In addition to new courses like AI for Business, students also have the opportunity to join The Social Hive, a new student organization launched just last year by business major Brian Hickey. The organization, which is open to all UNC Asheville students, will help participants connect, collaborate, and find mentors in their chosen fields.
“The name ‘Social Hive’ symbolizes the group's aim to function like a beehive, where each member works together harmoniously to contribute to a collective goal, promoting social interactions, idea exchanges, and collective learning,” said Hickey.
Hickey’s position as a non-traditional student helped him consider multiple perspectives when designing the club. “My proximity to traditional college students helped me recognize that traditional college students weren't being adequately respected by traditional business professionals,” Hickey said.
This was especially apparent in the aftermath of the pandemic, Hickey explained, when the expectation to return to “normal” was placed upon students and young professionals who had never experienced what that “normal” was. “I've made it my personal mission to address this gap in perspectives between previous and current generations of college students.”
Part of that work involves developing a mentoring program to connect Hive members to experienced Asheville professionals. He’s also planning events with two recent alumni who will speak about the impact their mentors had on their experiences as students and after graduation.
Hickey is looking forward to expanding the Social Hive this year, and hopes students across campus will join in.
“Anyone who seeks to grow personally and professionally, enjoy collaborative initiatives, and contribute to a lively and supportive community is welcome to join.”