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Tom Smith Business Fellows

The Tom Smith Business Fellows program is the Ketner School of Business's signature leadership development program, pairing financial support with a four-year experience designed to prepare students for careers in business — and for leadership beyond it.

KSOB Business Scholars & Fellows

Every Tom Smith Business Fellow enters the program through one of two named scholarships: the Tom Smith Scholarship or the David Jordan Scholarship. Both are described below. Recipients of either award are automatically welcomed as Tom Smith Fellows and participate in the same program of events, mentoring, and professional development throughout their time at Catawba.
Tom Smith Business Fellows graduate with more than financial support: four years of mentoring, a network of Ketner School of Business faculty and alumni, and hands-on preparation for business leadership. As a Fellow, you become part of a small, close cohort — and, as an upperclassman, a mentor to the students who come after you.
 

The two pathways to becoming a Tom Smith Business Fellow

Tom Smith Scholarship

Awarded to incoming first-year and transfer students enrolling full-time and in-person at Catawba, the Tom Smith Scholarship provides up to $3,000 annually toward tuition — on top of any other Catawba scholarships or financial aid a student qualifies for, adding directly to their overall aid package. It is awarded to students who best embody Catawba's core values — Scholarship, Character, Culture, and Service — and who show strong potential as future business leaders.
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA required to apply
  • Open to incoming first-year and transfer students
  • Recipients become Tom Smith Business Fellows and remain in the program for as long as they are pursuing a Ketner School of Business major

David Jordan Scholarship

The David Jordan Scholarship is the Ketner School of Business's highest and most prestigious award, given in addition to a student's existing Catawba financial aid package. One incoming student is selected each year to receive an average award of $10,000, given to a high-achieving, mission-fit student with demonstrated financial need.
  • The College's most competitive business scholarship
  • One recipient selected annually
  • Open to incoming first-year and transfer students
  • Recipients become Tom Smith Business Fellows and remain in the program for as long as they are pursuing a Ketner School of Business major
 

Your Four-Year Journey

Tom Smith Business Fellows participate in a structured four-year experience designed to develop leadership, expand professional networks, and provide real-world exposure to the business world. Each year builds on the previous one—moving students from career exploration to professional leadership

 

The Fellows Advantage

Career Immersion

Fellows engage with business leaders, alumni, and industry professionals through curated experiences designed to explore a variety of career paths. Examples may include:

  • Executive roundtables
  • Industry site visits
  • Career exploration events
  • Alumni networking experiences

Professional Development

The program equips Fellows with practical skills that complement their academic studies. Opportunities may include:

  • Leadership development workshops
  • Resume and interview coaching
  • Professional etiquette training
  • Case competitions or consulting experiences

Mentorship & Community

Business Fellows become part of a close-knit cohort committed to academic excellence and professional growth. Students benefit from:

  • Faculty mentorship
  • Alumni connections
  • Peer collaboration
  • Career advising
 

How to become a Tom Smith Fellow

 

Meet Our Fellows

  • Zytrel Pickett ’29

    Major: Business Administration and Global Management

    Meet Zytrel

  • Andi Eudy ’28

    Major: Business, concentration in Marketing
    Minor: Environment and Sustainability

    Meet Andi

  • Alicia Credle '28

    Major: Business Administration
    Minor: Music Business 

    Meet Alicia

  • Zaniyah Frederick ’26

    Major: Business Administration
    (Management and Entrepreneurship Concentrations)

    Meet Zaniyah

  • Maria Rodriguez '25

    Major: Business Administration (Entrepreneurship Concentration)

    Meet Maria

  • Eva Troast '25

    Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
    Minor: Digital Media Production 

    Meet Eva

  • Hannah Wagenaar '25

    Major: Business Administration (Marketing Concentration)

  • Robert Johnson '25

    Major: Business Administration

Contact the Program Director

Ross Roberts, Ph.D., C.M.A.

Program Director & Associate Professor of Accounting
rrobert@catawba.edu