Programs of Excellence

Distinguished Speakers Series
The Williams College of Business brings top-level business, academic and political leaders to campus for the distinguished speakers series, which is designed to educate, enlighten and inspire. Speakers address our constituents, introduce new ideas, and generate discussion and dialogue. Click here for our Distinguished Speakers website.

Past speakers include:
- Robert Castellini, chairman, Castellini Co.; CEO, Cincinnati Reds.
- David Dillon, Chariman & CEO of The Kroger Co
- Richard Farmer, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Cintas Corp.
- Charles Geschke, Co-chairman and Founder, Adobe Systems.
- A.G. Lafley, Chairman, President and CEO, Procter & Gamble Co
- Kenneth W. Lowe, President and CEO, E.W. Scripps Co.
- Sara Mathew, President and COO of Dun & Bradstreet
- Ellyn McColgan, President, Fidelity Brokerage Co.
- Janet Reid, Principal Partnet, Co-founder, Global Lead Management Consulting
- James Wainscott, Chariman, President & CEO, AK Steel Corporation
Executive Advisory Boards

The college’s 12 advisory boards create a broad range of opportunities for hands-on projects for students and faculty. Board members advise and mentor students as they pursue their business education, connect students with co-op and career opportunities, make the college’s academic programs more visible in the business community, and aid the various departments in formulating curriculum. Click here for a list of our 12 advisory boards.
Executive Mentor Program
The executive mentor program ensures Xavier students a viable and effective network of notable professional contacts to assist them in their careers. Moving beyond traditional mentor programs where a mentor counsels a student on academic growth or personal direction, our program involves more than 500 high-ranking executives who meet with students one-on-one. Mentors provide:
- Career advice based on knowledge and experience.
- Co-op, internship and postgraduate employment opportunities.
- Networking and introductions to other professionals.
- Access to business leaders and corporate resources.
Executive Professor Program
The executive professor program brings high-ranking executives onto campus and into the classrooms where they work with world-class faculty and co-teach students the subtleties of practical business applications. Executive professors come from a diverse group of companies and organizations, and serve as role models for success, entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership.
- Michael Conaton
- Jerry DeBrunner
- Don Dufek
- Larry Leser
- Al Sampson
- Robert Kohlhepp
- Peter Block
- Barbara Henshaw
- Mary Anne Gale
Gerald J. DeBrunner Executive-in-Residence Program

The executive-in-residence program allows students to hear the voices of experience, bringing in former CEOs and other high-ranking executives to share their expertise. The program enhances the relationships between our students and the executives in the community, gives students an opportunity for growth through one-on-one career counseling, and allows the executives to play a role in developing our college, faculty and curriculum.