Parker Business Scholars Program

Students admitted to the Parker Business Scholars Program will enroll in a special section of BUSA 4131 Strategic Management taught by Dean Amason. This small seminar will allow students to explore strategic management through the lens of organizational leadership. By applying knowledge of leadership scholarship, students will be able to assess their personal and professional growth and begin to develop their own leadership philosophy.

Students will participate in a series of hands-on activities designed to enhance the knowledge gained from their required capstone course.

Corporate Site Visits – Each semester, students will visit a company’s headquarters and meet with senior executives to hear more about the company’s leadership, mission, company culture and tour the premises. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the Parker Companies’ executive offices, speaking with Mr. Greg Parker and his team.
Experiential Learning Trip – During their time in the PBSP, students will travel to a major U.S. city conducting company site visits and interacting with business executives to learn more about the company’s leadership philosophy, corporate culture and tour the facilities.
Ropes Course – At the start of the program, students will attend a full day ropes course to enhance team building.
Service-Learning Project – Each year, the current PBS cohort will be responsible for organizing and executing a service project that gives back and strengthens the relationship between the Parker College and local community.
Guest Speaker Networking – PBSP students will play a role in hosting and networking with guest speakers brought to campus for their benefit, and as part of the Parker Talks series.
Mentorship Program – During the year, each Business Scholar will be paired with a graduate on the Young Alumni Board who will mentor them by offering personal, professional, and career development guidance.
Emotional Intelligence Training – All PBS participants will engage with a full workshop and follow-up sessions to develop and improve upon the emotional intelligence skills required for successful leadership.

This program is only open to students in the Parker College of Business. Students who intend to apply to the Parker Business Scholars Program must ensure they meet all of the following criteria:

• Have senior standing (at least 90 earned credit hours) by the start of the Fall 2023 term;
• Have a minimum institutional GPA of 3.3;
• Have a declared major in the Parker College of Business;
• Will not graduate prior to the end of the following Spring 2024 term.

In addition to meeting these criteria, students will be further evaluated on their academic excellence, demonstrated leadership experience, communication skills, and potential for future leadership growth and professional development.

How to Apply
Completed applications are due to the Director of Experiential Learning & Student Engagement (Business 3300B). Only complete applications will be accepted. The application form requires completion of the following:

 

• Applicant information questionnaire;
• Typed answers to short questions and essay prompts;
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the Parker College;
• Copy of the applicant’s professional résumé;
• Copy of the applicant’s Spring 2023 course schedule.

Upon review of these materials, highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a second round interview before a committee comprised of Parker College staff and faculty, as well as local business leaders.

The application for this program is now open. Completed applications must be submitted by March 23, 2023.  Download and save the documents to your computer in order to type your information.

General Program Benefits:

• Recognition as a Parker Business Scholar at Commencement;
• Specialized capstone course (BUSA 4131) taught by Dean Amason;
• Direct access to Mr. Greg Parker, CEO and Founder of the Parker Companies;
• Company and Experiential Learning visits;
• Direct access to Parker Distinguished Speaker Series guests;
• And more…