Augustana business administration majors can opt to enroll in the Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts (BESLA) scholars program. The first cohort will start in Fall 2025.
Built upon the strengths of Augustana's liberal arts education, the program is designed to enhance career, vocational reflection and graduates' contributions to the common good. The program aims to not only prepare students for the workforce, but also equip them to think critically, communicate effectively, and reflect on the meaning and purpose of their careers and contributions to their communities.
Business administration majors enrolling in BESLA will engage in:
The program takes inspiration from the Sheedy Family Program in Economy, Enterprise and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Chris Hedlin '11, who teaches and co-directs the selective, cohort-based Sheedy program, is consulting on Augustana’s BESLA program.
For consideration, please complete this Google form by Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Acceptance decisions will be communicated by April 4, 2025.
The application questionnaire emphasizes the reasons for your interest in the BESLA program as well as your unique experiences, skills, talents, and aspirations. The BESLA program is designed for students who are committed to deep study and discussions of business and its role in society, of the integration of the study of the business and the liberal arts to inform and support aspirations for cultivating meaningful lives and contribution to the common good.
Requirements for BESLA program consideration:
1. Enrollment in Business Program: Major in Business Administration or International Business and/or minor in Not-for-Profit Leadership Development and/or Entrepreneurial Studies.
2. Enrollment in non-Business Program*: A major or minor outside of Business Administration or International Business program
Note 1: Intention to declare is sufficient for your application. If accepted into the BESLA program, confirmation of enrollment in both a Business program and a non-Business program will be required to remain in the program.
Note 2: One goal of the BESLA program is to ensure the program includes students from across the broad disciplinary offerings at Augustana.
3. Faculty or staff reference: Someone on Augustana's faculty or staff who would be willing to speak on your interest in the program and your abilities to contribute to and benefit from the program. A recommendation letter is unnecessary, but you will need to include their contact information in the application. You should also let them know you have shared their contact information and discuss your interest in the BESLA program with them before you submit your application.
The form requires a sign-in but will allow you to edit your responses until the deadline. Applications will be considered final after the deadline has passed.
If you have questions, please contact the directors of the BESLA Program, Dr. Amanda Baugous or Dr. Jason Mahn.
The BESLA program is supported by the NetVUE grant and the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.
Augustana will enroll students in its inaugural Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts (BESLA) cohort in fall 2025. Business administration majors enrolling in BESLA will pursue a second major or minor in the traditional liberal arts.
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