Walmart executive offers business insights to Emporia State students
Students, faculty, staff and Emporia community members attended a lecture by Walmart’s executive vice president of people, Kristin Oliver, on Oct. 8 in Webb Lecture Hall at Emporia State University. Topics included human resource management, corporate practices and leadership, with the session concluding in an active question-and-answer session.
The School of Business hosted Oliver’s trip to campus, which included speaking to students from various academic backgrounds and meeting with campus administration. Dr. Nathan Woolard, assistant professor in the School of Business, was instrumental in bringing Oliver to Emporia State.
“The School of Business has a specific interest in bringing industry experts to Emporia State to speak to our students. It is a great way to blend theoretical classroom teachings to practical industry standards,” said Woolard.
Oliver has a juris doctorate from Harvard University and practiced law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before joining Walmart in 2004. Her duties include human resources management for merchandising, marketing, financial services, operations, and planning, pricing and replenishment for Walmart U.S.. She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, involved with a number of women’s initiatives and was included in Diversity MBA Magazine’s “Top 100 over 40” list in 2011.
During the lecture, Oliver spoke to students about her corporate experience and how they can make an impact in the business world.
“Retailers depend on business students to help address the skills gap among workers today,” said Oliver. “The lecture was a great opportunity to join the students for a discussion about Walmart and the current business environment, and to share more about my professional experiences.”
Author educates students on paths to business success
The Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics welcomed Bo Burlingham to campus for an open lecture held at the William Allen White Library. Veteran journalist Burlingham presented topics found in his most well-known publication, “Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big.” In his research, Burlingham examines business decisions made by privately held companies ranging from microbreweries to record companies, and speaks to why they choose to strive for greatness and not necessarily growth.
"These companies exemplify a higher purpose of business-providing great products and services to customers, creating great places to work, being great pillars of their communities,” said Burlingham. “I hope some of the students will be inspired to start small giants of their own."
Burlingham was the second speaker in a three-part speaker series held by the Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics. This series, aimed at students, focuses on how ethical leadership leads to better business planning and decision making.
“The theme for tonight’s lecture looked at companies that chose to be great instead of big,” said Dr. Kevin Johnson, professor in the School of Business and co-director for the Koch Center. “The themes discussed throughout the event were all applicable to teaching students on fulfilling life goals, not just business goals.”
Burlingham is editor at large at Inc. magazine. He has written for Esquire, Harper’s, Mother Jones and The Boston Globe.
Andy Renteria, sophomore accounting major and member of the Student Taskforce for the Koch Center, attended Burlingham’s presentation and was enthusiastic about the message delivered to students.
“Having Mr. Burlingham on campus was particularly exciting considering all the business and journalism expertise he has,” said Renteria. “He has written for some of the largest magazines in the world, and he was willing to come to Emporia State to share some of his advice with students.”