SUMMER 2025 5 CELEBRATING A DECADE OF KINGDOM-MINDED ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Lion’s Den DFW Conference in April unified a growing community of investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders committed to advancing the Kingdom through transformative business ventures. The two-day conference featured Nick Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs, and Henry Kaestner, co-founder of Sovereign’s Capital. The traditional Pitch Competition brought in entrepreneurs who presented mission-driven business ideas to a panel of investors. Bestselling author Candace Cameron Bure awarded the winners and inspired the audience to carry their convictions into the marketplace. Special thanks to the Carter School of Business for elevating the success of the annual event, including Sandra Crawford Williamson, chair of the Marketing Department; Dr. Ross O’Brien, chair of the Entrepreneurship Department; and event coordinator Tamanno Hodjihanova (‘22). STUDENT TEAMS SHINE AT NATIONAL DIGITAL MARKETING COMPETITION Two student teams from DBU’s Carter School of Business competed against 29 teams from 21 universities across the country, advancing to the Final Four in the highly competitive Presentation Pro bracket. Coached by Dr. Kyle Allison and Professor Sandra Crawford Williamson, members included Jaylee Utash, Leah Soto, Abrynn Dennison, Layla Joseph, Courtney Canion, Zachary Kos, Baer Heck, John “JW” Altman, Matthew Mitchell, and Peter Coniari. DBU tied for 4th and 5th place against some of the most recognized digital marketing programs in America. Additionally, Baer Heck won 1st place in the Man vs. Machine Simulation, earning the top individual score. Abrynn Dennison also claimed 1st place in the Viral Game (LinkedIn Edition). Given this year’s standout performances, the Carter School of Business continues to solidify its reputation as a rising leader in digital marketing education. 2024 PIPER OUTSTANDING PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Philip Mitchell (’91) recently received the prestigious 2024 Piper Outstanding Professor of the Year Award in recognition of his excellence in leadership. His unwavering dedication to students as the program director of the University Honors Program is exceptional, as are his scholarly contributions to academic research. Dr. Mitchell holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in Literature from Baylor University. After initially teaching literature at DBU, Dr. Mitchell accepted an offer to help establish and lead the University Honors Program in 2005, where he continues to serve today. Dr. Mitchell is also the author of The Shared Witness of C.S. Lewis and Austin Farrer.
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