Spring 2025

As the days grow longer and spring is in the air, I am reminded of the power of renewal and growth – two forces that are deeply intertwined with our mission at the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business & Entrepreneurship. This semester, we continue to embrace change, innovation, and impact, strengthening our commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders.

We have launched new programs designed to empower our students, including pathways focused on women in finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Our faculty are pioneering cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of business knowledge. 

Additionally, our partnerships with community colleges and industry leaders continue to thrive, creating seamless educational pathways and valuable real-world experiences for our students. We remain deeply committed to student success, from first-year retention through graduation, as evidenced by our expanding mentoring programs and competency-based learning initiatives.

As we move forward, I invite you to stay engaged with the MAK College, whether through our events, networking opportunities, or as mentors to our talented students. Like a well-coached team, our community thrives on collaboration, agility, and a shared commitment to excellence. Thank you for being a vital part of our vibrant community. 

-Rama Yelkur

Education abroad experience leads to overseas career

MAK College hosts third-annual Networking and Etiquette Dinner

At this year's Networking and Etiquette Dinner, one of the pearls of wisdom that Dilshan Ratnayake gave to a room full of business students was to connect on LinkedIn with at least two new people from every networking event. Dilshan and his wife, Jeanna, and their Ratnayake Family Foundation were title sponsors of the dinner, held on March 27, for the third straight year. 

This year’s presenter, Amy Vance, Chartwell’s Director of Catering at TWU, offered students valuable insights on dining etiquette for the business professional.

Thank you to our table sponsors, which included Dawn Advisory Services, Constellation Brands, The CJ Group, PLLC, CSW Advisory, DATCU, Mastery Partners, Beyond CFO, and HR Catalyst Consulting.

Pioneers in Business Alumni and Networking Event

Five alumni returned to the TWU Denton campus in March to share their career journey with MAK College students at the Pioneers in Business Alumni and Networking event.

Bekah Abernathy, Misti Davis, Leslie Fredrickson, Bridget Hadnot-Roberts and Jesse Malone spoke on the panel, and students were encouraged to network with faculty, alumni and fellow students after the event.

Nine awardees recognized at Best in Business Banquet

The MAK College celebrated its achievements from the 2024-25 school year with the second annual Best in Business Banquet on Wednesday, April 23. Students, staff, faculty alumni and community members were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Breaking Ground: A New Era for the MAK College

Denton campus faculty and staff, including many from the MAK College, said farewell to the Graduate Research Building (GRB) on May 21 with a demolition event. Dean Yelkur took part in the ceremonial photos alongside Chancellor Carine M. Feyten. This will be the site for the new Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Tianyi Li, who teaches health care administration at TWU Dallas, was one of 27 professionals to receive the Founders’ Fellow recognition from the American Society for Public Administration.  

Vivian Orellana was one of several students recognized by TWU Houston president Monica G. Williams, PhD at the Houston commencement ceremony in May.

Orellana graduated with a dual master’s degree after completing the Master’s of Healthcare/ Master’s of Business Administration program. It would be an understatement to say that her path to obtaining these degrees was challenging. 

Become a part of the Texas Woman's University family! The Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship has open faculty and staff positions.