School of Business Administration

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration (SBA) has seen a significant resurgence in student engagement. With the creation or revitalization of more than nine student organizations, the SBA now offers over 25+ organizations for business students to get involved, providing a vibrant platform for leadership, professional development, and hands-on learning.

“As an organization, we focus on professional, social, and service,” said Elayna Walloch, president of SBA Sisters. “This means professional development outside of the classroom, social events to build networks and community among the women, and service opportunities to give back to our local community.”

The SBA's student-run organizations allow students to apply classroom concepts in real-world, practical activities, from operating a student-run investment fund to learning and using key consulting skills with real clients. By participating in these co-curricular activities, students gain valuable leadership experience, enhance their professional skills, and network with business professionals in formal and informal settings. These organizations also uphold Marianist values by emphasizing leadership at all levels, adapting to change, and fostering community and ethical principles central to their business education. They often integrate service activities into their mission, reflecting their commitment to these core values.

“Digital literacy is not just about navigating the internet, it’s the ability to access opportunities and key services,” said Jaina Utrup, a UD marketing major, reflecting on the Digital Literacy Club’s first digital learning day in March 2024, held in partnership with the CareSource Foundation, City of Dayton, SICSA, and Greater Dayton Premier Management. “As a student, I have always wanted to do meaningful work like helping to organize this event and serve the greater community of Dayton.”

A New Era of Student Engagement

In January 2021, under the leadership of former Dean John Mittelstaedt, the SBA launched the Center for Business Student Engagement (CBSE) to support SBA-affiliated organizations, ensuring alignment with the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Janet Leonard, who had served as assistant dean and director of the SBA Undergraduate Advising Center since 2005, was appointed as the inaugural director. Leonard’s deep understanding of student needs helped shape the Center’s early initiatives, including the first annual SBA Organization  Fair, which remains a cornerstone of student engagement. Following Leonard’s retirement in 2024, Allie Ellison, director of student recruitment and engagement, has continued to lead the CBSE in fostering student involvement and co-curricular opportunities.

“As a former UD student, I personally know the impact that student organizations can have on a college student. “ adds Ellison. “Getting involved, within the SBA or across campus, gives students an opportunity to gain valuable and demonstratable experiences that hiring recruiters and companies are looking for in interns and new hires, create a sense of community with built-in peer networks,  and step outside of their comfort zone to explore something new and exciting. "

Filling a Need and Expanding Opportunities

Some of these new organizations were established to address specific needs within the SBA community. For instance, Flyers in Real Estate was created to enhance the school’s presence and relevance in the real estate industry. Jackson Needham, the club’s founder, said, “Our hope for the Flyers in Real Estate is to start an organization that will live on long after its inception and elevate UD and the School of Business Administration.”

Similarly, SBA Sisters and Phi Chi Theta were founded to broaden the range of opportunities for students, ensuring everyone can find a community that aligns with their professional aspirations and personal interests. Nicole Shinsky, president of Phi Chi Theta, shared, “We were drawn to the need to provide an additional opportunity in SBA. Given the high demand for groups with intimate brotherhood, professional development, and networking opportunities, we have been able to offer this to over 50 SBA students since our founding.”

Other organizations, like Flyers for Financial Literacy and the Digital Literacy Club, were created with a focus on community service. Megan Saylor, president of Flyers for Financial Literacy, emphasized, “Our organization is solely service-based. It encapsulates the Marianist charism to help others and make one’s community better.” Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Flyers for Financial Literacy has since experienced significant growth. Saylor added, “Through our organization, I hope that members will learn financial literacy skills and also learn how to share that information with those around them.”

New and Reinvigorated Organizations

Among the new and revitalized organizations are:

• Dayton International Investing Club: The mission of DIIC is to provide experiential learning opportunities for students interested in international investing.
• Dayton Investment Banking Academy: A competitive undergraduate organization that prepares members for careers in investment banking, private equity, and related fields.
• Digital Literacy Club: A student organization dedicated to providing essential digital learning skills to the Greater Dayton Area community through vital community partnerships like CareSource Foundation, City of Dayton, SICSA, Greater Dayton Premier Management, and the greater University of Dayton campus.
• Flyer Angels (reinvigorated): A seven-figure private equity fund allowing undergraduate students to invest in high-tech startups, one of the few programs of its kind in the nation.
• Flyers in Real Estate: An experiential club providing students with insights into the real estate industry and opportunities to network with professionals.
• Flyers for Financial Literacy: A service-learning club dedicated to helping others at UD and the Dayton community with personal financial education.
• Phi Chi Theta: A co-ed professional business fraternity promoting professionalism, fraternity, and service.
• SBA Sisters: A no-cut club for women in the SBA offering professional development, as well as social and educational activities.
• Women of Wall Street: A group focused on empowering women to increase female representation in finance and investing.

These student organizations not only enrich the SBA experience but also contribute to the overall growth and development of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional lives while staying true to the values of the University of Dayton.