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Amanda Hudson ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™18, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™20 MBA and her classmates recently conducted more than 40 interviews over four months as part of an assignment that enabled them to work with staff members at . They then developed a business plan that they presented to the leaders of the South Carolina-based medical supply and distribution company.

"All the employees did so much for the students," said Hudson. "They were eager and willing to help us. This was an amazing experience for all of us."

Their work with the company was part of an idea for a capstone project that was conceived by Saul Factor ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™96 EMBA, president of Smith Drug Company. A trained pharmacist whose experience includes sales, marketing, and patient care, he wanted to give back to the University by providing a real-world learning experiences for current students.

"When I was a student at the University, I had an opportunity similar to this. It was the best experience I had, and I hope this was a great experience for students."Saul Factor ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™96 EMBA

The plan was for nearly a dozen students to visit the companyÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s headquarters in South Carolina so that they could meet with staff members in person and develop their ideas for a business plan. Although students were able to make a trip to the company in February before the coronavirus pandemic halted travel, the rest of the project was completed virtually, including their final presentations.

"I believe we have a great incubator for students to learn from us and for us to learn from them," said Factor. "Students navigated through a very difficult time, and their presentations and recommendations were outstanding. IÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™m absolutely thrilled with the outcome."

Students presented their final presentations and recommendations virtually to Factor and several of his colleagues, who then asked them questions and provided feedback in real time. Members of the UniversityÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s Pompea College of Business community ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ“ including dean Brian Kench, Ph.D. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ“ also watched the presentations.

"These students leaned in over the last eight weeks and did a remarkable job," said Dr. Kench. "This opportunity was very valuable to each of the students."

Hudson agreed, and she says sheÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s grateful that she and her classmates had the opportunity to work with the company.

"Everyone at Smith Drug Company was honest and generous with their time," said Hudson. "They were flexible with doing everything online during the pandemic. We enjoyed working with the company, and we hope our recommendations can make a meaningful difference."