Pete’s Pet Posse teams up with OSU MBA program to enhance campus well-being
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Media Contact: Kendria Cost | OSU Center for Pet Therapy | 405-744-7877 | kendria.cost@okstate.edu
Pete’s Pet Posse, Oklahoma State University’s groundbreaking pet therapy program, joined forces with the OSU Master of Business Administration program in an innovative partnership to advance student well-being and community engagement.
Empowering future leaders to make a difference
In a unique collaboration, MBA students utilize their skills and expertise to support P3 in three key areas: fundraising, marketing/PR and app development. As part of their capstone class project, these students are applying strategic insights gained from their MBA program to elevate the impact of pet therapy on campus and beyond.
“Many have been around the program and are eager to provide input to make it better for future generations — and they are utilizing all the skills/strategy they have learned in the MBA program to provide that involvement. They are, in fact, leaving OSU better than they found it,” said Ann Hargis, former OSU First Cowgirl and cofounder of P3.
“When our MBA faculty engage our students in solving real-world challenges, everyone wins,” said MBA Program Director Matt Bowler. “As a former P3 handler, it is easy to see the benefits of the project to P3 and OSU from our students helping to innovate, promote and grow the program. As program director, it is great to see the hard work throughout their MBA program culminate in such a valuable project. This is an easy project for students to get excited about and pour themselves into. We are thankful to P3, Ann Hargis, Kendria Cost and Dr. [Steph] Phipps for implementing this great project.”
Transforming OSU through collaboration
The partnership between P3 and the OSU MBA Program underscores the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and empowering students to effect positive change. By harnessing MBA students’ collective talents and insights, P3 aims to enhance its programs and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the OSU community.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with distinctive and impactful programs like Pete’s Pet Posse, providing our students with invaluable real-world business experience through our capstone course,” said Dr. Steph Phipps, assistant professor of practice, management for Spears Business. “Opportunities such as these empower our students to directly apply their learning in their future careers.”
Impact
Pet therapy research efforts have highlighted its significant impact on campus well-being, with 99% of students feeling welcomed and supported at P3 events.
This positive reception paved the way for the partnership with the MBA program, further demonstrating P3’s commitment to enhancing student well-being.
“As we seek to enhance student engagement and generate vital funds for this self-funded program, we are eager to take their insights to our governing board and begin to initiate the implementation of select strategies,” said Kendria Cost, OSU Center for Pet Therapy director. “This partnership will be integral to the continued success of our program.”