School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics at Benedict College was formed in August 2002. It emerged from the predecessor department of Business Administration and Economics.

Consistent with the College's vision, the School of Business at Benedict College is committed to being the best business school in its class in the Carolinas. The School of Business is a full opportunity business school, which is the premier choice for faculty members who are passionate about developing and implementing innovative teaching techniques, and who are dedicated to including undergraduate students in creative business, economic and interdisciplinary research and service within and outside of minority communities in South Carolina and beyond.

SBE Mission and Vision Statements

Benedict College has a Mission and Vision statement by which it is guided and which propels excellence in our leadership and educational programs. From the College's Mission and Vision, the School of Business and Economics draws its Mission and Vision. The School and its stakeholders are engaged in working and planning to accomplish the School's and the College's Mission and Vision.

School Mission: The mission of the School of Business and Economics at Benedict College is to prepare competitive graduates for our global economy. The School's mission includes preparing graduates as lifelong learners, for placement in business, the non-profit sector, and graduate school, and to assume leadership in their communities. Our graduates will be prudent risk managers, having a passion for life-long learning, career changes and adjustments, and discerning entrepreneurial opportunities based on the African American experience for the formation, expansion and ownership of business enterprises.

School Vision: The School of Business and Economics at Benedict is taking leadership for closing a persistent wealth gap which adversely impacts the African American community. Consistent with the College's historic vision, the School of Business and Economics (SBE) is committed to being the best business school in its class in the region. SBE is to be seen as an academic unit with faculty members who are passionate about developing and implementing innovative teaching techniques. SBE faculty are dedicated to including undergraduate students in creative research with a focus on business applications. They are also devoted to serving the dynamic minority business communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Our students' best interests come first. We measure success in how well we teach, retain, and graduate our students, and how respectfully and fairly we treat them.

Our faculty and administrators are committed to maintaining a high level of ethical standards and professional competence in their duties. An emphasis on quality and attention to detail are to be a corner stone of all we provide.

We seek to produce productive and engaged alumni who are willing and able to provide resources to the college, and by example, are positive recommendations for our programs.

We are committed to sustained school growth. We will react positively to a changing educational marketplace.

We will provide market driven programs and instruction that are in demand by all our stakeholders, including but not limited to students and employers.

We seek to maintain growth in the School and College relevant high demand programs like an MBA program, continuing education course offerings, and distance learning opportunities.

We strive to be the best among our peers.This includes providing students a cost competitive education that reflects an excellent value for their investment of effort and funds.

We stress continuous improvement of our curriculum to insure dissemination of the most appropriate and market responsive information to our students.

We are committed to ensuring that our students are well prepared in essential skill areas for all market conditions in all parts of the globe. These skill areas include:

Communication skills Quantitative skills Organization skills Technological competence Independent thinking Ethical reasoning Global outlook Responsible personal financial management

We seek high rates of retention of our students. We accept that positive treatment of our students by our faculty and administrators is an essential ingredient to their retention. We are committed to making unusual efforts to provide students ongoing encouragement, and advisement.

We believe that a program of research and public service is essential in the academy. While our students' interest comes first, we also include as prime stakeholders and friends of the School. These stakeholders' needs are critical considerations in our faculty hiring and qualifications.

We are committed to the highest degree of integrity, honesty, and professionalism. These are at the core of everything we do.

Since the objective of obtaining ACBSP accreditation is a very high priority, we expect our students to know the School's Mission and Vision, and to contribute all they can to attain these.

ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Gerald H. Smalls, Interim Dean

DEPARTMENTS

Business Administration, Management, and Marketing Dr. Ebuta Ekure, Interim Chair

Economics, Finance and Accounting Department Dr. Syed Mahdi, Interim Chair

Majors:

Within the School of Business and Economics there are three majors - (i) Accounting,(ii) Business Administration, offering a generalized major, marketing or management concentration; and (iii) Economics, where a concentration in finance is offered. These majors lead to the B.S. degree in Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics.