn, for an engaging morning of inspiration, reflection and lessons that extend far beyond the classroom!

Rousawn Dozier Chelsea Hawse Hester

10/09/2026

Financial literacy starts with understanding how we think about money. 💵

What does money represent to you? Security? Freedom? Opportunity? Generosity?

These were among the questions Candace Davenport, vice president and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Engagement, Action) officer at First Bank, recently posed to students in the Mind of the Entrepreneur class.

Davenport encouraged students to consider how their values influence their financial decisions and shared practical ways to build better money habits.

A few takeaways from her presentation:
💰 Track your spending for seven days and look for opportunities to save.
💰 Think about how you manage even $5. Small financial decisions matter.
💰 Make saving a priority, regardless of how much you earn.
💰 Learn to distinguish between wants and needs.

Her message? "You can't afford not to save."

Thank you, Candace, for sharing your insights and encouraging students to think more intentionally about their financial futures!

First Bank Chelsea Hawse Hester Candace Davenport

10/09/2026

What can NASA teach us about leadership? 🚀

Quite a lot, as students in Chelsea Hester's Mind of the Entrepreneur class recently discovered!

Michael Hawes, a longtime NASA leader, former vice president and Orion program manager at Lockheed Martin, and member of the College of Business, Engineering & Technology’s Board of Advisors, visited the class to share lessons from his career in human spaceflight.

Drawing on lessons from the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery and his broader professional experience, Hawes highlighted the importance of decisive leadership, diverse perspectives, teamwork and a willingness to step up when challenges arise.

Among the key takeaways:

🚀 Leadership must be demonstrated through action.

🤝 Different talents and perspectives strengthen teams.

💡 Flexibility and a willingness to step up matter.

🎯 A shared mission helps guide important decisions.

Through experiences like these, Shenandoah students have opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals and explore how leadership principles apply across industries and careers.

Thank you, Mike, for sharing your insights and experiences with our students!

Chelsea Hawse Hester

10/08/2026

What makes a business successful? A great strategy—or a great culture?

According to business leader David Baxa, both matter!

Baxa, chairman of VISTA Technology Services, Inc. and a Shenandoah University trustee, recently visited Chelsea Hester's Mind of the Entrepreneur class to share lessons from his career and insights on the importance of organizational culture.

His professional journey took him from environmental science and radio broadcasting to technology, management and eventually business ownership at age 56.

Along the way, he learned the value of building relationships, getting involved in the community and learning from others.

Referencing the familiar saying “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” often attributed to management thinker Peter Drucker, Baxa explained that while strategy provides direction, an organization's culture shapes the everyday behaviors, relationships and values that help turn goals into results.

He encouraged students to think about the kind of leaders they hope to become—and the kind of workplace culture they want to create.

The lesson? A great business needs both a strong strategy and a culture that brings it to life.

Thank you, David, for sharing your experiences and inspiring our future business leaders!

Shenandoah University David Baxa Chelsea Hawse Hester

10/03/2026

“Be in love with the process.”

Great advice for entrepreneurs—and for life.

That was one of the messages guest speaker Dr. Miles Davis recently shared with students in the Mind of the Entrepreneur class, led by Chelsea Hester.

Davis challenged students to think about what it takes to pursue success—not simply as entrepreneurs, but as individuals. His advice centered on preparation, confidence, personal growth and the everyday choices that shape our future.

“Confidence is very valuable, but confidence will work against you if you aren’t prepared.”

“Get the small things right.”

He also encouraged students to ask themselves when making decisions: “Is the decision I am about to make going to set me up for success?”

And his advice went beyond business. Davis reminded students of the importance of growth, contribution and relationships—and of letting the people they care about know how much they matter.

From getting the small things right to embracing the process itself, his message offered lessons for entrepreneurship, leadership and life.

Thank you, Dr. Davis, for spending time with our students and sharing your experience and perspective!

Miles K. Davis Chelsea Hawse Hester Cathy Given Loranger

10/02/2026

What does it take to prepare business students for ACCESS?

Julia Connell, a financial advisor and former hospital CFO whose career has also included Goldman Sachs, recently shared lessons from her own professional journey with students in the Mind of the Entrepreneur class, led by Chelsea Hester.

Her message: Success is intentional. It requires discipline, curiosity, accountability, resilience and a willingness to recognize opportunity when it appears.

“When someone cracks open a door, push it open. Go inside, see what’s there, and see what opportunities might exist,” Connell said.

Connell’s visit helped prepare students for their first Access Series virtual conversation with Aidan J. Burke of Goldman Sachs in New York City.

Local professionals will join Chelsea Hester in Stimpson Auditorium each week to prepare students for the all-new Access Series, a component of The Mind of an Entrepreneur course.

The series connects business students directly with high-level executives from leading companies and industries across the country, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, hear the stories behind their careers, and gain firsthand insights into leadership, business, and the experiences that shaped their success.

Shenandoah University Chelsea Hawse Hester

06/23/2026

Shenandoah University Celebrates Innovation At First Campus-Wide Pitch Competition Pitch Contest Presented Through University’s Hub For Innovators, Veterans & Entrepreneurs (HIVE)

Shenandoah’s first campus-wide pitch competition, held in Halpin-Harrison Hall’s Stimpson Auditorium during the spring term, showcased the talent,

05/28/2026

Here’s a fun memory from the 2026 Legacy Awards Ceremony. 🏆

Congratulations to all of the students recognized for their leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and commitment throughout this year’s Legacy Business Class. Your hard work helped make this class one to remember.

# Chelsea Hawse Hester Cathy Given Loranger

05/27/2026

The 2026 Legacy Business Class recently gathered in the HIVE for the Legacy Awards Ceremony, recognizing students whose leadership, professionalism, teamwork and commitment helped shape this year’s class and Legacy Golf Tournament.

Throughout the semester, students stepped beyond the classroom to build relationships, support community partnerships, strengthen professional skills and continue the Legacy tradition of “learning business by doing business.”

The ceremony recognized Sales Committee Leaders, Top 10 Sales Leaders, Perfect Attendance Award recipients, peer-voted honors and students recognized for excellence in leadership, teamwork, marketing, client experience and service.

Congratulations to all of our students for helping continue a culture rooted in leadership, accountability and a true .


Chelsea Hawse Hester Given Loranger

05/19/2026

Business Resource Fair

“Big ideas. Real resources. Meaningful connections. Join us at the Business Resource Fair on July 29th
Whether you are launching a new business, growing an existing company, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for workforce and career-connected opportunities, this event will provide direct access to resource partners, business support organizations, funding information, networking opportunities, and expert guidance.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:�• Connect with local and regional business resource organizations�• Learn about funding, startup, and growth opportunities�• Explore workforce and career development resources�• Network with entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders�• Discover tools and strategies to support business success

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-resource-fair-tickets-1989312082991