Sept. 28, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Augustana University.

The new leader of Augustana University’s School of Business brings a career’s worth of experience in the corporate world as well as a dedication to helping nonprofits and at-risk youth.

Dr. Roxanne Stevens, a longtime California resident, spent her career developing a passion for process improvement, receiving national certifications from the International Society for Process Improvement and American Society for Training & Development. Her corporate experience includes leadership roles in different organizations and several industries, and she has actively engaged with nonprofit agencies, including those with a mission to serve at-risk youths and families facing homelessness.

She most recently served as an undergraduate and graduate faculty member, program chair and interim dean at Azusa Pacific University in California.

Stevens’ areas of research include teaching pedagogy and the management sciences. She has authored and co-authored more than 30 national and international journal articles, including several textbooks in the area of organizational behavior, management and strategic management. She also serves as an editorial board member for several national and international journals.

We sat down with Stevens to learn more about her vision for her new role at Augustana University.

What attracted you to this role at Augustana University?

I was impressed with the university’s leadership team, faculty and students at Augustana. During my interview with President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Interim Provost Dr. Joel Johnson, I was impressed with Augustana’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan and the university’s commitment to its mission and vision. I also appreciated its value system and the care they have for the community, university and students.

What do you see as some of the initial strengths of the Augustana School of Business?

The faculty is certainly a strength of the Augustana School of Business. They are dedicated professionals and passionate about their programs and students. In addition, the faculty is incredibly nimble and innovative in launching new programs, working with the business community and providing value-added opportunities for students — internships, career fairs, etc.

What areas of opportunity are you most excited to capture within the School of Business?

I look forward to the opportunity to expand our service to and connections within the Sioux Falls community. Sioux Falls is a dynamic, growing community, as well as  a vibrant city with multiple opportunities for residents and businesses. It is a great place to learn, work and live.

My goal is that the School of Business will launch new programs and expand upon existing programs that will address the workforce priorities of the local community and surrounding regions.

How do you anticipate further working with the Sioux Falls business community to connect both with employers’ needs and potential opportunities for students?

I anticipate Augustana’s School of Business will partner with the industry to enhance learning opportunities within business education with the goal of making a positive impact on the business community. In turn, the School of Business will invite business leaders to speak into and impact the business curriculum. Augustana’s School of Business has already forged fruitful partnerships with industry leaders to design innovative programs and offer cutting-edge curriculum.

Specifically for the 2023-24 academic year, which just began, what’s new at the School of Business, and how does it reflect the needs of today’s marketplace?

The School of Business recently launched several new programs. As an example, the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ is the first program of its kind in the region for students who wish to major in financial technology. Additional examples include the 4+1 MBA, Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Arts in Sports Administration & Leadership, which allow AU students to earn affordable advanced degrees, as well as the Degree in 3, which provides a clear pathway for AU students to complete their bachelor’s degree in any business field in three years.

If businesses would like to connect further with the Augustana School of Business, how can they do that?

To learn more about the Augustana School of Business, visit augie.edu/SchoolOfBusiness, or contact me at [email protected].