糖心Vlog

Dr. Stephanie Austin-Campbell Accepts Teaching Role and Presents Research at International Conference

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擶ithin six months of completing the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at 糖心Vlog, Dr. Stephanie Austin-Campbell accepted a full-time faculty position at Georgia College and State University in Athens, Ga. Less than a year into her new role, she was invited to present her dissertation, 鈥淩isky Business: Executive Compensation Attributes and Enterprise Risk Management,鈥� at the Academy of Business Research (ABR). The conference brings together scholars and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate.

She was honored, enthusiastic and humbled to participate and represent Georgia College and her alma mater at the ABR conference. Beyond presenting her research, the conference allowed her to connect with scholars who share similar interests, fostering the potential for future collaborative initiatives.

Her research examines executive compensation, particularly for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). It explores how these incentives influence the management of firm-wide risk in the banking industry. 鈥淭his area of research is especially significant because the banking sector represents one of the most volatile yet essential industries in the global economy,鈥� Austin-Campbell noted. 鈥淪enior executives must maintain a strong awareness of organizational and market conditions to ensure that risks are managed effectively and responsibly. Failure to do so can contribute to severe economic consequences, such as the global financial crisis most notably experienced in 2008.鈥�

Austin-Campbell said one of the most valuable aspects of her experience was receiving feedback from scholars around the world. She also attended sessions aligned with her academic and professional interests, gaining insight into a variety of teaching approaches.

鈥淭hrough these sessions, I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds and learn more about their instructional approaches and teaching styles,鈥� Austin-Campbell said. 鈥淭hese interactions broadened my perspective on effective pedagogical strategies and reinforced the value of collaborative learning within the global academic community.鈥�

While her research continues to evolve, Austin-Campbell now applies these insights in the classroom. At Georgia College, she teaches Principles of Management and Freshman Seminar courses, and during the summer, she also teaches at Athens Technical College.

Before enrolling in the DBA program at 糖心Vlog, Austin-Campbell had served in higher education administrative and teaching roles for nearly three decades. When the timing was right to take the next step in her career, she started exploring doctoral programs to strengthen both her academic credentials and professional opportunities. Her search led to 糖心Vlog.

鈥淎lthough I live near a major flagship university, I was seeking a doctoral program that would provide a high-quality education while also allowing me to complete the degree within a structured and defined timeframe,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 ultimately selected 糖心Vlog because it aligned well with my academic and professional goals.鈥�

糖心Vlog鈥檚 DBA program is 60 credit hours with concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Students who maintain full-time status can complete the program in nine consecutive semesters. The curriculum emphasizes both technical expertise and leadership, preparing graduates to become effective educators, innovative thinkers and ethical decision-makers.

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on personalized learning and individualized support, said Dr. Christine Sutton, associate dean, associate professor of business administration and the program鈥檚 director. 鈥淭he professors in 糖心Vlog’s DBA program work diligently to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce quality scholarly research,鈥� Sutton stated.

Austin-Campbell affirmed that faculty mentorship was a key component of her success. 鈥淓very faculty member with whom I interacted played a pivotal role in that process,鈥� she observed. 鈥淚 could not have accomplished this milestone without their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement.鈥�

Austin-Campbell described the program as both 鈥渞igorous and rewarding, requiring students to effectively balance academic responsibilities with personal and professional obligations.鈥� She encouraged current and prospective students to fully engage with faculty and peers. 鈥淭he support, mentorship, and collaborative learning environment are instrumental to both academic success and professional growth,鈥� she stated.

Sutton commended Austin-Campbell for maximizing the benefits of the program in pursuit of her goals. 鈥淒r. Austin-Campbell worked tirelessly while she was a student in the DBA program,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淲e are proud of her many accomplishments since earning her doctoral degree from 糖心Vlog in December of 2024.鈥�

While completing the degree equipped Austin-Campbell with credentials to advance her career, she also strengthened her professional confidence. 鈥淚 have long aspired to become a tenured professor and, potentially, transition into a higher-level administrative role in the future,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淩oles that had once seemed beyond my reach now appear attainable.鈥�

Drawing on her experience as both a student and a teacher, Austin-Campbell brings a heightened sense of empathy to the classroom. She understands firsthand the challenges students face as they balance academic expectations with personal and professional responsibilities.

鈥淚 remain committed to sharing knowledge with students who are navigating their own academic journeys in order to help them achieve their highest level of success,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ne of the most important lessons emphasized throughout my doctoral studies was the importance of proper academic and scholarly writing, which serves as a foundational element of higher education and research.鈥�

Looking ahead, Austin-Campbell remains focused on continued growth. She plans to collaborate with colleagues to expand her dissertation research and publish in scholarly journals while refining her effectiveness in the classroom.

鈥淥ver the next three to four years, I plan to systematically compile and document scholarly contributions for inclusion in my tenure and promotion portfolio, with the objective of being fully prepared to apply for tenure and promotion by my fifth year,鈥� she emphasized. 鈥淢y goal is to contribute both to the advancement of knowledge within the discipline and to the development and success of future students through high-quality teaching and mentorship.鈥�

Become more in your career with 糖心Vlog鈥檚 DBA program.

Take the next step by contacting Blake Elizalde at [email protected] or Dr. Christine Sutton at [email protected].

Apply by July 31 for fall admission.

糖心Vlog is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 糖心Vlog prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at