FAU Leadership Course Connects Business Students With Senior Executives for Real-World Insight

Miami Marlins owner Bruce Sherman and legendary investor Leon Cooperman were among a group of influential business leaders participating in a semester-long special leadership class for students in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.

The special topics in leadership course, created and delivered by Michael Block, adjunct professor, and Joseph Patton, D.B.A., senior instructor in the department of management, brought senior executives to campus to engage in in-depth discussions with business students on leadership, decision-making, and the real-world challenges facing today’s business leaders.   

“In this class, we gave our business students face-to-face interaction and networking with the highest level of executives at well-known companies,” Patton said. “This was an incredible experience for our students.” 

Throughout the semester, students interacted directly with guest speakers through seminar-style discussions, asking questions and gaining insight into their leadership experiences, practical lessons for success, how to overcome setbacks, and what it takes to build and sustain successful organizations from the ground up.

“We were honored to feature such wonderful and different business leaders from across South Florida for our students,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., Kaye Family professor and dean of the College of Business. “The College of Business is committed to excellence in research and teaching, and when Michael Block brought me this idea a few months prior, I was happy to support it. The concept was good, but the results were phenomenal. Our students and faculty got an incredible experience – a highlight of their educational careers.”

            The full list of speakers for the class included:

• Jeff Klink, executive vice president and president of commercial deposits at Valley Bank
• Gerald Greenspoon, founder and managing partner of Greenspoon & Marder
• Steven Flyer, partner at AUA Private Equity
• Lewis Gold, chairman of Advanced Recovery Systems and founder of Sheridan Health
• Holly Rush, past president of Luxottica Group and CEO of Costa Sunglasses
• Alan Weber, chairman of U.S. Trust
• Stuart Benson, chairman and CEO of First Health Florida, Nathan’s Famous, and Great Earth Vitamin Store Chain
• Bruce Sherman, owner and chairman of the Miami Marlins
• Leon Cooperman, Omega Advisors and frequent guest contributor to CNBC.

The class reflects the College of Business’ mission to foster the next generation of business leaders through excellence in teaching and experiential learning. By offering direct access to leading executives, and bringing the business world into the business classroom, the college provides an exceptional educational experience.

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