I learned that one of NAU’s slogans is “The difference that matters.” As I found out more about FCB I concluded that this is not a mere slogan. FCB’s culture sits on a foundation of concern for student success, as these examples demonstrate.

• The newly-launched Business Leadership Program helps students develop their professionalism and leadership skills through activities including mentoring relationships with business leaders.
• The Pathways to Professional Leadership program includes seminars, workshops, and lectures that help students find academic and career success.
• The Professionalism Recognition Program allows students to distinguish themselves by participating in development activities and receiving evaluations from FCB faculty and staff.
• HRM students complete at least 1,200 hours of hospitality-related work experience while earning their degree, helping them get their careers off to a running start.
• Business students apply their knowledge by creating a business plan in BizBlock. Business leaders evaluate and provide feedback on their plan.
• The Hospitality Management Lab lets HRM students gain first-hand experience with up-to-date guest management and lodging operations computer systems.
• The Business Communication Center helps students hone their verbal and written communication skills.
• The Career Development Office prepares students for their career search through a variety of services including workshops, internships, and the Executive Job Shadow program.

Even our buildings reflect a student focus:

• Out of the LEED Gold certified FCB building’s 111,000 square feet, 33,000 is dedicated to non-classroom student space.
• A dozen technology-rich “front porches” sit at the FCB building’s classroom entrances.
• The FCB building boasts 18 student breakout spaces complementing two student lounges and a café.
• The newly-renovated HRM East building includes a state-of-the art demonstration kitchen and beverage lab as well as the “Fireplace Room” and patio where students can relax (or study!).

FCB also makes a difference in the community. The Alliance Bank Business Outreach Center houses groups that provide analysis, training and development services, including the Center for American Indian Economic Development, the Arizona Hospitality Research & Resource Center, and the Arizona Rural Policy Institute. The Computer Training Center offers numerous technology-related workshops while the Road Scholar program offers lifelong learning programs throughout the Southwest.

LinkTrac for Dean Craig Van Slyke's articles in the Flagstaff & Sedona Business News.

Monthly Articles:

Trust Based Leadership, March 18, 2013, discusses trust as the most important resource for effective leadership. "During battle, why do soldiers look to the crusty sergeant for leadership rather than turning to the green lieutenant? Trust." Full article HERE.

Leadership Through Persuasion, February 26, 2013, discusses the path to "leadersip bliss" is through persuasion. Full article HERE.

Leading Through Empathy, January 14, 2013, discusses how empathy, thought of as "touchy-feely" interactions, is a deeper form of understanding. "Empathy goes beyond understanding by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, in order to understand what she feels...and enhances your skill at dealing with people according to their emotional reactions. Full article HERE.

Becoming a Leader, December 6, 2012, discusses leadership and brings attention to the FCB's Business Leadership Program (BLP). (For more information on the BLP, click HERE.) For the full story, click HERE.

Other Articles:

Building Solid Leaders with Soft Skills, Written by Melody Hicks on May 1, 2013

"...To lead, you must have followers.   To have followers, you must persuade. To persuade, you must understand. To understand, you must listen. This is the foundation of the Business Leadership Program (BLP) at W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. This innovative program is near the completion of its pilot year. As a result of..." Full article HERE

NAU Implementing Entrepreneur in Residence, Written by admin on February 21, 2013

"...According to Craig Van Slyke, dean of the W.A. Franke College of Business, the idea to add an EIR to NAU’s offerings came after the school received a grant via the Marley Foundation intended to connect the disciplines of engineering and business...." Full article HERE

Business Predictions for the New Year, Written by Melody Hicks on January 15, 2013

"...The Dean of the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, Craig Van Slyke, shares Yelton’s beliefs about employee training. He feels that educators have to 'figure out new ways to do workforce training.' He states that although in 2013 there 'still will be continued uncertainty, the economy will get better gradually.' What he says is needed, however..." Full article HERE

NAU's Business Outreach, October 25, 2012 HERE

New Dean of NAU Business School Aims to Partner with Local Business, Written by Kate Beles on August 8, 2012

Dean Craig Van Slyke was featured in the August 2012 article, "New Dean of NAU Business School Partnering with Community." Van Slyke took the helm of FCB's business division in late June. He states his focus on developing existing partnerships between the business community and the college. Full article HERE.

Julie Pastrick, President/CEO of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, interviews Dean Craig Van Slyke of Northern Arizona University’s The W. A. Franke College of Business in the November 3, 2012 edition of the The Chamber Business Hour on KAFF / Radio Show.

Full posting HERE.