ECU student from Ada Cullen Edens named Business Scholar
Ada, OK (01/14/2025) — Showing encouragement can go a long way in developing leadership skills.
East Central University student and Ada resident Cullen Edens absorbed those skills after going on an International Voice of Hope Mission Trip to Leon and Telica, Nicaragua in 2017 to conduct sports camps with children.
"It was extremely humbling to play sports with the children and to teach them new games," said Edens. "The students loved baseball, basketball and soccer, so it was fun to compete with them in organized games."
That experience helped Edens become a Business Scholar at ECU for 2018-19.
ECU's exclusive Business Scholar program not only welcomes students 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.
In Nicaragua, the younger kids took to the jump rope and flying discs. Some had never played with a flying disc and caught on a naturally at throwing them, according to Edens.
"Not only did I have the opportunity of introducing new games to the kids and to play sports they already knew, but was able to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them," Edens said. "Many of the students already knew of God, but were extremely discouraged due to financial situations. By simply encouraging and speaking with many of the students, I learned they were hardworking and great kids who desired to be positive in our world."
Edens, an accounting major, is currently serving in the accounting department at People's Electric Cooperative and credits some of the courses he has taken through ECU's Stonecipher School of Business with making an impact on his current job.
"Through Computer Business Applications, I effectively use the Microsoft Office products in my daily functions at work. My coworkers have commented on the high level of knowledge I have in these computer applications," said Edens. "In addition, I speak with members of the cooperative and other public figures through face-to-face, digital and phone communication. Communication in the Workplace has taught me the fundamentals of communicating professionally with these types of people. I have a confidence in my ability to represent the Cooperative with a high level of professionalism due to my communication skills."
To prepare for the Business Scholars Program, Edens has been a part of the Business Leaders Association as well as the Society for Human Resource Management.
He has also participated in other mission endeavors such as the Dayspring Villa Mission Trip to Sand Springs where he volunteered at a women's and children's shelter for human trafficking victims and the House of Hope Mission Work in Ada where he painted interior walls and sorted donations for the pregnancy crisis center.
Edens is also an Elks National Foundation Scholar.
-ECU-
Media Attachments
Cullen Edens
