Fowler College of Business Names New Director for the Fowler Scholars Program

The Fowler Scholars Program was established within the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University with the intent of developing a select group of SDSU business students into professional and ethical business leaders. The program was initiated in 2017 by the college’s namesake, Ron Fowler, and the former dean of the college, Lance Nail, and was directed by the college’s executive in residence, Peter Shaw. 

Peter Shaw

Shaw will step down as the program’s director on May 23, 2022, and Mark Lindner, who leads personal branding and narrative workshops and is a marketing lecturer at the college, will assume the role on the same date. 

Four incoming SDSU business students are selected as Fowler Scholars prior to their enrollment at SDSU, and they continue with the program for the duration of their undergraduate college career. As a Fowler Scholar, each student is assigned professional and faculty mentors, undertakes an international or domestic experience, completes a team project each year, and attends weekly classes to discuss current ethical business decision situations as well as interact with senior business executive guest speakers. Each Fowler Scholar regularly meets with the director to discuss their progress, internship opportunities, or other matters that the director or the student wants to discuss. 

Mark Lindner

“Students are continually challenged to understand and evaluate the business matters facing them from all aspects so that they can make well-informed and ethical conclusions,” said Shaw, who will continue in his role as the Fowler College of Business executive in residence. “I took on the role of director at the program’s inception because I saw an opportunity to bring practical, real world business experience and critical decision-making skills to a small group of outstanding SDSU business students.” 

As the incoming Fowler Scholars Program director, Lindner plans to expand the students’ projects to include assisting in the development of a social media strategy for the Fowler College of Business, event planning, working with the SDSU Alumni team, and assisting a local company to solve tangible business challenges. 

“The stated goal of the Fowler Scholars Program is to develop ethical business leaders, and based on my experience, this is a critical need in the business world,” said Lindner, who counts Ron Fowler as a mentor and a significant influence in his career. “When we do our jobs at the Fowler College of Business, we deliver talented women and men into the workforce prepared to lead teams and companies with a strong moral compass.” 

Inaugural Fowler Scholars Reflect on the Program’s Impact:

Landon Delgadillo

As the Fowler Scholar’s inaugural class prepares for graduation, the scholars reflect on how the program has impacted their lives:

“The Fowler Scholars Program was the most impactful experience of my collegiate career. I was able to meet incredible business leaders who exemplify ethical business leadership and how to use business as a force of good in the community. I was allowed to network with lots of professionals, donors and alumni who are involved in SDSU and want nothing but success for the students. I got to have incredible thought-provoking conversations surrounding business dilemmas and the role of a good CEO. Overall, the Fowler Scholars Program gave me more knowledge and real-world understanding in four years than many students would get in ten years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had.”

Landon Delgadillo
2022 Accounting Graduate
Future PwC Audit Assurance Professional

Faith Goh

“The Fowler Scholars Program has taught me the ethics behind every decision -- while the world may tell us to act in a way that best serves our self-interests or is simply convenient, our gut and our instincts will tell us the correct way to act. As students who will become leaders in the future, we have to keep in mind how our actions will affect others.”

Faith Goh
2022 Accounting Graduate
Future Graduate Student

Rachel Magers

“The Fowlers Scholars Program has significantly impacted my life and I'm very grateful for the hands-on learning opportunities I've had through the program. The skills gained through our service-learning project, class discussions, and presentations will help me as I move forward with my career. The networking opportunities we had throughout our time in the program have also been invaluable as we’ve been able to connect with so many inspiring business leaders. I also value having had both professional and academic mentors. Both my mentors helped me throughout my time at SDSU, with my academic mentor helping me choose my major and classes and my professional mentor offering helpful advice and providing a great industry perspective.”

Rachel Magers
2022 Management Information Systems Graduate Future Moss Adams IT Compliance Professional