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Fifteen Stephen F. Austin State University students capped off their summer I term “Discovering Business” course in the Nelson Rusche College of Business with a trip to Estonia and Finland at the end of July.

Fifteen Stephen F. Austin State University students capped off their summer I term “Discovering Business” course in the Nelson Rusche College of Business with a trip to Estonia and Finland at the end of July.

The study abroad course, now in its third year, is designed to introduce incoming first-year and current students of all majors to business concepts and principles while helping them meet fellow Lumberjacks and faculty members before the fall semester starts.

“Studying abroad in Estonia and Finland was such a wonderful opportunity to prepare me for success in my first year at SFA,” said Kenzie Hodges, business first-year student from Fort Worth. “I was able to meet other Lumberjacks prior to school even starting, so making friends and becoming integrated as a beginning college student was easy. I also was able to get used to professors on a more relaxed basis, so I was comfortable enough to ask questions and build relationships.”

The trip began in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea. Students toured Old Town, the Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare, Lahemaa National Park, the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, and Kadriorg Park, the 18th-century summer retreat that Tsar Peter I gave Empress Catherine. Between entrepreneurial visits, the students also squeezed in a day trip to Helsinki, Finland; a tour of Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia; and some Nordic walking complete with skiing poles.

Activities ranging from touring Pohjala Brewery to marzipan making helped students learn more about small businesses in the region. During visits to a fishing port venture, Harmet’s modular house production facilities and Amber Distribution Estonia, students heard different perspectives on trade, both locally and abroad, and gained inspiration for their own future businesses.

“I got to see how a person’s passion grew into a successful business, which was honestly inspiring for my own goals,” said Karina Tergerson, entrepreneurship and finance first-year student from Clifton.

Faculty members who teach the “Discovering Business” course hope the connections students made during the trip will contribute to their success at SFA.

“I hope these friendships continue to grow throughout their respective tenures as SFA students,” said Dr. Drew Thornley, associate professor of legal studies, who co-teaches the course and led the trip with Dr. Ryan Phelps, associate professor of economics. “I believe the trip helped students become more culturally aware and sensitive and that the trip opened students’ eyes to the myriad possibilities travel and business can afford them.”

Phelps said he, Thornley and the students also received support throughout the trip from two SFA alumni, Monica Piña ’01, a member of the Business Communication and Legal Studies Executive Advisory Board in the Rusche College of Business, and Meaghan Morton ’19 & ’22, customer relationship management coordinator in SFA’s Office of Admissions.

“Monica, who’s co-owner and managing partner of AE Cruz Construction in Houston, brought a wealth of industry expertise and international business experience,” Phelps said. “And Meaghan offered students practical advice for success at SFA and beyond. She also used her marketing skills to keep everyone updated on our journey. It was clear that our students valued their reliable and relatable adult perspectives.”

Tergerson agreed.

“Attending this trip increased my confidence for travel abroad through the safety of the trip and the knowledge and support of our guide and advisors,” she said.

Thornley said he’s already packing for the next “Discovering Business” adventure.

“I could not have enjoyed this trip more. The location and the programming were a 10 out of 10. Our local guide was absolutely phenomenal, the weather and food were wonderful, and the business visits and cultural activities were outstanding. I cannot wait to return to the Baltics next summer.”

Next year’s “Discovering Business” cohort will explore businesses in Latvia from July 22 to Aug. 2. For more information on this study abroad opportunity, email Thornley at thornleyam@sfasu.edu.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Three finance sophomores from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business were selected for The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company Scholars program in 2025: Madison Custer of Spring, Davis Huddle of Houston and Raymundo Perez of Frisco. The year’s cohort members met in May in Austin, pictured, before completing their program work in July. UTIMCO is now sharing the students’ résumés with its recruiting partners, who are filling internship positions for summer 2026.

Three finance sophomores from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business were selected for The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company Scholars program this year.

Madison Custer of Spring, Davis Huddle of Houston and Raymundo Perez of Frisco form the second group of SFA students selected for this opportunity, which was made possible by the university’s affiliation with the UT System two years ago.

“SFA selected Madison, Davis and Raymundo to represent the university in this program because they have already shown high character, perseverance and a strong willingness to learn,” said Dr. Mikhail Kouliavtsev, chair of the SFA Department of Economics and Finance and coordinator for the UTIMCO Scholars program nomination process at SFA.

UTIMCO, the first external investment corporation formed by a public university system, oversees investments for the UT and Texas A&M University systems. In addition, the company forms a cohort every year of up to five students from each institution in these systems for its scholars program.

To be eligible for the cohort, students must be Pell Grant recipients or first-generation college students who are about to enter their sophomore or junior year of college. They also must be interested in asset management careers.

“The program has helped me consider a career in investment banking,” Custer said. “Going into the program, I had no idea which specific path I wanted to pursue, but now I feel more confident about the area I want to enter. I would definitely recommend this program to all SFA business students as it has been very beneficial and helps you learn about the world of finance.”

Since March, Custer, Huddle and Perez have participated in professional development activities that not only introduced them to the investment management industry but also helped them build their peer networks and obtain early career advice from experts in the field.

“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned from the trainings is how to improve my interviewing skills,” Perez said. “The program has given me practical strategies on how to present myself more confidently and effectively in interviews, which I know will be a major asset in my future career. I’ve also learned how to network more confidently and build genuine connections with people who are already succeeding in the industry.”

They’ve met with professionals from firms including AllianceBernstein, BlackRock, Brevan Howard, Dimensional Fund Advisors, J.P. Morgan, PIMCO Investments and TriPost Capital Partners. In addition, the program included a trip to UT Austin in May to work with cohort participants from other UT institutions on their interviewing and networking skills.

“Being able to listen to finance professionals share their journeys has been invaluable and eye-opening,” Custer said. “I have learned from the program’s sessions that everyone’s career path is different, and it is OK to have a nontraditional one.”

In addition to confirming his interest in the asset management field and helping him understand the environments and roles that align with his strengths and interests, the UTIMCO Scholars program gave Perez a whole new mindset.

“Stay curious and open to learning — not just about the job but also about the people and purpose behind the work,” he said. “That mindset has helped me grow not only professionally but personally as well.”

For future participants in the program, Perez offers the following advice.

“Be ready to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there,” he said. “This program pushes you to grow — not just in knowledge but in confidence and professionalism. Also, be prepared to not always be the smartest person in the room. What matters most is showing up, staying curious and being the hardest worker. The experience is what you make of it, and if you’re willing to invest in yourself, this program will absolutely pay off.”

The students completed the program in July, and UTIMCO began sharing their résumés with its recruiting partners who are filling internship positions for summer 2026. UTIMCO team members will work with program participants during the 2025-26 academic year to help them secure internships.

“The students’ commitment to this rigorous program over the spring and summer has been impressive,” Kouliavtsev said. “Being selected for one of the internships will be a well-earned honor.”

For more information on opportunities like these in the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications