D. W. Johnston School of Business

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Chair: Nan Wakefield
Office: D. W. Johnston Center, Room 216
Telephone: 931-363-9853
E-mail: nwakefie@utsouthern.edu

Professors: Thomas
Associate Professors: Brown, Jones, Wakefield
Assistant Professors: Greene, McAdoo
Instructor: Johnston, V. Martin, Philpot, Turley
Adjunct Faculty: Franklin, Giles, Herman, Killen, Kinder, Mayfield, Tyler, M. Williams

The D. W. Johnston School of Business was founded in 1994 to provide a focal point for the business program of the University. The School is named in honor of Daniel Webster Johnston, a highly respected Nashville businessperson and trustee of Martin Methodist College.

The Business Division offers four majors: Accounting, Management, Management Information Systems, and Sport Management. Minors are offered in Accounting, Business for Non-BBA Majors, Entrepreneurship, MIS, and Sport Management.

Students interested in a program within the School of Business should consult the appropriate program director/coordinator as listed below:

MBA: Lorie Jones, Director
Accounting: Sherry Philpot, Program Coordinator
Management: [TBD], Program Coordinator
Sport Management: [TBD], Program Coordinator

Program Learning Goals

Students will demonstrate the ability to:

• Show proficiency in the Common Professional Core areas.
• Apply an ethical framework to business problems.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral expression.
• Apply and analyze Common Professional Core knowledge areas within the context of business courses.

The Business Division also sponsors the Sigma Beta Delta honor society for business majors.

Note: To ensure a timely progression through the Business program, students need to take the following courses within the first two years: ACCT 221 , ACCT 222 , BUS 101 , BUS 201 , BUS 202 , COMM 221 , MAT 131 /MAT 131E  or MAT 231 /MAT 231E , and MIS 220  or CS 110  .

Note: All Business majors must make a “C-” or higher in all upper-level business courses.

Note: All Business majors must complete an assessment exam as a requirement for graduation.

The Business Program Mission Statement

The mission of the D.W. Johnston School of Business is to provide a transformative educational experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation essential for success in the dynamic world of business. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and diverse community that values innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.

Educational opportunities include graduate and undergraduate studies. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the graduate program, and the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) are the undergraduate programs. The BBA offers majors of study in Accounting, Management and Management Information Systems (MIS). The BS is offered with a major in Sport Management. Minors are offered in Accounting, Business, Entrepreneurship, MIS and Sport Management at the undergraduate level. Programs are delivered by professionally credentialled educators in traditional, hybrid and online formats.

Through rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a commitment to lifelong development, we empower our students to thrive as principled leaders and contribute meaningfully to the global business community.

Vision Statement

The D.W. Johnston School of Business envisions itself to be a school of choice to empower future business leaders.

Our graduates will function in a dynamic learning environment that fosters innovation, ethical decision-making, a global mindset, and inclusive leadership. Committed to excellence, we inspire students to navigate the evolving business landscape with agility, embracing diversity, and driving positive societal impact through continuous learning and responsible engagement.

Values Statement

Ethics and Social Responsibility
We foster a sense of ethical behavior and responsibility in business practices while instilling a sense of corporate social responsibility that embraces diversity and inclusion and its impact on business and society.

Leadership and Collaboration
We encourage leadership because it guides teams, fosters innovation, and ensures effective decision-making. Leaders inspire, promote a positive work culture, and navigate challenges that will contribute to organizational success and growth.

Global Perspective
We value the interconnectedness of domestic and global economies. Operating on a global scale enhances resilience by spreading risk across different regions and economies. It allows for resource optimization, exposure to diverse cultures, and the ability to leverage global talent. It allows for opportunities for market expansion, diversification, and access to a broader customer base.

Continuous Learning
We embrace continuous learning to ensure ongoing growth and competitiveness. Lifelong learning enhances problem solving abilities and stimulates a leader’s adaptability to operate in a dynamic landscape of business and technology.

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