Dana Scholars Program

Connecting higher education with the real world of business

The Dana Scholars Program provides an opportunity for business students to connect higher education with the real world of business. A 1991 donation from the Dana Corporation established the Dana Chair to utilize the “Executive-in-Residence” concept on campus. The program officially started in 1995 with the original intent that the Dana Chair would provide leadership in bonding education and business.

Every year a Dana Chair is selected by the Dean of the College of Business to serve as a team builder and provide leadership in the undergraduate business program. A group of 10 outstanding business students are selected every year based on their academic achievements and leadership skills. During the fall semester, the group meets once a week with the Dana Chair for the Business in Action course (BUAD 495), which was redesigned for Dana Scholars only with the purpose of exposing these students to a more action-oriented learning experience. At the Dana Chair’s discretion, guest speakers from various levels of business are brought in and class trips are taken to area businesses.

Providing students with experiential learning opportunities for over 25 years!

In 2021, the Dana Scholars Program celebrated it’s 25th anniversary. Watch the video below to hear what it’s like to be part of the program from past chairs and scholars.