By MAE SULLENS, TMU
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Hans Hut School of Business hosted a night of celebration and reflection as alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the University gathered at the Elevate Milestone Celebration Dinner. With almost 140 in attendance, the evening was a thrilling success.
The event, sponsored by Howard Brothers, Burman Printing, United Bankshares, Abernathy Development, and the Georgia Baptist Foundation, raised nearly $200,000 for the Standing on Truth Fund, TMU’s general fund, which is vital to the operations of TMU and provides significant financial support for the School of Business.
Dr. Kimberly Maiocco, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, delivered an address on the state of the School of Business, which has grown exponentially over the last five years. Bachelor’s degrees in accounting and cybersecurity management, as well as master’s degrees in accountancy, business with accounting, sports management, and public administration have all been added to the opportunities available at TMU. Additionally, the School of Business launched TMU’s first doctoral degree: the DBA in Actionable Leadership and Innovation.
“What truly makes the School of Business special is not simply programs or curriculum. It is people,” stated Dr. Maiocco, “It is the faculty who loved Jesus and invest deeply in their students, our academic advisor who faithfully guides and supports them, the alumni who represent this institution with excellence, and the students who are preparing to fulfill the Great Commandment as they live out the Great Commission.”
The night featured keynote speaker Glenn Williams, CEO of Primerica. Williams served as the company’s President from 2005 to April of 2015, and as the Executive Vice President of Field and Product Marketing for international operations from 2000 to 2005. He served on the Georgia Baptist Foundation’s board of trustees from 2019-2023 and has been serving with them again since October of 2024. Williams shared a heartfelt message on walking with Christ in the workplace and urged students to trust God’s plan for their lives as they launch their careers.
Awards for significant contributors to the School of Business were distributed towards the event’s close. Habersham EMC was given the “Friend of Business Award” for their longstanding partnership. Sabrina Rosser, Manager of Baseball Operations at the Sacramento River Cats, received the “Young Alumnus Award,” and Leanne Wilson of Carter’s Clothing Company received the “Outstanding Alumnus Award.”
“This was a truly special night for the Truett McConnell community. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our donors, alumni, corporate partners, students, and many friends from our local community who came together to celebrate and invest in the future of the Hans Hut School of Business,” shared Dr. Stacy Hall, Vice President for Advancement, “Gifts to the Standing on Truth Fund are vital to sustaining the mission of TMU and ensuring we continue equipping the next generation of Christ-centered business leaders.”
