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Let’s Get Down to Business

UNC Asheville’s Department of Business Evolves to Put Students on the Leading Edge

By UNC Asheville

August 24^th, 2023

The world of business is changing.

And UNC Asheville’s Department of Business–formerly known as the Department of Management & Accountancy–is changing with it. A new name, new classes, and new student organizations, partnered with a strong curriculum grounded in a tradition of academic excellence and innovation, are all part of the department’s ongoing evolution.

Is AI Coming for Your Job?

AI seems to have permeated every facet of modern society, including the business world–but it’s nothing to be afraid of, according to Nana Harrison, assistant professor of business.

“There is this conversation about whether AI is going to take people's jobs now. The interesting thing is, people who know how to use AI will probably replace those who don't know how to use it,” Harrison said.

“What we want to do, as the Business Department, is to make sure that the students are well equipped and have a basic understanding of how AI works, and how it can be used in the business world to help make their work easier, as well as give them a competitive edge.”

Harrison’s new course, AI for Business, will explore a number of practical applications for AI that students may encounter across a variety of industries they may explore after graduation.

“Students interested in marketing, for example, can use AI to collect a lot of social media data and dig into the data, because you can have the machine learn about conversations that are happening on social media,” Harrison explained. “How are people referencing this particular brand? What are the new trends?”

Professionals in the fashion industry can use AI to predict new clothing trends, and use those predictions to decide what–or what not–to buy. AI can also be used to identify problems or inefficiencies in a company’s workflow.

“AI cuts across all aspects from manufacturing through marketing, even to idea generation,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s students will take an even deeper dive into AI by building their own chatbots.

“As they are going to be using these tools, it is always better to know how it works, rather than just being able to use it,” Harrison said. “Because if you really understand how the thing works, you'll be able to know the possible problems that you can encounter.”

Nana Harrison, assistant professor of business

With the understanding gained in their class experiences, business students will be empowered to make the most of AI as a powerful tool in their future careers.

“Whether we like it or not, AI is something that has come to stay, and its effects will only become stronger and stronger,” Harrison said. “If we want to get our students to be the best they can be and be ready for the job market, it is imperative that they know how AI works.”

What’s the Buzz?

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.”

Continuing Excellence

Mentorship has always been a pillar of the Business Department, along with a strong focus on experiential learning.

“Experiential learning is a requirement in the Business Department, it’s built into the curriculum, which is very unique,” said Deena Burris, associate professor of business.

Students can choose to participate in an internship; complete an undergraduate research project; take a global business course through study abroad; or take a consulting practicum course, in which students partner with a local business to help them solve a particular problem.

Undergraduate research student Delaney Tallet '22, psychology major with a pre-law emphasis, presenting her business law research at the fall research symposium

Students in the consulting practicum course

Undergraduate research student Alexis Baker '22, accounting major, presenting her business law research at the fall research symposium

“Being a business major student, I did not only learn about management but also learned about how to address real world business problems and the significance of global business nowadays,” said Jolie Nguyen ‘’23, who is currently studying at the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

“UNC Asheville's Department of Business not only prepares students for how to get a job or run a business, it prepares them to innovate, design for value creation and have substantive and positive social, economic and environmental impact,” said Susan Clark Muntean, associate professor of business.

Clark developed the consulting practicum course, which she offers every year. “Our business and entrepreneurship programming prepares students to be world class innovators, leaders, and job creators rather than merely job seekers.”

It’s all part of the Business Department’s ongoing commitment to preparing students with the academic, practical, professional skills they’ll need to thrive once they graduate, whatever changes come next.

UNC Asheville Department of Business

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