Spring New Huntsman Student Orientation

Associate Dean Dave Patel started the spring new-student orientation by defining the importance of the Huntsman School's four pillars. He explained that analytical rigor is more than just doing well in class; it’s about thinking. “Thinking before we speak, before we write and before we do,” he said. Patel then explained that understanding the global economy can affect all we do. By having global vision, we can take advantage of opportunities that may have otherwise passed us. Entrepreneurial Spirit is a state of mind, Patel petitioned. “We must be open to new opportunities,” he said. Then he stated that there is no such thing as being 98 percent honest. Ethical leadership means we are always honest in all we do.

He concluded with three suggestions: work hard, live with purpose and be open to opportunities.

Ruth Harrison, Director of Undergraduate Programs, then explained how each student’s Huntsman Experience should be different than anyone else’s. She mentioned the importance of meeting with advisors on time, career opportunities available on campus (such as Career Aggie) and fostering meaningful relationships with faculty.

To finish off the orientation business senator, Scott Laneri, gave three pieces of advice. First was to get to know professors outside the classroom. “Introduce yourself after class and meet with them during their office hours,” he suggested. He also proposed to take advantage of all the opportunities available through the Huntsman School. He mentioned that his Go Global experiences shaped the way he thinks and lives every day. And lastly, he encouraged each new student to go on a Career Exploration Trip and join a club.

Discovering Knowledge

Learning is typically seen as the dissemination of knowledge and understanding. This statement is inaccurate! Learning in most environments is not knowledge development. We listen to the instructor and obtain, what the instructor deems as knowledge, long enough to pass an exam or other related exercise. Once that event has passed, we tend to forget the related learning. Understanding and knowledge are only obtained when actively sought and discovered!

Discovering knowledge is the pull method of learning. To push is to force something, a product or information, toward the end, while to pull is the demand of a product or information from the end. Push and pull are evident in every classroom. The pupils who discover/pull knowledge will find success. The students who only attend with a desire to pass the class and exams are the individuals creating the environment of pushing knowledge.

How do individuals, instructors and students, develop what is necessary to discover knowledge?

Unfortunately, I cannot give you an answer to the above question. If I did so, then I would deprive you of the beauty that is “discovery.”  But here is a hint. When you are passionate about something, you actively seek information about that item. You are always looking for “the next big thing.” Find what drives you and actively look for it in everything! Pull the information and learning you need in order to succeed.

Business Leaders (past, present and future) how do you coach and mentor individuals to pull and discover knowledge?

— George C Johnson

     Lean Leaders Club – President

     The Shingo Prize – Education Coordinator