College of Business and Technology

Seeing the future in development for CBTCollege of Business and Technology
Q&A with Becky Paulsen

It has been nearly three years since Becky Paulsen took the reins as the College’s director of development. Recently, she sat down with Schuyler Meixner ‘98 MBA ‘04 and elaborated on her experiences for Western News.

Becky Paulsen photoWN: What do you enjoy most about your work as director of development?

BP: Development work is about enhancing the lives of others, and specifically, the lives of our students. I get excited when the students come back to campus in the fall and I hear the conversations in the hallways. These young people are eager to tackle the challenges before them in order to reach their goals, whatever they are. In the College of Business and Technology we are charged with the responsibility of educating, encouraging and fostering the growth of the business leaders of tomorrow. I am thrilled to be associated with the fine faculty who carry out this vital role with such passion, commitment and dedication. Our students truly benefit from this amazing environment.

In addition, working with the alumni and friends of CBT who give financially and otherwise, for the betterment of our students, is rewarding as well. At the end of the day, knowing that I am a part of this amazing process–I wouldn’t change a thing.

WN: Tell us about a specific relationship or gift that has been especially rewarding for you.

BP: I think for a professional who chooses development as a career, the first gift that they experience is especially significant and memorable. I remember traveling to Chicago with two faculty members to visit a College of Business and Technology alumnus. He had maintained his relationship with members of the accountancy department faculty over the years. We sat down to lunch and he began asking very specific questions about the challenges for the accountancy department. Before the meeting concluded, this caring and devoted alumnus had made a commitment to financially enhance an offer to recruit a faculty member, as well as an endowed professorship to support faculty endeavors for the future. Obviously this gentleman had done well with his career and appreciated the role that his college journey had played in preparing him for his successes. But he didn’t have to do what he did! He simply stated his desires to help and made a commitment. The students and faculty of the accountancy department are the fortunate recipients of his generosity. That was a moving experience for me.

I am always mindful of the fact that my role is not just about raising money for the College of Business and Technology. We need so much more than financial assistance and support. While I have no desire to diminish the significance of financial gifts, there is so much more that can be done by a concerned and interested friend or alumnus of the University and College. I continue to be amazed and impressed with our alumni who are willing to come back to campus to speak to our students about their experiences in the business world, and how their education here has prepared them for their professional journey.

WN: What changes have you seen in higher education development over the last 2-3 years?

BP: I have seen a significant growth in involvement from businesses and individuals who realize the importance of contributing to the knowledge of our students, and who realize how that, ultimately, will positively affect the health and well being of our society as a whole. There are three significant factors that are prevalent in the culture and climate of our education and business world right now—the economy, the importance of an education, and the rising cost of that education.

There is a tendency to think that in tough economic times the outpouring of giving to others financially and otherwise diminishes. On the contrary, what I have seen is a growing awareness that our students must be given opportunities to interact with the real business world. Therefore, we have seen an increase in student scholarships funded by devoted and committed alumni and corporate partners, more individuals offering to speak to our students, and additional opportunities for our students to get off campus and into existing business environments.

WN: How do you envision the CBT in the future?

BP: I believe that we will continue to keep up with the rapid pace of the business world. Our committed faculty will continue to educate our curious and enthusiastic students, with a focus on preparing them for a business world that we can only imagine.

How appropriate in this day and age to be a college of both business and technology, which go hand in hand and continue to change at a rapid pace. In order to provide the necessary environment for the leaders of tomorrow, we will see more and more engagement from outside influences. I know our efforts at increased synergies between the business and technology disciplines will continue to grow. Our efforts to represent and offer a diverse business environment will progress, and the College and our students will be enhanced as a result. Our faculty members are committed to their roles as educators and mentors for our students. That won’t change.

As the world continues at an almost frantic pace, I think that relationships are more important than ever. The access to technology and the ability for our graduates to stay in touch will be improved as we explore social networking and other methods of keeping our friends informed.

I believe the commitment of giving back by our alumni will continue to grow, allowing for more up-to-date facilities, newer technologies and access to software and subject matter not even seen on the horizon yet.

The future for the College of Business and Technology truly is a bright one. That may sound like a cliché, but I deeply believe it!

If you would like to become more involved with the College of Business and Technology, Becky welcomes your feedback. Contact her at (309) 298-2442 or
B-Paulsen@wiu.edu.

 

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