Companies have always been striving to gain a competitive advantage in their business operations. With the added challenge of managing work-from-home options for employees and meeting consumer demands while maintaining a quality company culture, the stress on industries has increased significantly. However, students at the University of Mary’s Gary Tharaldson School of Business (GTSB) have the advantage of flexibility and innovative offerings that help them bring immediate value to any business that hires them.
The GTSB has been at the forefront of block scheduling for courses and internships, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the workforce needs of businesses in the region and beyond. As the dean of GTSB, it is crucial for me to ensure that students receive instruction from practitioners in their respective fields. Our faculty not only serve as role models but also bring real-world experience into the classroom, enhancing student learning. By immersing themselves in the industry, faculty gain valuable knowledge and pass it on to the students, instilling good stewardship of resources long before they enter the workforce.
In addition to providing students with the necessary skillset for their chosen majors, the GTSB also emphasizes soft skills such as punctuality, reliability, and communication. Employers can trust in the skill sets of GTSB graduates, as these soft skills are embedded into the curriculum. From undergraduate degrees to the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), GTSB students graduate with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the workforce.
Meeting workforce needs is just one aspect in which GTSB excels. The school also offers continuing education opportunities for employees, establishing partnerships with businesses throughout the region. This engagement includes workforce development, with faculty members helping educate employees in conflict management, effective communication, virtuous leadership, and project management. Seeing faculty members outside of the classroom provides students with additional insight and knowledge in these areas.
One of GTSB’s newest programs is cybersecurity, which not only addresses workforce needs but also assists businesses in assessing their own cyber vulnerabilities. GTSB is committed to responding to the specific needs of each community and delivering quality education, whether on the university’s main campus in Bismarck or throughout the state. At the University of Mary, education is seen as a lifelong endeavor.
Dr. Karel Sovak, the Dean of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary, holds a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences and actively contributes to the Bismarck-Mandan community.