Hello, Business Govs!
I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2024-25 College of Business Annual Report! Inside these pages, you'll read about the people and programs that made this another remarkable year of growth, innovation, and impact for our college.
This year, we launched new academic offerings that respond directly to the needs of our region, including new undergraduate concentrations and the official return of our MBA program. We continued to invest in student success by expanding our support services, creating new learning opportunities, and building stronger bridges between the classroom and the workplace.
Our students once again stepped boldly beyond the textbook. They presented research and attended professional events in cities like Orlando, Charlotte, and Chicago. They competed in business challenges, connected with industry professionals, and expanded their perspectives through study abroad experiences—including a transformative trip to London.
Our faculty also had a banner year, producing high-quality research, engaging in impactful community partnerships, and mentoring students through real-world learning experiences. Our Center for Applied Business Research published its first white papers aimed at informing business practice across the state, and our Tennessee Small Business Development Center continued to support entrepreneurs throughout the region, including through a new student internship program that connected classroom learning to small business support.
Perhaps most exciting of all, this year we welcomed more Business Govs than ever before—setting a new college enrollment record and further affirming the value of the work we’re doing together.
These stories, and many more you’ll find in this report, reflect the heart of our mission: to empower students, advance knowledge, and serve our community.
Every milestone we’ve reached this year is a testament to the power of purpose-driven education and the strength of the relationships that support it. This report is more than a record of our accomplishments—it is a celebration of who we are, a snapshot of where we’re headed, and a reminder that our greatest impact still lies ahead.
So, I invite you to turn the page—not just to learn what we’ve done, but to imagine what we can do next, together.
This truly is a great time to #BeABusinessGov!
With gratitude,
Mickey A. Hepner, PhD
Dean, College of Business
17.8%
Increase in enrollment since 2020
21%
Increase in students in high-impact practices
$246K
Business academic scholarships awarded
123
Students in research or professional development
In 2024, the College of Business witnessed a remarkable surge in graduate student enrollment, nearly doubling its numbers. This significant growth can be largely attributed to the successful launch of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
Debuting as the third-largest graduate program on campus, the MBA has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the college's offerings, reflecting its relevance in today's business landscape and the college's responsiveness to the community's needs.
Coming in Fall 2025, the program will add a new concentration in Artificial Intelligence for Business, giving future leaders the skills to leverage AI effectively and responsibly.
3
New Concentrations Approved for Fall 2025
100%
Faculty Completion of Quality Matters Training
67%
Undergraduate Core Courses Quality Matters Certified
Dr. Stephanie Bilderback, Zack Allen, and Zoeigh Owens earned "Best Paper" at the SOBIE Conference for their research on using Snapchat for business training. Their project highlights how we connect modern platforms with practical business applications.
"When students feel like their voice matters, they become more engaged and invested."
Dr. Dong Nyonna was recognized for his exceptional leadership in teaching. As lead advisor for the Govs Fund, the college's student-managed investment fund, he provides invaluable hands-on experience, guiding students in preparing performance reports and accompanying them to professional events in Chicago and Charlotte.
"The most critical aspect of teaching excellence in... finance is having the belief that when you do, you understand."
Management student Skylar Hayes turned a networking event into a dream role, securing a coveted spot in the Bud Adams Internship Program with the Tennessee Titans Foundation. Her story is a testament to the initiative and professionalism our students possess.
"I knew if I wanted something specific, it wouldn't just happen. I was going to have to pursue it."
Dr. Hamid Noghanibehambari earned this year's award for his outstanding research, including four A-journal publications in 2024. His work, which focuses on long-term health outcomes from economic factors, keeps our curriculum current and gives students a competitive edge.
"An active research portfolio contributes to more dynamic classroom engagement, which in turn fosters students' critical thinking."
We are committed to providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences. In 2024-25, our students stepped up.
45
Internship Enrollments
89
Students Traveled for Professional Development
34
Participated in Research Presentations
24
Enrolled in Study Abroad
13
Enrolled in Service-Learning
“Being a Business Gov has helped me grow as a leader and work better with others. I feel way more prepared for the real world now.”
- LUIS RAMOS, MAY 2026
BBA Finance
Our success is connected to our responsibility to positively contribute to the communities we serve.
Business students joined forces with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at APSU to establish an internship experience, generating direct impact for local businesses while developing students' professional skills. Interns developed business plans, created marketing strategies, and provided financial insights for five local businesses.
"To know that we played a part in small businesses in the area for the years to come is tremendous."
Explore the complete 2024-2025 College of Business Annual Report for an in-depth look at our achievements and future goals.
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