This council promotes the interests of the college and advises the dean and leadership team throughout the year. The EAC convenes on the MSU campus for semi-annual meetings. The council plays a significant role in strategic planning, providing advice and support for enhancing programs and services, creating connections to the business community, and identifying new opportunities for the college.
The EAC is made up of dedicated, talented and accomplished professionals. We asked a few members — all alumni — why they serve or what they’ve gained from the experience.
James H. “Jim” Wilson
As chairman, Wilson has served for more than a decade. He graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting in 1984.
“I believe the perspectives of business leaders in the ‘real world’ are a necessity for a business school to produce graduates that succeed. We have a terrific and talented group of leaders on the EAC and every one of them is passionate about the College of Business and Missouri State University. Playing at least a small part in the success of the College of Business is the primary reason I’m involved. But a close second is the relationships I’ve built with my fellow EAC members and the deans and department heads. We have a blast when we’re together!”
Diane Jenkins
Jenkins is past chair and has served on the EAC since 2012. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1984.
“I’ve always held the conviction that education is one of the most powerful tools to changing people’s lives, life circumstances and overall world view. Education has the unique ability to fight poverty, racism, sexism, and all other sorts of societal traps. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and engage with a great group of people; all of whom are tremendous advocates for higher education. I’ve learned about the incredible successes as well as challenges facing the university; and have had the opportunity to engage in a number of problem-solving discussions aimed at addressing some of those challenges. I see myself as a resource and advocate for the university.”
Kevin Elliott
Elliott has served on EAC for 10 Years.
He graduated with bachelor’s in operations management in 1988.
“The university had a significant impact on me and my development, as a college experience should for all students. Not only is it the education you receive that prepares you for your career, but the friendships you make, organizations you are affiliated with, the professors that influence your experiences and choices. I felt it was important to give back to the university that directly impacted my life. I felt involvement in the EAC was a great forum having interaction with the university, COB leadership, professors, other business executives and occasionally the students.”
Members of the EAC
Jim Anderson
Retired (former Vice President Cox Health)
Jonathan Andrews
Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Training, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Jon Baker
Retired (former COO Wiese USA)
Kenneth Bouyer
Americas Inclusiveness Recruiting Leader, Ernst & Young
Donald Calvin
Partner, Ernst & Young
Kevin Elliott
Partner, Kainos Capital LLC
Robert Fulp
CEO & Board Member, SFC Bank
Shallina Goodnight
Administrative Director of Support Services, CoxHealth at Home
Brian Hammons
President/CEO, Hammons Products Co.
Tom Hilmes
CEO/GM, Ceremex North America, LLC
Scott Huff
Owner, Amplify Retail Consulting
Diane Jenkins
Owner, Ozark Mountain Trading Company
Jami Jordan
Vice President, Scrivener Oil Company, Inc.
Orvin T. Kimbrough
Chairman and CEO, Midwest Bankcentre
George Krull
Retired (Former Partner Grant Thornton LLP)
Dennis Marlin
Retired (Former Senior Executive Marlin Network, Inc.)
Ken Meyer
Retired (Former President Meyer Communications) *
Kelli Moles
Partner, McKinsey & Company
Chris Morris
President & CEO, Main Event Entertainment
Richard Ollis
CEO, Ollis/Akers/Arney
Bill Perry
Retired (Former Senior Partner Accenture)
Blane Ruschak
Executive Director of Campus Recruiting and University Relations, KPMG
Scott Salmon
President, Simmons Pet Food at Simmons Food
Gary Schafer
Managing Partner, BKD
Jarrod Sohosky
Partner, Advisor Services, Lord Abbett & Co LLC
Brad Thomas
President, Silver Dollar City Attractions
Bryce Turnbull
Vice President and General Manager, WellSky
Jenine Vincent
Former Vice President for Regional Operations, Mercy Health
Bob Wiley
CEO, Nspire Entertainment, LLC
Kevin Williams
CFO & Treasurer, Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
Jim Wilson
Principal, Ingress Investments, LLC
* Emeritus Member