WKU News

The Gordon Ford College of Business recently partnered with U.S. Bank for the Western Kentucky University/U.S. Bank Idea Jam, an interactive innovation challenge designed to provide students with hands-on experience in tackling real-world business problems.

This year’s challenge asked teams to answer the question:

“How might we build the bank of the future to help new and startup businesses sustain their business?”

Students worked collaboratively to identify customer needs, create personas, and develop innovative solutions that support entrepreneurial growth in the banking sector. The event encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Skills that are essential in today’s competitive business environment.

“The U.S. Bank Idea Jam was an impeccably organized event geared towards providing a hands-on problem-solving experience for the students,” said Subarna Pandit, Visiting Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Management. “It provided an exceptional opportunity for the participants to utilize their curriculum learning from entrepreneurship into skill-based application required in the competitive professional fields today. The goal of classroom learning, amounting to practical, real-world application skills, was the main takeaway conveyed by the students.”

After an afternoon of brainstorming and strategy sessions, teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges from U.S. Bank and WKU. The top teams were recognized with scholarships sponsored by U.S. Bank, with individual awards based on placement.

• 1st Place -Erin O’Neill, Hadley Pearl, and Will Brooks
• 2nd Place –Bailey Davis, Derek Easterday, and Ellie Burdette
• 3rd Place -James Stevens, Leeann Blacklock, Salvador Leon Golib

The amount of scholarships awarded for the event was $8,750.

“The U.S. Bank Idea Jam is a powerful example of how our partnerships with business organizations help us live out the mission of the Gordon Ford College of Business,” said Dr. Whitney Peake, Department Chair of Management. “By engaging students in creative problem-solving around real-world challenges, we are preparing them to be innovative leaders who drive business vitality and strengthen our community.”

The Department of Management at Western Kentucky University prepares students to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers through a comprehensive and industry-relevant education. Offering five concentrations—Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Global Business, Human Resources, and Supply Chain Management—the program equips students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. For more information, visit wku.edu/management.