College of Business to Host New Executive in Residence Program

 Students at the Idaho State University College of Business will be visited by technology executive and alumnus, Roger Akers for a series of presentations during the College’s all new Executive in Residence multi-day event. Akers will visit two classes per day from March 23 – 25 in addition to having lunch with a select group of business students. Akers will make a presentation in informatics, management, finance, accounting, business statistics and marketing courses on a variety of topics pertaining to his expertise and background. Students in every level from freshman to graduate will have the opportunity to hear from Akers including students in Idaho Falls.  

 Akers has over three decades of experience working in technology. In 1998, he co-founded Akers Capital LLC and a few years later raised the Pac West Technology Fund in 2000. Akers and his associates continue to invest in, mentor and matriculate emerging technology companies today. As a former executive in IT Services, he oversaw the development and delivery of major software systems in over 80 client environments.

 Akers has also sat on a variety of private sector Boards throughout the states and internationally. He is currently an Advisory Principal for the international investment bank, Gramercy Partners where he helps with various projects that have created partnerships for companies in Asia and the United States. 

 “This event will benefit students by allowing them the opportunity to interact with business leaders across a variety of disciplines and industries,” said College of Business Dean, Dr. Shane Hunt. “Students will get to discuss and see how the content they are learning in their classes is being applied each day by leading executives and organizations across the country.”  

 The Executive in Residence schedule has Akers presenting to courses in-person throughout his three days on campus. Students outside of these courses will have an opportunity to join the in-person presentation so long as the room does not go over safe capacities. Others will have the opportunity to watch the presentation virtually over Zoom, including students on the Idaho Falls campus. Watch the College’s social media pages and website for a complete schedule and links to join the Zoom meeting.

 In the future, Hunt said the College is planning to host one executive each semester in 2021 with two executives visiting per semester starting in 2022.