Dr. Charles Stoner
Dr. Charles Stoner is in his 27th year at Bradley and can be found in the business college. He spends much of his class time working with area professionals through the Robert A. McCord Lecture Series on campus.
Tell us a little bit about your personal background-where did you grow up, go to college, etc.
I lived my early years in a coal-mining area of southwestern Pennsylvania, but moved to the Florida sun coast when I was 14. I graduated from Florida State University and returned there for my doctorate.
How long have you been at Bradley University?
I am in my 27th year at BU.
What is your official title and what are you involved in on campus?
I am the Robert A. McCord Professor of Executive Management Development and Professor of Management. In this role, I coordinate our lecture series that brings prominent business leaders to campus.
Why did you choose to work at Bradley?
Bradley has a great balance of teaching, scholarship (research and writing), and service. While most universities espouse a commitment to these three areas, Bradley seems to believe in and embrace the value of each dimension of this triad. It helps make the work here interesting, diverse, and challenging.
What’s your favorite class or organization that you are involved with on campus?
Right now, I’m teaching a new MBA course in Interpersonal Dynamics. In addition to intensive seminar-style sessions, we’ve included one-on-one coaching sessions for all the students. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to get to know our students better and work with them to enhance their career success. I’m overwhelmed by the talent and perspective of our students.
What has been the biggest change that you have seen on campus since you have been working here?
Although it is not unique to BU, the way technology has shaped and affected what we di is probably the most pervasive.
What would you like to see changed or improved on campus?
We have considerable opportunity to expand our development outreach efforts. We are probably constrained here by the lack of appropriate physical space.
What is something that you thin all new students at Bradley seem to have in common?
Let me mention two. First, as a rather selective university, we attract very bright students. Second, our size allows us to provide an array of opportunities for student involvement yet still provide a feel of intimacy that helps ensure that the time committed to campus involvement can make a difference. So, I’d say raw talent and desire to get involved.
What advice, if any, have you ever given to graduating seniors?
Well, I try to be careful with advice. In fact, I try to be helpful without offering too much advice. When students seek career counseling, for example, I try to get to know their interests, talents, and values; carefully listen to them; ask a lot of open ended questions; and offer very selective advice only when it is specifically requested. I try to help graduating students see that it’s OK to not have all the answers and help them recognize that their initial steps do not cast them for life.
What interaction have you had with alumni while working at Bradley?
I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of contact with alumni through our lecture series and my involvement with the business community through our Executive Development Center. It’s great to see so many past students playing critical roles in their respective organizations. I’ve often asked past students to be guest speakers. To their credit, I do not recall anyone denying to do so. How’s that for BU pride.
What upcoming change on campus of are most looking forward to (i.e. new president, new facilities, etc)?
I have long contended that part of the BU brand is “intellectual challenge coupled with a warm and personal intercampus community.” President Glasser seems to personify this image. As a long-time faculty member, that’s exciting. The anticipated building projects will dramatically change the physical look of the campus and project a freshness and excitement too.
What’s the one thing you would like to pass on to alumni of Bradley?
I mentioned BU Pride a bit earlier and part of that is staying connected with the university. There are a range of ways to be connected, so I’d encourage alumni to find that method that meets their current interests and capabilities and go for it.
View the archived Alumni Spotlights. Go>