Augustana business administration majors can opt to enroll in the Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts (BESLA) scholars program. The first cohort will start in Fall 2025.
Built upon the strengths of Augustana's liberal arts education, the program is designed to enhance career, vocational reflection and graduates' contributions to the common good. The program aims to not only prepare students for the workforce, but also equip them to think critically, communicate effectively, and reflect on the meaning and purpose of their careers and contributions to their communities.
Business administration majors enrolling in BESLA will engage in:
The program takes inspiration from the Sheedy Family Program in Economy, Enterprise and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Chris Hedlin '11, who teaches and co-directs the selective, cohort-based Sheedy program, is consulting on Augustana’s BESLA program.
Applications have closed for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Requirements for BESLA program consideration:
1. Enrollment in Business Program: Major in Business Administration or International Business and/or minor in Not-for-Profit Leadership Development and/or Entrepreneurial Studies.
2. Enrollment in non-Business Program*: A major or minor outside of Business Administration or International Business program
Note 1: Intention to declare is sufficient for your application. If accepted into the BESLA program, confirmation of enrollment in both a Business program and a non-Business program will be required to remain in the program.
Note 2: One goal of the BESLA program is to ensure the program includes students from across the broad disciplinary offerings at Augustana.
3. Faculty or staff reference: Someone on Augustana's faculty or staff who would be willing to speak on your interest in the program and your abilities to contribute to and benefit from the program. A recommendation letter is unnecessary, but you will need to include their contact information in the application. You should also let them know you have shared their contact information and discuss your interest in the BESLA program with them before you submit your application.
If you have questions, please contact the directors of the BESLA Program, Dr. Amanda Baugous or Dr. Jason Mahn.
The BESLA program is supported by the NetVUE grant and the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.
Augustana will enroll students in its inaugural Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts (BESLA) cohort in fall 2025. Business administration majors enrolling in BESLA will pursue a second major or minor in the traditional liberal arts.
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