College of business and humanities
Dana Scholars Program
Developing Future Business Leaders: Dana Scholars Program
dana scholars
About Our Program
The Dana Scholars Program is a selective opportunity for business students to connect what they’re learning to real-world business. Established through a 1991 donation from the Dana Corporation and launched in 1995, the program brings experienced business leaders to campus through an Executive-in-Residence model.
Each year, 10 high-achieving students are chosen for their academic performance and leadership potential. As a Dana Scholar, you’ll work closely with the Executive-in-Residence through a dedicated weekly Business in Action course, engaging with guest speakers, visiting companies, and gaining hands-on exposure to how business works in practice.
You’ll graduate with real-world experience, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of how to lead in today’s business environment.
A call for applications goes out to the student body in early Spring to select members for the following Fall.
dana scholars
Dana Chair and Scholars
Every year a Dana Chair is selected by the Dean of the College of Business to serve as a team builder and provide leadership in the undergraduate business program. A group of 10 outstanding business students are selected every year based on their academic achievements and leadership skills. During the fall semester, the group meets once a week with the Dana Chair for the Business in Action course (BUAD 495 ), which was redesigned for Dana Scholars only with the purpose of exposing these students to a more action-oriented learning experience. At the Dana Chair’s discretion, guest speakers from various levels of business are brought in, and class trips are taken to area businesses.
2026 Dana Scholars:
- Cody Dodson
- Samuel Dolan
- Connor Harp
- Owen Clevenger
- Emma Hammer
- Avary Zeisloft
- Stephen Cain
- Hannah Burkholder
- Abria Lomax
- Ava Barton
Gail Steffen, President, Northview Partners, LLC.