Harris Widmer Center for Excellence in Information Technology
In early 1999, the University of Jamestown launched a major new initiative in information technology for the 21st century with the establishment of the Harris Widmer Center for Excellence in Information Technology. The first venture of the newly established Center was to increase students’ access to computers. Each room is networked for access to e-mail, the internet, and other network services. This dramatic enhancement of computer accessibility was made at no additional charge to the students. The Center’s establishment was made possible with a generous lead gift from Harris and Arlyce Widmer, Fargo, ND. Mr. Widmer is a graduate of the class of 1958 and a longtime College trustee.
The Center’s facets include the following:
- Studies in Information Technology (See Computer Science section)
- Software skills certification, which involves training in word processing, spread sheets, databases, e-mail and Internet, web page design, presentation software, graphics, desktop publishing, and networking.
- Special internship opportunities, which will greatly enhance the resumé of University of Jamestown graduates.
Roland E. Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business
Since its launch in the fall of 2000, the Roland E. Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business has become a premier center for management education with programs that compare favorably with those of any liberal arts college in the country. The Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business was named in honor of Roland E. Meidinger, trustee emeritus and longtime benefactor of University of Jamestown, and the recipient of the honorary degree Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from the college in 1976.
In order to accomplish its mission of excellence in business education and to achieve its strategic goals, the Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business has implemented several major initiatives that have resulted in the following distinctive program hallmarks:
Degree Programs
The following degree programs are offered through the Roland E. Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business by its Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics:
- Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with concentrations in accounting, business communication, financial planning, general management, global business, hospitality and tourism, and marketing
- Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Business Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
Strong and Talented Faculty
The faculty in the Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business are talented, respected, highly collaborative, committed to excellence in teaching and student learning, and are either doctorally- or professionally-qualified to teach in their particular disciplines.
Innovative New Programs
An important initiative of the Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business is the development of new programs that expand offerings and widen the range of choices for students. The center has recently developed an option of a concentration in financial planning in the accounting major, a major in liberal arts business studies, liberal arts concentrations in the business administration major, an interdisciplinary major in health and fitness administration, and concentrations in hospitality and tourism management, and information technology.
Expanded Opportunities for International Experiences
The Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business, through its Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics, currently offers students the following opportunities for international study in business, economics, and/or accounting:
- Irish American Scholars Study Program
- International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
Expanded Internship and Experiential Education Opportunities
The expanded opportunities for internships and other types of field experiences developed by the Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business provide students with experiential learning that is vital to the complete education of business students.
Nationally Recognized Student Organizations
The Meidinger Center for Excellence in Business currently has a very strong and active chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, which is a national student business organization.