ISSUED: 6 December 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Dr. Ben Martz, dean for business school development at Shepherd University, has been appointed by the Jefferson County Commission to fill an unexpired term on the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA). He will serve until April 5, 2018.
“It is important for a business school to take a more compelling role to link Shepherd with the Jefferson County business community,” Martz said.
Since one of JCDA’s primary goals is to attract business and industry to the county, Martz said as a JCDA board member he’ll be in a better position to make those businesses aware of Shepherd programs and, more importantly, students who could potentially work for them as interns and employees. Martz also sees opportunities to bring his experience at JCDA back to the school of business.
“Hearing what companies are looking for in employees will help us design and keep the curriculum current, active, vibrant, and marketable,” Martz said. “So when somebody graduates from Shepherd, he or she will have skills that employers can put to work right away.”
Martz said he can envision tying current classes and programs to the business community as well as adding classes in topics like business analytics and project management. This way, the classes and the students in these programs can become resources for local businesses as they consider moving to this region.
Listen to the interview HERE.
— 30 —
