Oklahoma State University’s CEO Day: Insights from Industry Leaders
Oklahoma State University (OSU) students are gearing up for an invaluable opportunity during the upcoming CEO Day, hosted by the Spears School of Business. Set for April 1, the event will feature prominent figures from diverse industries who are ready to share their experiences and insights directly with students. With a wealth of knowledge to offer, this annual engagement promises to inspire and inform future leaders.
Event Details
The much-anticipated CEO Day will take place from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. Open to all OSU students free of charge, this event encourages participation from individuals across all colleges. Whether you’re a business major or studying another discipline, the opportunity to interact with successful executives is one you don’t want to miss.
Meet the Executives
This year’s lineup includes three distinguished leaders: Stacy Kymes, Jeff McIntyre, and Sophia Shoate. Each brings a unique perspective from their respective industries, encompassing finance, hospitality, and logistics.
Stacy Kymes serves as the president and CEO of BOK Financial Corporation, a significant player in regional financial services with a portfolio exceeding $50 billion. A Harding University graduate with a degree in accounting, Kymes has been with BOK Financial since 1996. His extensive career has seen him take on numerous leadership roles within the organization, from chief auditor to treasurer. Known for his active involvement in the Tulsa community, Kymes’ passion for financial services and community engagement is likely to resonate with students interested in similar career paths.
Jeff McIntyre, a certified hotel administrator, has over 50 years of experience in the hospitality sector. A proud alumnus of OSU, where he studied hotel and restaurant administration, McIntyre’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Gemstone Hotels and Resorts in 1994. His journey reflects considerable innovation in the industry, especially following the mergers that transformed his company into Pyramid Global Hospitality. McIntyre’s insights into creating unique resort experiences will provide students with an understanding of what differentiates successful businesses in competitive markets.
Sophia Shoate, who also holds a degree from OSU in management, has been a transformative leader at UPS since she began her career there in 1990. From rising through the ranks to oversee various high-profile positions, such as vice president of Inside Sales, Shoate is now the president of Global Enterprise Sales. Her focus on optimizing complex supply chains for UPS’s largest customers, along with her commitment to developing future leaders within her organization, showcases the vital characteristics of effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment.
A Tradition of Engagement
Established in 2003, CEO Day serves as a remarkable initiative by OSU’s Spears School of Business, the Business Student Council, and the MBA Association. This event aims to bridge the gap between academia and real-world business practices. By inviting these CEOs to the Stillwater campus, students gain an unparalleled chance to engage directly with influential figures, explore the challenges business leaders navigate, and understand the skills required to succeed in various sectors.
During the event, students will not only learn about the executives’ career trajectories but also dive into the decision-making processes and leadership styles that define successful businesses. Participants can expect valuable takeaways about the traits that executives admire in upcoming managers, providing insights into skills students can cultivate during their studies.
For those interested in expanding their horizons, additional information about CEO Day, including profiles of past speakers and resources for aspiring leaders, is available on the Spears School of Business website. This event represents not just a learning opportunity but a platform for networking and career development that can shape the futures of many OSU students.
