Description

In this episode, Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation with Dr. Gregory Pickett and Jamie Patterson on innovation and its impact on education and students.

Gregory Pickett is senior associate dean of the College of Business at Clemson University. In this role, he oversees all business functions for the college including marketing and PR activities, business affairs, and human resource functions. Pickett also serves as Director for Clemson’s MBA Program and the college’s Greenville ONE operations. The MBA program has experienced significant growth including new concentrations in business analytics and entrepreneurship and innovation. These programs are delivered on seven residency weekends a year and online.

As the Director of Career Services and Student Experience for the Clemson MBA Program, Jamie Patterson focuses on the entire student experience including career services and professional development opportunities. She runs the internship program for the MBA and works closely with hiring managers in Greenville’s thriving business community. Jamie teaches courses on Career Development and Business Communication. As a passionate career coach, Jamie takes great joy in watching the Clemson MBA students succeed, while also by helping her corporate connections find exceptional talent for their organizations.

Show Notes:

• How technology is changing the world of education
• Importance of innovation in delivery + learning environments
• Changing expectations in how students consume education
• Flexibility is important in this rapidly-changing environment
• Challenge of providing the same level of support to online + offline learners
• Maintaining the “uniqueness” of the Clemson brand
• Introduction and use of “flipped classrooms” to foster critical thinking and communication skills
• Creating true community in an increasingly digital/virtual world is critical
• Building a strong brand culture builds a strong alumni base
• Direct communication, not via text or email, is a key to success and something we must be intentional in teaching our youth
• Networking and listening are critical skills in life and business
• Bringing more professional development opportunities into the classroom
• How parents’ involvement and growth opportunities outside the classroom foster EQ + problem-solving skills
• Jamie’s two questions she asks her daughters every day
• Fostering greater social- and self-awareness
• Jamie & Greg’s Uphill journeys: challenges + finding joy
• Optimism of people finding the good in others, Greenville’s ability to deal with the challenges that come with growth and continued growth and success of Clemson’s MBA program

Connect with Greg + Jamie:

• Website – clemson.edu/mba
• Greg’s Email – pgregor@clemson.edu
• Jamie’s Email – jpatte4@clemson.edu
• Jamie’s LinkedIn – in/jamiesilvispatterson

Resources:

• Elf on the Shelf
• UCYP podcast “5: Mentorship in the Modern World”
• The ONE Building
• South Carolina SBDC
• Article: Educating for Innovation and Innovation in Education