Exemplary business students recognized with Jabara Award at Commencement

Two recent Baker University graduates who thrived as business majors—Emmery Joseph and Carson Moore—were honored as recipients of the 2023 Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award during Baker’s Commencement Ceremony on May 23.

The award is named for renowned Wichita educator and entrepreneur F.D. (Fran) Jabara, a lifelong proponent of recognizing and promoting excellence in leadership. It recognizes a male and female graduating senior from each participating private university in Kansas and includes a $1,000 award.

EMMERY JOSEPH

Joseph, who is from Chicago, Illinois, was recruited to play on the women’s basketball team and did so for four years. “I really fell in love with the community feel of the campus when I visited. It immediately felt like home and a place where I could make meaningful connections.”

Joseph also worked as a University Admissions Ambassador, was a peer student tutor for the business department, served as vice president of the Sports Administration Club, and served as an officer for the business honor society, Delta Mu Delta. She received Bachelor of Science degrees in business management and sports administration with a minor in data analytics.

“I will be attending graduate school at Valparaiso University to obtain my master’s degree in sports administration,” she said. “I will also be working as a graduate assistant in their campus recreation and well-being department.”

Joseph said her time at Baker stretched her beyond her comfort zone.

“I appreciate all of the faculty and staff who taught me to always go the extra mile and stay disciplined in my pursuits,” she said. “I learned that you won’t know if something really works for you until you try it, so never be afraid to put yourself out there. I also learned how vital it is to build relationships and develop professional connections. I know that as I move forward in my career, I will carry with me those relationships that I formed at Baker.”

CARSON MOORE

Moore, who is from Springfield, Missouri, was involved in Residence Life, University Admissions, and Baker choirs while on campus.

“I was initially attracted to Baker because of family recommendations, the strong reputation of Baker’s business department, and the proximity of Baker being far but not too far from home,” he said.

Moore received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management with a minor in leadership studies.

“Some important takeaways from my time at Baker include professionally, learning the importance of networking in career advancement, and personally, being open to learning new ideas while still holding fast to your own fundamental values,” he said.

Moore is using his degree working as an assistant merchant at the corporate office of Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.

“I am beyond grateful for so many Baker business faculty and peers who have guided my learning along the way,” he said.