Celebrating Mentorship to Develop Christ-Centered Business Leaders
In April, the Dayton School of Business (DSB) hosted the second annual mentorship banquet in the Shaw Collaborative Learning Center.
The banquet celebrated the power of mentoring in our business school students' lives, so that they may develop into Christ-centered business leaders who glorify God in and through the marketplace following graduation from Asbury.”
“It was wonderful to see mentors and mentees alike testify to the importance of investing in one another – to dare to be vulnerable to another Christ-follower about our individual challenges – professionally, personally and spiritually – so that those challenges can become areas of demonstrated growth, deep learning, and purpose through the gift of mentorship.”
Through one-on-one mentorship, students are paired with experienced professionals who offer guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Together, they explore what it means to integrate faith and work, navigate transitions, and lead with integrity. Business Administration major Gabe Allen ’26 served as the project manager for this year’s initiative.
One mentor-mentee pair includes Dr. Melissa Howard ’07 Rondeau (Senior EVP, Head of Medical Affairs at Symbiotix) and Erin Mitchem ’27 (AU Marketing major).
The DSB Mentorship Program is a great resource in making connections and a space to grow in academics and knowledge about future careers.”
“My mentor has helped me stay focused and motivated on my goals and achievements while sharing her wisdom with me.”
“As a Christian, I’ve always believed I’m called to invest in others. Mentoring at Asbury reminded me that the investment goes both ways,” said Dr. Melissa Howard ’07 Rondeau (Senior EVP, Head of Medical Affairs at Symbiotix). “When I started mentoring at Asbury, I came ready to share what I’d learned — to lean into my purpose of liberating greatness in others. What I didn’t expect was how much Erin would give back to me. Her questions pulled me back to my own foundation, remembering why I built the career I built, and what I actually believe about the work.”
The program’s recent updates include refined mentor-mentee matching, a more structured communication plan, and new opportunities for alumni involvement. As the program continues to grow, DSB remains committed to developing leaders who bring Christ-centered impact to every sphere of business.
“The Mentor Program connects students with mid-career individuals – ideally in their chosen career path – who can guide them into becoming future business people who live out their faith in Christ in the marketplace,” Dr. Alesha Graves, Dean of the DSB, said. “It is our goal that every DSB student has the opportunity to connect with a mentor with the goal of positively influencing the trajectory and impact of students entering the workforce.”
For more information on how to join or support the program, visit asbury.edu/business or contact Dr. Michael D. Ross at mross@asbury.edu.
The DSB offers five majors (Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and Sport Management), five minors (Accounting, Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Sport Management), the MBA program, the M.S. in Accounting program, and the Online Business Administration program. Learn more.