Cumberlands hosts 10th annual business forum

University of the Cumberlands (UC) recently hosted its annual business forum, featuring Alfonzo Alexander, Chief Relationship Officer of NASBA and President of NASBA’s Center for the Public Trust, as the keynote speaker. The forum focused on innovation and ethical leadership in a global environment.

“When you matriculate in your career, you’ll run into ethical challenges,” said Alexander. “I think the majority of business leaders are ethical. But there are a few bad apples that can affect the rest of their business. We need to be aware of that. We need to be prepared.”

All Cumberlands business students, and a number of students from other departments, attended the keynote address about facing ethical issues in the business world. Business students then participated in sessions hosted by other guest speakers throughout the morning.

“The goal is to bring together successful professionals with students to share ideas and experiences,” said Dr. Margaret Combs, Chair of UC’s business department. “Additionally, the presentations provide students with the opportunity to relate classroom learning with real-world experience. The students are challenged and inspired by these industry leaders who took time from their busy schedules to travel to Williamsburg and share their expertise.”

In the forum’s keynote address, Alexander noted that between 80 and 100 percent of young professionals face or experience ethical issues or challenges in the first two years of their careers. He encouraged Cumberlands students to think through these implications, understand the potential impact that tools like social media can have on a person’s reputation and career, and find business leaders in their lives who could mentor them as up-and-coming young professionals.

“The business forums are great,” said Seth Garner, a senior from Owensboro, Tennessee who is studying business administration. “They provide great networking opportunities with our forum speakers. We also learn important lessons about both business and life.”

Cumberlands’ Hutton School of Business is IACBE accredited and offers students opportunities in areas such as financial planning, corporate financial management, advertising, and sales, among other emphases.

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.