Beard Center Helps Business Students Find Their Path

Founded in 2022 through a generous gift from alumnus Eugene P. Beard B’59, MBA’61, the Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success provides business students with holistic support that goes beyond traditional academic advising. 

The center’s seven-person Student Services team includes five full-time Student Success Coaches who help students navigate their academic journey, explore opportunities and move toward bigger goals with confidence.

Building Connections Early

Relationship-building begins before students start classes.

Incoming first-year students can meet their Student Success Coach through Duquesne’s First-Year Advisement Summer Transition program in July or during virtual summer sessions. During Orientation Week, the center hosts sessions designed to help students feel prepared, welcomed and connected.

At Meet the Dean, students hear from School leadership, learn more about the business student experience and are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset. During Prep for the first day of class, Student Success Coaches walk students through how to read a syllabus, navigate Duquesne systems and access key resources.

The center also recognizes that college is a transition for families. Parent and Family Orientation gives families an opportunity to hear from the Student Services team and ask questions, while the Dean’s Reception allows families to meet faculty and staff in a welcoming setting.

Support Throughout the Year

The center continues building relationships throughout the academic year through regular touch points and engagement opportunities.

BizBreaks, short informal sessions, give students a chance to connect with Student Services outside of formal advising meetings through polls, notes of encouragement and opportunities to provide feedback.

“BizBreaks are a unique engagement strategy to connect with our students outside of our typical role,” said Success Coach Shakeria Carter. “The students get to interact with Coaches in a more relaxed setting that helps to build a connection that carries into our one-on-one meetings.”

Helping Students Explore

With a revised Business Core creating more room for electives, students have greater flexibility to explore their interests. The center supports that exploration through the annual DuqBiz Expo, which introduces students to majors, student organizations, study abroad opportunities and other ways to make the most of their Duquesne experience.

“I want to help students get the most out of their education,” said Chris Hilf, associate director for student success. “My favorite conversations center around adding a minor or second major, studying abroad, or pursuing a graduate degree at Duquesne.”

Peer Support and Belonging

Because peer support is an important part of student success, the center launched a Peer Mentor program in 2023. Peer mentors help students navigate University systems, communicate with professors, build study habits, get involved on campus and learn more about majors.

Students also can meet with tutors for support in technology- and math-heavy courses, including finance, statistics and information systems. Business Math Tutoring Sessions offer additional support before quizzes and exams.

Looking ahead, the School of Business Living Learning Community will launch in fall 2026 in Towers Residence Hall. Designed for first-year business students, the community will support academic achievement, professional development, personal growth and belonging.

“The Living Learning Community will provide a holistic sense of support,” said Success Coach Jasmine Jones-Reed.

Through coaching, mentoring and community, the Beard Center helps business students feel seen, supported and prepared to make the most of their Duquesne journey.