UTEP’s Corporate Academy Model at Hunt College Receives 2024 Bizzell Award
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Innovative Programs Honored: The University of Texas at El Paso’s Woody L. Hunt College of Business has won the 2024 Bobby G. Bizzell Innovative Achievement Award from the Southwestern Business Deans’ Association (SWBDA).
A Model to Inspire: This award recognizes the college’s Corporate Academy model, which creates industry-led experiential business education, connecting students with top industries.
Hear from Leadership: “Corporate Academies represent a transformative approach to business education, bridging the gap between academia and industry,” said John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., Dean of Hunt College.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to providing students with unparalleled opportunities to excel in their careers.”
Not the First Time: The award was accepted at the annual SWBDA meeting in New Mexico. This is the second win for Hunt Business, previously honored in 2019 for its faculty-led study abroad program.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Corporate Academies partner with global and regional industry leaders to offer specialized courses, cutting-edge technology, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Key components include:
- Customized professional development programs
- Hands-on experience with industry technology
- Exclusive networking opportunities
- Mentorship from industry professionals
Four Subject Areas: Hunt Business currently offers four Corporate Academies:
- Banking Academy: Addresses the shortage of banking professionals in West Texas and Southern New Mexico, with founding partners: Bank of America, Chase, Commerce Bank, FirstLight, GECU, Sunflower Bank, TFCU, Texas Bankers Association, Wells Fargo and WestStar.
- Enterprise Resource Planning Academy: Focuses on ERP systems through SAP, partnered with Lockheed Martin and Amazon.
- Human Capital Management Academy: Founded in 2016 with ADP, this first Corporate Academy connects students to ADP leadership. ADP has also funded industry software licenses and new computer systems.
- Prudential Risk Management Academy: Supports actuarial science and risk management careers, with founding partner, Prudential.
Impact: Beyond individual success, Corporate Academies empower students — many of whom are first-generation — by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enhancing their social capital and resilience.