I recently read Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, David and Goliath, and love the way he analyzes David’s victory over Goliath: “Seemingly improbable successes aren’t really that improbable when you turn disadvantages into advantages.” David was small, but he was quick and able to use his speed to his advantage. Everyone has a Goliath in their life, and the key is to stay true to yourself, use the strengths unique to you and turn apparent disadvantage into advantage. Our men’s basketball team found a way to do that Sunday night, and we are doing it every day here in CBA. For example, in recruiting for our second cohort in the CBA Honors Academy, we attracted 175 applicants for 45 spots and from 19 different states. Wow! That might seem like an improbable success, but we are quickly becoming known for our high quality undergraduate educational experience.
 
This month we’re holding our second annual EntrepreneuringDays@UNL where students participate in real-world business competitions. The event may seem a bit like the popular show, Shark Tank, where students justify their business plans to expert judges. The winners receive cash prizes to help fund their ideas and start companies. Additionally, students network with peers and business professionals from throughout the country to gain expertise that could not happen without the ingenuity of this event.    
 
Our Executive Education program is beginning to take off. We have received rave reviews from the CBA Executive Power Lunch series in Lincoln and the Power Breakfasts in Omaha where participants enjoy a meal and 90 minutes with one of our world-class faculty on a topic of interest. We’ve begun offering two new master’s level professional certificate programs in business analytics and supply chain management that are revitalizing our curriculum and the face of our student audience. We’ve also implemented two new master of arts in business degrees with specializations in business administration and intercollegiate athletics administration. Our lifelong learning model has just begun, and by the time we’re in the new building, you will see it as a central part of what we do to fulfill our mission of educating the next generation of ethical leaders for Nebraska and the world. 
 
I continue traveling the state and the country to meet with alumni, share our story and talk about our new building project. Some of my stops this year have included Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Naples, Scottsdale and Palm Springs. Everywhere I go alumni seem thrilled to re-connect with CBA and with what we have started here. We have much to look forward to at CBA.
  Published: March 11, 2014