Flagler College links to business community

Historic City News was informed that Flagler College held the inaugural meeting of its new Business Advisory Board; a group of prominent area business leaders who will serve as the primary link between the business community and the College’s Business Administration Department.

Approximately 25 percent of Flagler students major in Business Administration, Accounting, or Economics. This new board will help the college serve these students in a number of ways.

“I am thrilled about the opportunities this new relationship will offer, both to our business students and the business community,” said Dr. Allison Roberts, Chair of the Business Administration Department. “We are grateful to have this board’s astute advice and counsel regarding the skills and knowledge needed by today’s business graduates to thrive in the 21st century marketplace.”

The 2015 Business Advisory Board is comprised of CEOs and influential business leaders from St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Palm Coast. Board members include:

• Randal Ringhaver (Liaison to the Board of Trustees), Chairman and President, Ring Power Corporation, St. Augustine, Florida

• Joe Bateman, Retired Vice President of Government Relations, Union Pacific, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

• John Berlin, President, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, St. Augustine, Florida

• Delinda Fogel, Publisher, St. Augustine Record, St. Augustine, Florida

• Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse of America, Jacksonville, Florida

• Peter Freytag, Retired Vice President of Common Stocks, State Farm Mutual Insurance Company, Palm Coast, Florida

• Nick Furris, Owner, Senior Producer and Director, Spectrum Films, Jacksonville, Florida

• Christine McGlade, Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, Northrop Grumman, St. Augustine, Florida

• Wayne Robison, President/CEO, Rulon International, St. Augustine, Florida

• Seth Shortlidge, CEO and Owner, NTE Energy, St. Augustine, Florida

Dr. Beverly Copeland Carmichael, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, told local reporters that the direct link to firms in the regional job market will allow students and those firms to be matched in the most efficient manner.

This relationship is hoped will be instrumental in strengthening the outcomes for Flagler College business students while also serving to bolster and support area firms with qualified graduates.

“Having a strong link between our Business Administration Department and the active business community in our region is critical,” Flagler College President, William T. Abare, Jr., said last week. “This board will provide timely, relevant guidance and resources to our students and faculty. I’m very grateful and proud to have the participation of the business leaders who have committed to serve on the board.”

In addition to their advising role, the board will offer resources to the college by serving as guest speakers, supporting and placing interns, identifying service learning opportunities, and offering networking and mentoring opportunities for business students.

Abare reported that plans are also in the works for a CEO lecture series, to be announced at a later time.