The Soderquist Center for Business and Leadership welcomes three new Soderquist Fellows to the team. Here are some quick facts to help you get acquainted.
Lindy Roberts
What did you study at JBU and when did you graduate?
Engineering major with a worship arts minor, graduated spring 2012.
Why did you decide to apply for the Fellowship?
Roberts always wanted her master’s degree in business. She liked the work the Center did, so when the asked for people to apply for the job, she did.
“Everything just seemed right,” she said.
What is your favorite part of the job so far?
Roberts enjoys all the different types of interactions she gets with their customers through emailing, arranging logistics and helping at events.
What would be your super power?
“I have kind of always wanted to read people’s minds.”
Favorite candy?
Reese’s peanut butter cups
Dream Job?
“I’m still trying to figure that out.”
Brandon Knight
What did you study at JBU and when did you graduate?
Marketing major with history minor, graduated spring 2012.
Why did you decide to apply for the Fellowship?
Knight had an internship with Del Monte over summer 2011. Del Monte works with the Soderquist Center and Knight saw how this contributes to the company culture and the values framework.
“They really knew what their values were and connected them with solving each difficult situation or values breakdown,” said Knight.
This attracted him to the Center because “they were the company responsible for the change [at Del Monte].” Knight believes his work at the Center will prepare him to work in the consumer packaged goods industry in the future.
What is your favorite part of the job so far?
Knight likes the mix of getting to work with both students and professionals. “I feel like I have one foot in the JBU ‘bubble’ and one foot in the ‘real world’ of northwest Arkansas and beyond,” he said.
What would be your super power?
“I would want to fly.”
Favorite candy?
Hershey’s cookies and cream bars
Dream Job?
Head coach/manager of Manchester United.
Karis Butler
What did you study at JBU and when did you graduate?
Journalism major with a business minor, graduated spring 2012.
Why did you decide to apply for the Fellowship?
Butler’s friend Zac Freeman is also a Fellow. She heard good things about the Center from him. As she looked for jobs, she originally overlooked the Center. Later she became more interested as she was intrigued by their work, approach to leadership, influence and connections.
“The Lord provided and opened the door,” she said.
What is your favorite part of the job so far?
“I don’t like routine, I appreciate the variety,” said Butler. There is something different every day. One day she may be processing reports and the next she will be picking up a CEO at the airport, helping with hospitality at their retreat center, or meeting and working with a constantly changing group.
What would be your super power?
Teleportation—“It would help with my 30-minute commute!”
Favorite candy?
Kit Kat bar
Dream Job?
Butler would like to use business and partnership with organizations to help developing countries such as Rwanda develop a more stable economy. She would also love to travel.