The goal of Missouri State University’s (MSU) Finance and General Business (FGB) Advisory Board is to help keep the FGB faculty apprised of changes in the industry.   

The 16 board members, most of whom reside in the Springfield area, represent a variety of career fields. “FGB benefits from the practical ideas of real-world business professionals in the immediate area to enhance the relevancy of the FGB business academic curriculum,” said Greg DeLong, senior vice president and financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and FGB Advisory Board member.   

As a group, it hopes to blend the real world and academics to best benefit students, DeLong noted.   

“The finance industry continues to evolve, so offering input to ensure the FGB department keeps up with the pace of change is important,” said Jeffrey Layman, CFA, principal and chief investment officer of BKD Wealth Advisors and FGB Advisory Board member.   

DeLong and Layman maintain a long-standing relationship with Missouri State.   

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“Graduating from MSU over 30 years ago and working for a firm that has such a close relationship with the university has made MSU a consistent part of my personal and professional life,” Layman said.   

DeLong did not attend MSU, but he has lived in Springfield for over 35 years.   

Two of his children earned three degrees from MSU. His stepson earned an electrical engineering degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology while attending all his classes at MSU through the cooperative program.  

“I’ve learned to respect and admire MSU, the business school and the important role MSU serves in Springfield and the entire state of Missouri,” DeLong said. “I enjoy and value doing my small part to help a good cause.” 

Finance and General Business Advisory Board