As one of just 22 students selected nationwide, Campbell Business student Ryan Ashley recently traveled to Wichita, Kansas to attend the prestigious Undergraduate Student Morality and Economics Colloquium. Hosted by The Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics at Emporia State University, the educational and networking event took place Nov. 8-10, 2019.
Representing Campbell Business, Ashley was among students from 14 other elite universities who dove deep into topics such as morality’s place within economics and the possibility of rehabilitating economics back into a moral philosophy. The nuanced discussion of markets and morality challenged participants’ perceptions of economics in ways that differ from the typical classroom dialogue.
Ashley is a 5th year 4+1 (BBA plus MBA) senior and a native of North Carolina. A former Campbell wrestler, he is very involved on campus activities, acting as the senior class secretary and treasurer for the Student Government Association. He is a member of the Business Week committee, a BADM mentor and a full-time employee at Syneos Health.
Recommended by Professor Shahriar Mostashari, Ph.D., Associate Dean for External Relations at Campbell Business School, Ashley submitted a short essay on what he hoped to gain from the experience. Upon his return, he stated, “being around so many other bright and talented young scholars that were so eager to learn and discuss thought-provoking topics was refreshing and inspiring to say the least. It was such a great experience, where I not only got to travel and see parts of the country that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise, but I also made new friends and got to network with some truly amazing people.”
Mostashari commented, “Nothing makes me happier than to see our student ambassadors attending and experiencing unique educational programs outside of Buies Creek, within the United States and abroad. They not only gain new skills, meet new people, and raise their professional profile, they are spreading the warmth of Campbell and extending her long reach.”
The Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics has hosted four Campbell Business students over the past two years, providing all seminar-related materials, including textbooks and journal articles as well as lodging, meals and a travel honoraria of $500.