“Mr. McColl recognized the importance of Queens, Charlotte鈥檚 most historic institution of higher education, in his vision to build a first-class city with a sustainable talent pipeline,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “He has always championed that an investment in Queens is an investment in Charlotte and his legacy lives on in the name of our McColl School of Business 鈥� a school that has cultivated an enormous amount of business talent and launched many of the top leaders in our region for more than thirty years.”

McColl reflected on his role in shaping the school. “The goals for the McColl School of Business have always been the same: to provide students with an education that is relevant to the times, respected within the industry, and rewarding for graduates,” he said. “These goals remain unchanged.”

Denise Rotondo, Ph.D., dean of the McColl School of Business, shared her enthusiasm about the McColl MBA, a dynamic program tailored to meet the evolving needs of Charlotte鈥檚 professional community.

“While staying true to our core strengths, we have developed the region鈥檚 most customizable MBA, designed to deliver exactly what is needed by a student population who has never bought a product or service they could not customize,” she said. “By offering unparalleled flexibility, networking opportunities, and a strong leadership focus inspired by Mr. McColl, we鈥檙e empowering our students to accelerate their careers.”

With multiple start dates and eight specialized tracks, including Executive Coaching and Entrepreneurship, the program provides the customization and depth required to excel in today鈥檚 complex business world.

Bank of America Charlotte President Kieth Cockrell provided remarks before McColl took the stage for a dynamic discussion with Will Sparks, Ph.D., the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School.

“Mr. McColl continues to inspire this community and galvanize younger generations,” said Cockrell. “His vision not only modernized the financial industry but also his innovative leadership shaped this region into a dynamic market where we are able to create socio-economic opportunities for our citizens to prosper. We鈥檙e thrilled to support the McColl School of Business which is providing opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow.”

Sitting across from Sparks, McColl reflected on the values instilled in him by his family and the lessons learned during his time as a United States Marine. “I鈥檝e always been very lucky to work with really terrific people,” he said. “My philosophy of business has always been that if you take care of your people, they鈥檒l take care of the customers, and ultimately that鈥檚 what I鈥檝e believed is the best way to run a business.”

As McColl departed the stage, Rotondo made one final address to the audience, “We believe a McColl MBA has the power to launch careers that transform lives and contribute to a better Charlotte region, allowing us to reap the rewards of their competence, character, and commitment in the years to come.”

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“We are thrilled to welcome our newest faculty members to the Queens community,” said Sarah Fatherly, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly enrich our academic environment and inspire our students. We are confident that they will make significant contributions to our campus and foster a more vibrant learning experience for our students.”

New faculty members include:

Jany A. Cabezas, M.S. joins the College of Arts and Sciences as an instructor of biology. This semester, Cabezas will teach courses in anatomy and physiology and a general education course in the university鈥檚 interdisciplinary learning community program. A dedicated and innovative educator, Cabezas most recently served as a medical associate instructor at Indiana University School of Medicine in Bloomington, Indiana. With experience teaching a diverse range of students, from medical students to undergraduates and international learners, Cabezas is excited to transition from large lecture halls to smaller, more intimate learning environments. She believes this approach will allow her to connect with students on a personal level and tailor her instruction to their individual needs. Cabezas is eager to explore the natural beauty of Charlotte and is looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues and students in a supportive environment. Her goal is to inspire students to develop a deep appreciation for the human body and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to apply their understanding in various contexts.

Davis Carter, Ph.D. joins the College of Arts and Sciences as a visiting assistant professor. This semester, Carter will be teaching geospatial analysis and introduction to biological writing. A seasoned wildlife disease ecologist, Carter most recently served as a postdoctoral fellow at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland. His expertise in wildlife disease ecology, coupled with his enthusiasm for teaching, will undoubtedly inspire students to explore the fascinating world of biology. A Charlotte native, Carter is thrilled to be returning home and has been impressed by the growth and development of the Meyers Park area. He hopes to spark students’ curiosity and encourage them to think critically and creatively.

Colleen Dunham, RN, FNP joins the Presbyterian School of Nursing as a nursing instructor. This semester, Dunham will be teaching pediatrics and health assessment. Most recently she served as a nursing learning lab coordinator at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. Her background as a family nurse practitioner in urgent care and emergency medicine provides her with a unique perspective on patient care. She is excited to work in a smaller, more intimate setting at Queens, where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their learning. Dunham is most looking forward to becoming deeply involved in the Queens community, getting to know the student body, and interacting with new people. She hopes to inspire students to pursue nursing as a rewarding and fulfilling profession, emphasizing that while nursing can be challenging, it is undoubtedly worth the effort.

Sveinn Einarsson, Ph.D. joins the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of biology. Formerly a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida, Einarsson will teach cellular and molecular biology courses at Queens this fall. He鈥檚 looking forward to working in a smaller classroom setting and values collaboration and engagement with students. His goal is to equip them with practical skills that will benefit them in their future academic pursuits. When asked about his new home in Charlotte, Einarsson expressed enthusiasm for the city’s vibrant atmosphere and its proximity to both the mountains and the beach.

Christopher Garcia, Ph.D. joins the Knight School of Communication as an assistant professor of sports media. This semester, Garcia will teach sports communication and global communications. Prior to joining Queens, he taught at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and served as a graduate research assistant at Florida State University, contributing to research projects in various areas of communication studies. Garcia is particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with students and believes this personalized approach will enhance their learning experience and prepare them for success in their future careers. He is enthusiastic about the vibrant and diverse sports scene in Charlotte and sees great potential for students to apply their studies in the field of sports media and management. Garcia hopes to instill in students an appreciation for the rich history of sports and the diverse professional opportunities available both locally and internationally.

Paula McDonald, M.A.’16, NCIDQ, RID-NC joins the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of design. A proud alumna of Queens, McDonald will share her expertise in the fundamentals of interior design and human environments. With a proven track record of success in the industry, McDonald is passionate about teaching and has served as an adjunct professor at multiple institutions. She embodies the Queens motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” by returning to the university to inspire and educate the next generation of talented designers.

Dawn M. Norwood, Ph.D. joins the Blair College of Health as an associate professor of sport management. Previously at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, Norwood is excited to return to Charlotte, where she once resided, and teach in a smaller classroom setting. With a passion for both education and research, Norwood values the opportunity to connect with her students on a deeper level and create innovative curriculum. She is excited about Charlotte’s vibrant sports scene because it offers students ample opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and practicums. Norwood emphasizes the importance of professionalism and networking in the field of sport management and encourages her students to take advantage of volunteer opportunities to build their careers.

David A. Reppenhagen, Ph.D. joins the McColl School of Business as an assistant professor of accounting. A seasoned accounting professor with over 15 years of experience, Reppenhagen will be teaching both principles of accounting and intermediate accounting this semester. Before joining Queens, he taught at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to his academic career, Reppenhagen worked as a senior auditor at Ernst & Young, LLP. He is passionate about helping students develop a strong foundation in accounting and understand its practical applications. He believes that accounting is a challenging but rewarding field with numerous career opportunities. Through his teaching, Reppenhagen aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.

Peter D. Smith, B.A., M.S.N., RN, CNE joins the Presbyterian School of Nursing as an instructor of nursing. Smith is a seasoned nursing educator with extensive experience in curriculum development, program administration, and clinical practice. He has held leadership roles at multiple institutions, most recently serving as nursing program director at Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri. Smith is committed to student-centered learning and has a proven track record of achieving high-quality outcomes in nursing education. Upon joining the Queens community, Smith was immediately impressed by the sense of belonging and professionalism. He is particularly excited to return to the classroom and engage with students in a hands-on learning environment. This is Smith’s first time in Charlotte, and he is eager to explore the Queen City and contribute to the nursing program.

Erin Taylor, B.S.N.’07, RN, MSN joins the Presbyterian School of Nursing as an instructor of nursing. This semester, Taylor will be teaching a course on transitioning into professional practice and a medical-surgical clinical rotation. A Queens alumna, she most recently served as a faculty member at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Craig, Colorado. With a strong background in adult health, Taylor has worked as a registered nurse in critical care, medical-surgical, and neuro-trauma settings. Passionate about education, she is excited to return to Queens and give back to the school that prepared her for her nursing career. Taylor shared her enthusiasm for returning to Charlotte, a city that has grown significantly since her graduation, and expressed her eagerness to share the lessons learned from her nursing adventures with students.

Kyle Thomson, Ph.D. joins the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of Spanish. Joining us from the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia, Thomson is excited to connect with students in a smaller classroom setting and contribute to the vibrant Queens community. A newcomer to Charlotte, Thomson is eager to explore the Queen City and build relationships with colleagues and students. He emphasizes the importance of language learning, highlighting the city’s growing international business sector and the personal benefits of expanding one’s worldview. Thomson believes that studying a second language fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

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Choosing creative writing is the logical progression of her learning as Allison was actively involved in speech and debate and spoken word poetry in high school. She twice represented South Carolina in the Poetry Out Loud nationals. She also traveled to national speech and debate competitions in Kentucky and Arizona.

In her senior year, she was elected president of her speech & debate team. This position was important to Allison鈥檚 growth as a leader. “The success and joy of the team was the important thing for me instead of my own personal success.”

By majoring in creative writing, Allison will engage a curriculum that will broaden the skills she began developing earlier by introducing her robust writing curriculum that not only includes creative writing but also literary studies and professional writing.

Another clich茅 is the idea that students do not really like school or learning, but for Allison the clich茅 does not apply. “The best part about learning is that I get to do it in a community.” Queens is the community that she knows will offer her a multitude of options for learning. As the former creative nonfiction editor for her high school, student-led magazine, Crashtest, Allison knows the powerful experience of learning by doing.

“As the nonfiction editor, I had my own personal vote in editorial meetings. I was in charge of formatting and proofreading the essays we received. And I responded to all the nonfiction submissions that were rejected with personalized emails.” This experiential learning is what excites her about Queens whether it is working on the Queens undergraduate journal, , or the creative writing journal, Signet.

Taking classes that focus on publication gives students hands-on experience with valuable skillsets that they can take with them into internships, graduate school, or careers. Learning is not just about memorizing information; learning is about taking information and applying it to everyday actions. Working on projects such as Quest or Signet, teach students how to make ethical choices and how to work collaboratively to produce something they can be proud to create.

Allison is eager to interact with classmates who are as committed to learning as she is. “I want classes where we learn together and from one another. I want classes where we are all visible and have a voice.” She knew that the smaller class sizes at Queens could offer her that.

Connecting with the humanness of others is important to Allison. Queens is a community that offers her the chance to do just that. These connections are vital to her, and she understands that they are vital to her peers. “We鈥檝e been raised to judge or to like or dislike the minute you open your phone. I want a connection. I want my professors to know my name. I want classmates who will reach out and support you. I want to share those lightbulb moments.”

Allison believes that Queens will foster openness to difference and understand who students are today. “A school needs to understand us and our generation. How we are and how we came to be us.”

Students such as Allison have navigated some difficult learning environments. They also understand that the right community will not only help them succeed but also help them grow and succeed together. The Queens community agrees and stands ready to grow alongside Allison and search for more lightbulb moments.

By Jennifer Daniel, Ph.D.

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Joining Nguyen at the helm are Brigitte Kittner 鈥�27 as co-president, Thien Thanh Nguyen 鈥�27 as vice president, and Fatima Hernandez Hernandez 鈥�27 as treasurer. This dynamic team has a clear vision for the AAPI student group, focusing on three key objectives: representation, education, and fostering a fun and engaging environment.

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited to help establish this group on campus again,鈥� said Nguyen. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to share the traditions and beauty of each country while opening pathways for important discussions around AAPI discrimination and racism. We look forward to building a welcoming environment where students can enjoy themselves while feeling safe and respected.鈥�

A Charlotte native, Nguyen spoke of the values her parents instilled in her. “They came to America from Vietnam in their early twenties for a better life, and family was always central,” she said. “Despite our modest means, our home overflowed with joy. We enjoyed spending time with loved ones, especially during T岷縯, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Feasts brimming with pho and other Vietnamese classics became cherished memories.鈥�

Juggling the responsibilities of being the eldest daughter and granddaughter, Nguyen prioritized education and setting a positive example for her siblings and cousins. This drive led her to an exciting opportunity. While a student at East Mecklenburg High School, an admissions counselor spoke to her class about Queens鈥� Charlotte Talent Initiative (CTI).

The CTI is a cohort-based career pipeline program for select students that funds tuition, room, and board as long as students continue to meet the requirements of the program. Designed to create economic success in Charlotte by helping talented students succeed in their careers, the CTI works to achieve this goal through funding education and purposeful in-class and out-of-class experiences such as coursework, internships, mentorship, and leadership development. Currently, cohort partnerships are with Ally Financial and Lowe鈥檚 Companies, Inc.

The chance to gain hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders was irresistible to Nguyen. News of her acceptance into the Ally Financial cohort sparked an outpouring of support from her family. She received a flurry of texts from loved ones celebrating her achievement and congratulating her as she embarked on the next chapter of her life.

The balance of living on campus while being close to home has been ideal for Nguyen. “My time at Queens has been amazing. While I am fully immersed in the college experience, I can also visit my family whenever I鈥檇 like,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 love the small class sizes and I’ve already begun building strong relationships with my professors, and my Ally mentor, Samantha Luu.”

Luu, a cloud engineer at Ally Financial has enjoyed her time with Nguyen. 鈥淚n the short time that I have mentored Tina, I have watched her grow and mature. From learning how to study and admitting her flaws to watching her find her strengths,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 a fierce, determined, and hardworking student who has accomplished so much in her first year. As someone who is also part of the AAPI community, seeing her leadership skills and determination to bring the AAPI club back was truly inspirational.鈥�

With a clear vision, Nguyen has chosen marketing as her major and a minor in data analytics, as required through the Ally cohort. However, her ambitions extend far beyond academics and into the community. Embracing Queens’ motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” she’ll dedicate this summer to working with children at Charlotte’s UrbanPromise Summer Camp program.

After college, Nguyen plans on following her parents’ wisdom to prioritize happiness over chasing a paycheck. She looks forward to leveraging her skills in a meaningful job that offers her the flexibility to explore the world. Her guiding principle? She’s not planning for a dream job but instead, she’s building a dream life.

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A native of Chappaqua, New York, Tsuei-Strause jokes that living in the Carolinas since 2013 almost qualifies her as being a “true Charlottean.” However, her story stretches far beyond her journey down the East Coast, reaching back nearly 8,000 miles to a small village in China.

Fleeing the turmoil of the Chinese Communist Revolution, her parents sought refuge in Taiwan. There, her father, Chang Tsuei, earned a degree from the National Taiwan University. After graduating, he received a scholarship to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Believing that education was the key to escaping poverty, local villagers pooled their money together to buy him a one-way ticket on a cargo ship to America. He taught himself basic English during the two-week trip and arrived with just a handful of dollars. Tsuei worked in addition to his studies and eventually secured enough money to bring his wife to California.

After obtaining a Ph.D. from Caltech, Tsuei secured a job across the country in New York. “My parents made tremendous sacrifices and saved everything they could to buy a house near my father鈥檚 new job. It was a small, up-and-coming company called IBM,鈥� Tsuei-Strause explained, 鈥淎nd this is where my story truly begins.”

While her father worked, Tsuei-Strause’s determined mother, Holly Tsuei, watched American TV shows such as 鈥淎ll My Children鈥� and 鈥淪esame Street鈥� to learn English. Her mother was motivated to find new ways to boost their income and they eventually saved enough to buy a rental property. “Taking care of the rental property became our way of life. My siblings and I tackled everything from cleaning and painting to scrubbing driveways,” Tsuei-Strause recalled. “Funds were extremely limited and we did everything we could to support our family.”

Tsuei-Strause continued to reflect on her childhood, 鈥淎s an adolescent with few Asian role models in media, there was a strong desire to assimilate into American culture and this caused a lot of internal conflict for me,鈥� she said. 鈥淗ow was I supposed to stay authentic to my Chinese culture and traditions while striving to fit into a predominately white neighborhood and society?鈥�

It wasn鈥檛 until Tsuei-Strause attended Cornell University that she discovered the power of diversity in fostering a vibrant community. 鈥淚 took Mandarin classes and, for the first time, engaged in discourse with others from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds about shared sentiments of being 鈥榦thered.鈥欌��

After graduating from Cornell with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Tsuei-Strause worked in the fashion industry. Eventually, she secured a leadership position in the career services department with the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City where she was able to develop one of the first internship programs in the country. “Supporting students during this pivotal point in their lives ignited a passion in me I hadn’t known existed,鈥� she said. 鈥淕uiding them toward careers that fueled their talents was incredibly meaningful.”

After eight years with Parsons, she moved to Charlotte and accepted a leadership position at Queens. She draws upon her life experiences to inspire her work within the VCCD. When asked how her experiences have shaped her, Tsuei-Strause sits quietly for a moment. 鈥淔or many children of immigrants, it鈥檚 less common to have connections with influential professionals who can make key introductions that can potentially lead to coveted internships and jobs,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen I work with students who have faced similar challenges, I can relate to their struggles. I know for these students, it鈥檚 my job to help them build confidence in the workplace and give them the skills they need to develop professional networks. I remind them that they, too, deserve access to meaningful and rewarding careers.鈥�

Under Tsuei-Strause’s guidance, the VCCD accomplishes this by creating programs designed to help students who identify as BIPOC and other identities navigate the varied dynamics of the workplace. 鈥淲e facilitate meaningful discussions with students, alumni and professionals on the importance of allyship and being your authentic self,鈥� said Tsuei-Strause. 鈥淚 am motivated to incorporate these types of programming into our work because of my background and sensitivity to living the minority experience.鈥�

Recently, Tsuei-Strause was asked to be the advisor of the newly resurrected Asian American Pacific Islander student group by student Tina Nguyen. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to see first-year students assume new leadership roles and have enjoyed watching them grow. They鈥檝e worked hard to plan events educating Queens students about the beauty and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures,鈥� said Tsuei-Strause. 鈥淭hey are doing meaningful work on campus and are creating spaces for important dialogues.鈥�

When asked about this year鈥檚 AAPI Heritage Month theme, 鈥淎dvancing Leaders Through Innovation,鈥� Tsuei-Strause answered, 鈥淚鈥檝e come to understand how diversity plays an important role in innovation. Bringing different backgrounds together and embracing your own authenticity fosters diversity of thought and, ultimately, creates an enriched workforce.鈥�

Over the years, Tsuei-Strause has seen an incredible transformation in career services. 鈥淲hen I first started working in this industry nearly 20 years ago, participating in internships was a novelty. Today at Queens, completing an internship is a requirement 鈥� it鈥檚 really the new entry-level. We鈥檙e incredibly intentional in our work at the VCCD and it鈥檚 amazing to see how enthusiastic our students are in preparing for their futures,鈥� said Tsuei-Strause.

Looking toward the future of career advancement, Tsuei-Strause emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability. “Sharpening skillsets, pursuing continuous education, and embracing change are the cornerstones of navigating tomorrow’s professional landscape,” she advises. “With technology and industries evolving at rapid speeds, the team in the VCCD is equipped to provide our students with the tools they鈥檒l need to succeed in the years to come.”

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“Witnessing our team perform and compete at the 13th Annual Ethics Bowl was truly inspiring,鈥� said Dan Lugo, president of Queens University. 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of them, and the entire Queens Community celebrates their NCICU Championship victory!鈥�

Eighteen teams from NCICU campuses participated in the competition. The 2024 theme was, 鈥淓thics in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.鈥� Students were tasked with reviewing several complicated cases involving both artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and making arguments about their position on the cases.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 teams were exceptional,鈥� said NCICU President Hope Williams. 鈥淚t was clear they had done extensive research on the complex topics and developed well-organized, cohesive arguments to present to the judges. I was very impressed with all the teams.鈥�

Williams believes it provides unique, important opportunities for the students. 鈥淏y participating in the Ethics Bowl, students learn research and presentation skills that will serve them well in their careers,鈥� Williams said.

More than 70 professionals volunteered their time as judges or moderators representing a wide array of careers and networking opportunities.

Clark Dudek, a Triangle entrepreneur and AI expert, was the keynote speaker. He discussed how society has adapted to emerging technologies. 鈥淎I is new and may be scary,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut we are working on how to connect with this new tool and learn how it can complement the rest of our tools.鈥�

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Royals Rise: A Closer Look at the Class of 2023

• 97% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, completing an internship, or working for a service organization.
• 95% of graduates found employment within six months of graduation, demonstrating the strong demand for Queens graduates in the job market.
• 88% of graduates felt prepared for their careers, indicating that the university’s curriculum and career development resources are effectively equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success.
• 96% of graduates accepted positions related to their career goals, suggesting that students are able to translate their academic pursuits into rewarding professional opportunities.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates鈥� successes,” said Angela Tsuei-Strause, executive director of the VCCD. “These results are a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, who work collaboratively to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world while providing a pathway to career opportunities.”
The VCCD is an important resource for students and offers a variety of career development services such as industry specific career coaching on the internship and job search process, graduate school planning, and regular employment recruiting activities.

The report also details the types of jobs that graduates have secured within industries such as business, health care, finance, technology, and education. Throughout their time at Queens, students have access to professional development curriculum taught by industry leaders from companies like Novant Health, Ally Financial, Trane Technologies, Wells Fargo, and more. Recruitment representatives share the latest in the workplace and recruiting trends while also getting an early read on talent for their own organizations.

鈥淚 am impressed with the high caliber of Queens students,鈥� said Dr. Iain McKillop, director of research at Atrium Health. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to make hiring decisions because there are so many excellent candidates. Queens prepares these students well and it shows.鈥�

The VCCD also offers its services to alumni for life, at no cost. Queens graduates are supported every step of the way, and alumni have access to a lifelong community that supports them on their professional journeys, ensuring a network of valuable connections across diverse industries.

鈥淨ueens is a place that allowed me to grow as a person and future nurse,鈥� said Anthony Ort 鈥�23, registered nurse at Atrium Health. 鈥淭he professors truly met my needs as a student and helped me achieve my goals. They were always willing to help me gain a better perspective on patient care and evidence-based practice.鈥�

Learn more about the First Destination Report or visit the Vandiver Center for Career Development website for a complete list of career services.

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The first day of MSFA Residency included afternoon Executive in Residence sessions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond on East Trade Street. Located in Uptown Charlotte, the Federal Reserve Bank is about three miles from the Queens campus and is 1 of 12 regional banks working together with the national Board of Governors to strengthen the nation鈥檚 economy. By conducting monetary policy and working to ensure a safe and sound financial system by providing tools and resources, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond helps the community make informed financial decisions. 

鈥淚 often describe the MSFA program by saying it is a place where finance, analytics, and storytelling meet. An important part of the MSFA is our Executive in Residence program. Here, students participate in intimate roundtable discussions with experienced professionals and talk about topics that can range from very specific things like quantitative finance to more general topics like networking, leadership skills, and best practices,鈥� said Katerina Ivanov, Ph.D., director of Master of Science in Finance and Analytics program. 鈥淪tudents are encouraged to ask questions which often leads to thoughtful conversations in which our guests share personal stories about the lessons they鈥檝e learned throughout their career. Understanding the dynamics of industry evolution is vital for future professionals navigating a rapidly changing business landscape.鈥� 

Kristina Reid, Executive Director, CFO Transformation at Ally Financial, spoke with students about strategic transformation and the issues an organization must consider while implementing change such as reengineering, digital transformation, and storytelling to ensure success.  

鈥淧articipating in an activity like this gives students a practical approach to what they are learning and it鈥檚 helpful for them to hear about market trends in different organizations from people who are actively involved in these processes,鈥� said Reid. 鈥淐harlotte is a great place for students to learn about transformation. It is constantly evolving and has changed incredibly in terms of the breadth of the footprint of the city and the focus around fintech, AI, and innovation in general.鈥� 

Students also interacted with executives from the Federal Reserve. Richard Westerkamp, senior vice president at Federal Reserve System, and Charles Wallace, assistant vice president in quantitative supervision and research in the supervision, regulation, and credit department, provided students with a unique opportunity to delve into discussions about mandates and banking supervision, offering a firsthand understanding of regulatory aspects within the financial sector.  

鈥淚 think it’s important for students to understand what the Federal Reserve actually does outside the headlines with monetary policy. In addition to explaining our role to students, we participate in events like the Executive in Residence program because it鈥檚 a great way to market ourselves to young and upcoming graduates. We鈥檙e always looking to recruit the next generation of the brightest and best talent in the city,鈥� said Westerkamp. 鈥淐harlotte is a high-growth city and it鈥檚 always impressive how well this town adapts to change. I鈥檓 looking forward to how the city and region will continue to flourish in the future.鈥� 

鈥淭hrough the MSFA program, I鈥檝e learned about AI and machine learning which is an emerging topic in today鈥檚 financial world. Having the opportunity to meet with industry leaders, especially at the Federal Reserve, has provided myself and my classmates with a lot of useful information about regulation and government,鈥� said student Alvaro Saez-Royuela Ariza MSFA 鈥�25.  

On the second day of the MSFA Residency, students visited Ally Financial where they participated in mock interviews with industry professionals across Charlotte financial sector. They also heard a lecture from Paul Joyce, executive director of the Executive Leadership Institute at Queens University. During this session, they learned the principles, approaches, and practices to format deliverables in a way that captures attention and supports the delivery of important information and messages. 

鈥淭he MFSA program teaches students a mix of basic financial knowledge as well as the skills to analyze the data behind it which is something we can utilize in the workplace,鈥� said Anna DeBoer 鈥�22, MSFA 鈥�25. 鈥淚n our classes, we explore case studies and real data giving us a glimpse of what鈥檚 really happening in the industry. Queens鈥� collaboration with the Charlotte business community gives us the hands-on training that鈥檚 needed in the real world. The connections I made during my internship while I was an undergrad helped me secure a full-time position. I鈥檓 really grateful for my time at Queens.鈥� 

To learn more, visit the MSFA program webpage.听

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鈥淎s an institution that actively promotes global understanding 鈥� not only within our classrooms but also through experiential learning and international travel鈥� we are excited to participate in this annual collaboration between The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation and the Alliance Fran莽aise,鈥� said Queens University President Dan Lugo. 鈥滶ach year, they commemorate the anniversary of the 脡lys茅e Treaty, now 61 years old, by inviting an ambassador from another country to offer their perspective on the European Union. This year, we are pleased to welcome Estonian Ambassador Prikk to Queens.鈥�

Klaus Becker, chair of The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation and president of Nirosteel, LLC, worked with Queens student Emmanuel Omari’26 to coordinate Ambassador Prikk鈥檚 visit. 鈥淭his event is a wonderful example of the work of the N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation. For the past 10 years, we鈥檝e strongly supported development and growth in the greater Charlotte region while improving trans-Atlantic relations. Ambassador Prikk鈥檚 visit to Charlotte is another way in which he conveys his commitment to strengthening democracy and sharing Estonia鈥檚 powerful voice in the European Union.鈥� 

Serving as the Estonian Ambassador to the United States since May 2021, Prikk is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in European affairs. While at Queens, he engaged in a lively exchange with a diverse group of students. The conversation delved into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, its ramifications for European security, and the future trajectory of the continent. Students posed insightful questions about topics ranging from NATO’s role in the current crisis to the potential for long-term peace and stability in the region.

“It was an honor to engage with the Queens University community,” Prikk said. “Students often provide sincere and direct feedback about the complex issues facing our world today. I hope that my visit inspired some of these students to pursue careers in international service because they are the next generation of leaders who will shape the future.”

Queens student Emmanuel Omari ’26, a native of Accra, Ghana, shared his enthusiasm about being involved in the Ambassador鈥檚 visit. 

鈥淎s a high schooler in Ghana, I looked forward to attending a college where I had the accessibility to engage with influential leaders from around the world,鈥� shared Omari. 鈥淏eing able to work so closely with our community partners to bring Ambassador Prikk to campus was a dream for me.  It was really special to see my fellow classmates participate in this experience as well. I am so grateful to be able to experience these opportunities at Queens.鈥�

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During his time on Campus, Pitts enjoyed his involvement with the Belk Chapel long after completing his work study role there. 

鈥淎s a student, I had the opportunity to go on two mission trips to Guatemala with my peers,” he said. 鈥淚 started a club on campus for Presbyterian students and helped garner funding for Room at the Inn with two other students. I also had the opportunity to travel provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.鈥� 

As a Community Service Scholar, Pitts completed several service hours every semester as part of his scholarship requirements where he worked for the Red Cross driving low-income individuals to medical appointments. 

鈥淲orking under Diane Mowrey, the chaplain at the time, I was really pushed to get out and serve,鈥� said Pitts. 鈥淭he courses I took helped me learn so much that I could practically apply to my work in the community. I took one of Diane鈥檚 classes on theodicy and the problem of evil which was really impactful in my life.鈥� 

It was in another class at Queens that Pitts first crossed paths with a fellow student, Liz Whittington 鈥�07, who would change the course of his life for the better and become his future wife. 

鈥淢y wife and I met my freshman year (her sophomore year) in Dr. Whalen鈥檚 history of religion in America class,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e became friends and ended up taking any classes that fit both history and religion. After establishing Room at the Inn as a formal club on campus, I recruited her to be the president. We started dating shortly after that.鈥� 

In 2010, Pitts and Whittington got married. Together, they moved to Korea to teach English before returning to the United States to diversify their impact. 

“After Korea, we moved to Atlanta where I worked with Americorps for a year serving in low-income schools targeting children that most programs overlook,鈥� said Pitts. 鈥淭hen, I went to seminary in Chicago.鈥� 

Upon realizing his dream of attending seminary school, Pitts and his wife returned to the Charlotte area where he served as the director of Christian education at First Presbyterian Church of Statesville for five years and his wife got a job with Lutheran Services Carolinas. Four years ago, they moved to Reidsville where he currently serves as the pastor of First Presbyterian Reidsville. 

鈥淐ommunity service is still at the very core of who I am,鈥� Pitts expressed. 鈥淭he church I work at now wanted someone involved in the community to help connect the broader church to the community in a more meaningful way. That is something that I very much learned at Queens.鈥� 

Outside of their careers, the theme of service extends to Pitts and Whittington鈥檚 own household. After completing about 9 months of classes and becoming certified foster parents, his family recently welcomed their first foster placement. Much like their time on campus, they hope to continue to use their time, talents, and resources to better their surrounding community. 

Serve alongside Pitts and other Queens alumni as part of the Royal Day of Service by assisting the Out of the Garden Project by packing reclaimed food to be distributed to people experiencing food insecurity. Visit this to sign up on Jan. 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

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