Together: Inspiring Future Leaders By Paige best

Distinguished CBSM faculty pose for a photo after receiving their honor cords, Amy Cooper, Amanda Langhorst, Alec Bennett, Troy Bouffard, and John Pennington. Photo by Sarah Lewis

The College of Business and Security Management (CBSM) proudly hosted the annual Honor Societies Induction Ceremony, celebrating the academic excellence, leadership, and integrity of our top-performing students. This event marked the induction of new members into Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) and the Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS), two distinguished honor societies representing the highest standards of excellence in a program accredited by AACSB. What made this year truly special was the chance to recognize eight of our own faculty members for their dedication to continuing education.

(Left picture) Tianna Hofschneider proudly displays her BGS certificate while posing with a family member. (Right picture) Jake Thayer smiles with his family in his OSS regalia. Photos by Sarah Lewis.

To be invited into these honor societies is quite a feat in itself. Membership in BGS, the international business society, requires inductees to represent the top 10% of undergraduate students and the top 20% of graduate students. Selected for their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to excellence in the business field.

OSS is the premier nation honor society for homeland security, intelligence emergency management, and all protective security disciplines. Inductees must demonstrate superior academic performance and passion for service and ethical leadership in the field of security management.

A special highlight of the induction was the ceremonial guest speaker Regent Karen Perdue. Regent Perdue offered inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement, underlining the importance of passion and initiative that it take to lead in the students' respective fields. She also thanked the families and supporters, stating their encouragement is vital for students' success and their recognition is shared with all involved.

Regent Perdue joined Dean Cam Carlson and esteemed faculty and staff, all of whom played a key role welcoming the inductees into these prestigious honor societies. Their collective presence underscored the significance of the occasion and CBSM's unwavering commitment to nurture academic and professional excellence.

This year's induction ceremony was unique, celebrating both the success of the students and an extraordinary moment of recognition for eight distinguished faculty members. These individuals have served as mentors and educators while also demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment by either completing their doctoral degrees or earning honorariums, all while actively teaching, conducting research, and raising families.

Dr. Jungho Baek was proudly recognized among the top 2% of Scientists for two years in a row by Stanford University. We are also honored to name him the Ladessa Hall Nordale Professor of Excellence in Business Education. A title that reflects his outstanding contributions and the bold legacy of Ladessa Hall Nordale, who, in 1923 became the first women to drive from Valdez to Fairbanks and teach business at what is now UAF. Her fearless commitment to education lives on through Dr. Baek's ground breaking research.

Dr. Jungho Baek, named the Dr. Ladessa Hall Nordale Excellence in Business Education Professorship. Photo by Leif Van Cise.

Many of our faculty members are not only dedicated educators and researcher but also parents, balancing the demands of family life with their commitment to students. Their ability to raise families while continuing to inspire, mentor, and shape the next generation is a true testament to their passion.

(Top) Dr. Amy Cooper named The Jim Pruitt Endowed Chair for her excellent leadership. (Bottom left to right) Amanda Langhorst, Applied Management Director, Dr. Ruth Prato, Assistant Professor in Accounting, and Dr. Kim McGinnis, Assistant Professor and faculty advisor for the Student Investment Fund. Photos by Leif Van Cise.

Amanda Langhorst, currently completing her Doctorate in Business Administration at Pepperdine University, shared the importance of community in her journey.

"It takes a community to complete a doctoral degree. So many people helped make this happen, my family, my friends, my colleagues. It meant so much to me!" - Amanda Langhorst

(Left to right) Dr. Alec Bennett, Program Director for the Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management, Dr Troy Bouffard, a research fellow with the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former Arctic Congressional fellow for U.S. Senator Murkowski, and Dr. John Pennington, Program Director for the Master's of Security & Disaster Management and a former Mellon Fellow in the Indigenous Studies program. Photos by Leif Van Cise.

We are reminded that academic excellence is never a solo journey. Whether in the classroom, the community, or the pursuit of lifelong learning, the shared values of mentorship, service, and perseverance define who we are at CBSM. Congratulations to all who continue to push boundaries, support one another, and inspire the next generation of leaders.