AUM College of Business partnership connects area high school students with business, AI and leadership
More than 90 River Region high school students recently visited Auburn University at Montgomery to explore college, business and career opportunities through a new partnership between AUM’s College of Business and the Why Not Win Institute.
The “Why Not Win Institute College Immersion Experience” is one of several initiatives created through the college’s broader partnership with the Birmingham-based organization founded by best-selling author and entrepreneur Larry D. Thornton Sr. Thornton serves as an executive in residence at AUM and established a Why Not Win Institute satellite office on AUM’s campus to help expand programming and outreach to high school students throughout the River Region.
“Our partnership with the Why Not Win Institute allows us to reach students early and help them see the possibilities that a college education can create,” College of Business Dean Daewoo Park said. “By bringing students to our campus and introducing them to business, artificial intelligence and leadership, we want to help them envision themselves succeeding in college and preparing for careers in a rapidly changing workforce.”
During the immersion experience, Thornton spoke with students about preparing for successful careers and developing the skills needed to thrive in academics and the business world. The event also included lunch and opportunities for students to connect with members of the AUM community.
The initiative is designed to create opportunities for high school students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals, Thornton said.
“At the Institute, we want students to see that higher education and a successful future are within their reach,” he said. “We want them to understand that how they think, communicate and connect with others can shape where they go in life. When you change what you think, you change what you do.”
As part of the event, Park introduced students to AUM’s artificial intelligence programs and two new AI leadership initiatives: the AI Innovation Leadership (AIIL) Passport and AI Innovation Leadership Black Belt programs.
The two leadership initiatives build on AUM’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program by giving students additional opportunities to combine artificial intelligence with their areas of study. AUM’s MSAI is the first degree of its kind in Alabama housed within a college of business.
Students also participated in a 30-minute conversation with current AUM business students, who shared their experiences navigating college and pursuing their academic and career goals.
About the Why Not Win Institute Partnership
The Why Not Win Institute’s partnership with AUM’s College of Business builds on the institute’s mission to help individuals develop leadership, communication and professional skills through lessons drawn from Thornton’s experiences in business and community leadership.
Founded in 2019 by Thornton, an entrepreneur, author of the book “Why Not Win?,” artist and community leader, the institute is a non-profit organization providing programming for corporations and higher education institutions across the country. Thornton began his career as an art teacher before entering the corporate world and becoming the first Black McDonald’s franchise owner in Alabama. He later served as president of Thornton Enterprises Inc. and has held leadership roles in business and community organizations.
Through its continued partnership with AUM, the Why Not Win Institute will help create additional opportunities for River Region students to engage with AUM faculty, students and business leaders while exploring the possibilities that higher education can provide.
