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 

 

Read more about the Executive Advisory Council