Welcome Message from Dean Jennifer Percival

Welcome to the Schmidthorst College of Business at Bowling Green State University (BGSU)!  What an exciting time to be a business student as we are challenged by the rapid pace of global change while we strive to contribute to the public good in our community as business professionals.  We must continue to be agile, flexible, and open to new perspectives as we explore inclusive and innovative ways to make a positive impact.  

At BGSU, you have access to individualized support through our Life Design program and coaching to find your passion and engage in experiences that will prepare you as global citizens and leaders. With 14 specializations and over 10 minors, the Schmidthorst College of Business provides you with the opportunity to personalize your business degree to create an interdisciplinary program to enable you to not only meet the needs of today’s business ecosystem, but to apply your skills and entrepreneurial mindset to the global societal challenges of the future.  Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support your growth as a leader, innovator, and complex problem solver.

Our robust internship program and integration of experiential learning throughout the program provides you the opportunity to apply your learning to complex business situations.  Almost 80% of students complete at least one internship, with many leading to full-time employment at graduation. Students also participate in study abroad and other international opportunities to gain a more global perspective of business challenges.  In addition, you can engage in multiple co-curricular activities throughout the year, hosted by our over 14 different student leadership organizations and Student Ambassador program.  If you are living on campus, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with our residential learning community – The Business District – where you will have the unique opportunity to meet with local and regional business leaders and explore different career paths, including entrepreneurship.  Who knows what these experiences may inspire?

To further our commitment to your success, I will be hosting a series of professional development opportunities so you can complete complementary digital badges and prepare for industry-recognized certification exams.  As part of the Dean’s Professional Development Series, we will work together as a cohort to explore certifications in high demand from leading industry partners including Microsoft Excel, Salesforce (a leading customer relationship management platform), Tableau, Lean belts, Ethical Leadership, Bloomberg Market Concepts, R and Python programming, and cybersecurity.  This will include engagement with guest speakers who lead organizations in these sectors.  We will also have several Employer Spotlight events in the Schmeltz Atrium of the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center, so be sure to stop by and learn more about the different cultures and career paths available to you as a business graduate.

Be bold!  Make the most of the opportunities you have available to you as a Schmidthorst College of Business student and as a BGSU student to get creative and engage in activities outside your comfort zone, to find your purpose, passions, and to grow your professional network.  I look forward to getting to know each of you and supporting you in your learning journey, now, and throughout your career.

Sincerely,

Dr. J. Percival
Dean, Schmidthorst College of Business
Bowling Green State University