Welcome to Episode 7 of Barton Means Business! Hosts Becky Scott, MBA, and Dr. Ken Russell return after a busy semester to share updates from Barton College’s School of Business and Innovation. In this episode, they dive into the latest community outreach efforts, including Dr. Russell’s involvement with the North Carolina Biotech Group and the exciting growth of the state’s biopharma sector.

Discover how Barton College is bridging the gap between business and life sciences, the importance of conversations in education and innovation, and the launch of new initiatives like the CMMC Champions Course and AI Literacy Certificate. Becky and Ken also discuss the evolving job market, the impact of AI on careers, and how Barton is helping students and professionals stay competitive through experiential learning and upskilling.

Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at campus life during the holidays, upcoming student presentations, and Dr. Russell’s much-anticipated annual holiday letter. Whether you’re an alum, student, or business leader, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a celebration of community connections.

Tune in for thoughtful conversations and a look ahead to what’s next for Barton Means Business!

Resources:

Dr. Russell's Wilson Times article "Connecting in the Age of AI"

Melanie McLaughlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiainnovations/

Dr. Scott Gerard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottngerard/

In Episode 6 of "Barton Means Business," Dr. Ken Russell and Becky Scott, MBA, dive into the latest happenings at the Barton School of Business and Innovation. This episode explores the importance of academic rigor, meaningful student experiences, and the evolving role of mentors, coaches, and innovators in residence at Barton College.

Listeners will hear about recent campus visits, exciting new programs like the upcoming AI certificate, and the power of building strong partnerships—locally and nationally—with organizations such as FBLA, SkillsUSA, and the VR/AR Association. The conversation also highlights the value of community outreach, with a focus on financial literacy, AI literacy, and supporting underserved communities in Eastern North Carolina.

Special guests join the discussion to share insights on neurodivergent learning styles and the importance of transparency in education. The episode wraps up with inspiring stories about making a difference through education and a look ahead at future initiatives.

Tune in for a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about innovation, community, and the meaningful work happening at Barton College.

In Episode 5 of Barton Means Business, hosts Becky Scott, MBA, and Dr. Ken Russell dive into the power of participation—on campus, in the classroom, and throughout the Barton College community. This week, Dr. Russell shares insights from his recent “movement” talk with Honors College students, emphasizing the value of engagement and storytelling in education.

The episode also features a preview of the upcoming “Business of Wellness” session with Dr. Michelle Fritsch, exploring the importance of building a wellness portfolio for a fulfilling future. Plus, get the inside scoop on Barton’s vibrant homecoming weekend, the President’s luncheon for new employees, and the college’s unique approach to student advising.

Whether you’re an alum, student, or just curious about innovation in higher education, this episode is packed with stories, practical advice, and community spirit. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations and updates from Barton College!

New episodes every week—join us and be part of the Barton Means Business community!

In this episode of "Barton Means Business," Becky Scott and Dr. Ken Russell return with a packed agenda! They recap highlights from their recent data analytics and neurodata consortium calls, including Dr. Scott Gerard’s fresh take on AI and the concept of "Learno Resonic AI." The hosts dive into real-world applications of AI, the importance of context in conversations, and the evolving landscape of generative AI.

You’ll also hear updates on Barton’s innovative one-year online MBA program, a preview of Dr. Russell’s upcoming presentation on the connection between physical and mental strength, and the launch of two new lecture series: "The Business Of..." and "Valued Voices." Plus, Dr. Russell shares insights on AI-driven partnerships in higher education procurement, and the team looks ahead to homecoming festivities and more.

Tune in for expert insights, campus updates, and a look at what’s next for Barton College’s School of Business and Innovation!

Barton Means Business episode 3

Weekly Recap for the week ending 10.11.25

In episode 3 of Barton Means Business, we record on location from the All Things Open conference in Raleigh, NC. Join us as we recap an exciting week at Barton College, including the arrival of new team shirts, highlights from the majors fair showcasing business administration, sport management, and healthcare administration programs, and the launch of an undergraduate research journal. We also discuss mentoring opportunities, curriculum committee activities, and recent speaking engagements. Tune in for these updates and more as we continue to share the latest from Barton College's School of Business and Innovation.

Resources

• Barton College School of Business & Innovation
• All Things Open

Barton Means Business episode 2

Weekly Recap for the week ending 10.4.25

Each week we'll discuss the School of Business & Innovation, celebrating the faculty and student accomplishments from the week before and letting you know what is coming up next!

In this episode of Barton Means Business, Dr. Russell and Becky discuss the college's recent day of service, Bulldog Days, highlighting student participation in community service activities. Dr. Russell shares a personal story about resilience involving the football team's offensive line. They also talk about upcoming initiatives including the 'Business of' series, certificates for professional development, and the valued voices series. The episode touches on engagement with alumni, advisors, and mentors, and highlights the importance of experiential learning and connections. Additionally, they delve into the start of data analytics consortia focusing on AI and neurodata, and the unique opportunities these present. The episode concludes with a preview of Dr. Russell’s upcoming visit to a Business 101 class and a special video from Professor Lanier's students.

Resources

• Barton College School of Business & Innovation
• FBLA Collegiate

Barton Means Business episode 1

Weekly Recap for the week ending 9.27.25

This is our first weekly episode to talk about what's happening at Barton College! Each week we'll discuss the School of Business & Innovation, celebrating the faculty and student accomplishments from the week before and letting you know what is coming up next!

In this inaugural episode of Barton Means Business, Dr. Ken Russell, the new dean of Barton College School of Business and Innovation, introduces himself alongside co-host Becky Scott. They discuss the vision for 2025 and beyond, sharing updates about the school, including the Innovators in Residence program and upcoming events like the Barton College Day of Service. Dr. Russell also reflects on his journey back to North Carolina and the importance of maintaining close connections with alumni and faculty. The episode wraps up with a preview of new consortia focusing on data analytics and neurodiversity.

Resources

• Barton College School of Business & Innovation
• Clash of the Bulldogs fundraiser: http://bit.ly/46o5Gwn
• Videos / links referenced about Dr. Russell's move to Barton College:
• Dr. Ken Russell’s conversation with Advisory5: From CIO to Dean: https://www.gorlatov.com/p/from-cio-to-dean-building-bridges
• Dr. Ken Russell’s interview with the University of Houston’s Kristoffer Smith, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Russell’s Journey of Innovation and Leadership: http://bit.ly/467EnoD