Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
The
Center for Corporate and Professional Development
By Brad Bechtold
In today's challenging business environment, both knowledge and flexibility are keys to individual and organizational success. As a result, the Division of Continuing Education is pleased to announce the launch of The Center for Corporate and Professional Development.
Its mission is to anticipate and respond to the ever-changing needs of organizations and corporations by providing high quality instructional programs tailored to meet business demands. Using the latest instructional systems, design technologies and faculty expertise in leadership, team development, performance and change management, problem-solving and decision making, as well as many other areas of professional development, The Center for Corporate and Professional Development is poised to help businesses get a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Our instructional methods include lectures, case studies, role-playing, and computer based-simulations that link knowledge gained in the classroom with real-world problems facing organizations. The Center for Corporate and Professional Development directly supports Furman's ongoing strategic efforts to connect with business and the community. Expanded opportunities for research by faculty and students, internships, job placement, usage of Furman facilities for corporate events, and other forms of corporate sponsorship often develop when new relationships are forged.
While The Center for Corporate and Professional Development is focused exclusively on providing educational solutions, our staff will encourage business and industry to take advantage of the many resources that Furman offers.
The Center for Corporate and Professional Development is slated to launch in August; however, several local organizations such as Hitachi, RBC Insurance Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield have already benefited from our programs and services.
We will also be offering a special seminar called "Managing People for Maximum Performance" on Friday, October 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during Homecoming Weekend. Aubrey Daniels, a member of the Class of 1957 and an award-winning author, speaker and expert in behavior-based technologies, will be the seminar facilitator. The seminar will presents proven methods to managing performance in an organization and bringing out the best in others.
If you would like to learn more about The Center for Corporate and Professional Development, please contact me at 294-3136 or by e-mail at brad.bechtold@furman.edu Brad Bechtold is director of Continuing Education.