ECU student, Washington, Oklahoma resident Allison Maurer named Business Scholar

Ada, OK (05/02/2024) — East Central University's Allison Maurer is looking to combine her love of horses with a degree in business administration.

The Goldsby, Oklahoma resident and Washington High School graduate has spent time with special needs children at Camp ClapHans, teaching them to ride horses, during the summers,

"In my position as a horse handler, I was able to have an impact on these children," said Maurer. "Riding a horse is a fun and challenging activity for the kids and it was amazing to see them conquer it. I was able to see the positive impact riding had on the kids physically, mentally and emotionally. While riding, they were challenged to work on balance and posture. We also played games with them while they rode to stimulate their minds."

Maurer's impact on children goes hand-in-hand with Maurer's drive to display her leadership skills as she became a Business Scholar for 2018-19.

She was selected for the prestigious Brad Henry International Scholarship by the State Board of the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education. By virtue of that honor she has been spending the 2019 spring semester studying at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom.

The Business Scholars Program is designed for students not only for their academic achievements but also their ability to show leadership skills in a manner of being an extension of the university's faculty through the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business.

Students must have at least a 3.50 grade-point average before entering the program and must maintain at least a 3.25 each semester to remain in the program. They must also be active in the Business Leaders Association by attending meetings and holding positions of responsibility.

Besides being on campus for two or more years, the business scholars must be able to volunteer for special projects in the School of Business, participate in the Dean's Leadership Council, be willing to travel during assigned trips and, once they graduate, give back to the program after graduation as Alumni of Business Scholars.

"I have learned the true importance of organization during my time as a business student and my coursework has helped me to strengthen my skills in this area. As a business professional, organization will be extremely important in areas such as time management and performance," Maurer said. "Due dates have been vital throughout my courses. My accounting classes emphasized this. These classes had a lot of dates and assignments to keep up with as well as a large project that taught the importance of being proactive. While assignments need to be submitted on time, it is also imperative to turn in quality work."

Maurer's plans are to graduate with a degree in business administration with a concentration in management and a certificate in human resources management.

"If my schedule allows, I also would like to get certificates in personal financial planning and banking and finance," said Maurer. "I have always been drawn to the horse industry and the health field and would love to find a human resources or general management career within one of these areas."

-ECU-

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