SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes™ School of Business at Ashford University has announced three finalists for the Senior Project Scholarship. They are Kyle Baucum from Scottsbluff, Neb.; Jason Koelliker from Running Springs, Calif.; and Clifford Ray Smith from Lemoore, Calif.

The 2014 Senior Project Scholarship opportunity was open to Forbes™ School of Business students who completed their bachelor's degree capstone course or senior project and alumni who graduated within one year of the July 7, 2014 entry date. The scholarship award winner will receive $5,000 applied to future tuition in the Forbes™ School of Business master's degree program.

Judged by a committee of Forbes™ Business School faculty members and Forbes™ Media leadership, finalists were selected based on their applications and letters of intent to pursue a master's degree.

"My goals in completing my MBA are to expand my horizons in the business world, to gain the necessary working knowledge to be successful in business, and to provide myself with the opportunity to change my career path and enjoy a greater quality of life for my family," Baucum said.

He graduated summa cum laude last fall and received an offer to join the management team at his local rail terminal. Baucum's Leadership Priorities & Practice capstone course, led by Dr. Ashish Godbole, challenged him to apply insights from his education into his work environment. In his presentation, "The Great Recession at BNSF," Baucum explored economic influences on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad from 2007-2009. He analyzed the current situation and offered management and leadership ideas to meet future demands of the business.

Koelliker aspires to return to Ashford University for a master's degree and continue his evolution into an information technology leader. "For my entire adult life, I have played the role of jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. Obtaining my MBA will give me the opportunity to utilize my experience to master the art of leadership."

For his Leadership Priorities & Practice capstone course, led by Dr. Gregory Goussak, Koelliker wrote "Leading the Way: Strategically Managing the Changes in Healthcare." His presentation recognized that "healthcare reform requires that providers implement an electronic medical records system to improve the delivery system of care through continually changing quality standards" and provided insights on how Arrowhead Regional Medical Center can overcome challenges of implementing an Electronic Health Record system.

Smith, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after enrolling at Ashford, was a full-time student while simultaneously working 70 hours per week as an active-duty military officer. He doubled up on courses when allowed and even found time to volunteer for the American Cancer Society while earning his bachelor's degree. He was inducted into three honor societies and graduated summa cum laude.

With plans to pursue an MBA with an emphasis in global management, Smith is a military police officer and instructor planning to retire after 24 years serving in 58 countries and two wars. "My dedication and perseverance proves I am a strong candidate for success in the MBA program," he said.

For his PR/Marketing capstone project, led by Lindsey Fosse, Smith developed a comprehensive marketing plan for AutoZone, including recommendations for global expansion into South American and European markets.

The recipient of the Forbes™ School of Business Senior Project Scholarship will be announced during Ashford University's fall graduation being held October 5 at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 15,000 graduates, family members, and friends are expected to attend the commencement ceremony.

About Ashford University
Achievement belongs to all of us at Ashford University. By offering a traditional college campus as well as online degree programs, Ashford meets the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives and in their communities. Students may earn an associates, bachelors, or master's degree online, while campus students in Clinton, Iowa may earn a bachelor's degree. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit ashford.edu or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Forbes Media
Forbes Media, publisher of Forbes, Forbes Asia and ForbesLife magazines and Forbes.com, is an authoritative source of news and information on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and affluent lifestyles. The company has built a diversified portfolio of assets as part of its ongoing transformation into a global media, branding and technology company. The Forbes brand today reaches approximately 75 million people worldwide with its business message through Forbes and ForbesLife magazines and its 36 licensed local editions around the world, Forbes.com, TV, conferences, research, social, and mobile each month. The Forbes magazine iPad app merges the power of print storytelling with social sharing and the web. Forbes Media's brand extensions include conferences, real estate, education, financial services, and technology license agreements. The company plans to launch ForbesLife.com in September 2014.

Contact: Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations 
                      858.668.2580 · shari.winet@bpiedu.com  

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SOURCE Ashford University