Leadership program for first-year business students at Montana State sees continued success

BOZEMAN - The day before fall semester classes began, a group of incoming Montana State University business students hiked the iconic "M" trail and continued forming connections with their peers.

Step-by-step up the dirt trail, climbing over rocky slabs and through green forest, staff from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship watched the new students get to know each other. That was the goal of the day, and of the program that brought them there.

Started in 2020, the Community of First-Year Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs (CABLE) program helps students develop leadership skills and a supportive peer network through intentional points of connection and programming.

This year, 48 first-year students are participating in CABLE. In addition to a group meal and the M hike at the start of the semester, dedicated sections of the introductory business fundamentals course and college writing are offered for CABLE students. That creates a built-in group of familiar faces for students transitioning into college that extends through the entire first year. CABLE students also receive support from peer and faculty mentors and a $1,000 scholarship.

"Every student deserves the opportunity to start college on the strongest footing possible," said Brenda Truman, CABLE program lead and assistant dean of the business college. "CABLE provides that opportunity by helping students develop their leadership potential, connect with resources and build community right from the first day of college. CABLE helps instill in students the confidence and momentum that lead to long-term success and on-time graduation."

Having the built-in CABLE network "makes it easier to make friends and form study groups," Truman added.

The college invites all first-year business students to apply for CABLE and then builds the group, though because it is donor-funded, the number of spots is limited. This year CABLE saw a record number of applicants, and its capacity could expand with additional philanthropic support.

Since its inception, 253 students have successfully completed the program. After freshman year, many join the next generation of Jabs college leaders with the skills they developed during CABLE.

Two such students are new CABLE peer mentors this year.

Chris Druffel, a sophomore from Pullman, Washington, said he's excited to serve as a mentor this school year. He is majoring in business management and joined CABLE last year because he thought it would be a good way to meet other students. Throughout the year, he found it beneficial to be able to garner support from the same group of familiar people.

Druffel wanted to be a mentor this year because he admired how last year's mentors encouraged him to get involved in the business college. His main goal is to meaningfully connect with other students and share advice that is more uniquely tailored to business students than the more general advice new college students hear repeatedly.

Chloe Johnson, a junior from Billings, will serve as a CABLE mentor for the second time this year. She is studying business management and accounting and wanted to stay involved with CABLE to be a resource for other students.

"Freshman year is so fun but also so hard navigating all the things," Johnson said. "I want to serve as a friendly face that makes students feel comfortable. Qualities I see as crucial to being a mentor are authenticity, kindness and a love for people."

Mariah Stopplecamp, a business instructor who teaches CABLE sections of the introductory business classes, said the intention is to set students up for success early in their college experience. For example, she gives a presentation on the importance of habit creation at the beginning of college, sharing tips on how students can manage their time to make friends, join clubs, and also study and go to class.

Stopplecamp said she also provides practical advice for students on unfamiliar elements of college.

"For example, professional communication with instructors. Some students are nervous about it and don't know how to do it," Stopplecamp said. "So the hope with CABLE is that we remove that blockage and set them up for success a little more."

For Stopplecamp, the most meaningful part of being involved in CABLE is watching her students develop from excited freshmen into leaders who build the confidence to pursue their goals. Even after they complete the CABLE program, students stay in touch with Stopplecamp and know her as a resource who can provide support and life advice.

People who are interested in learning more about CABLE can visit https://www.montana.edu/business/cable/FAQ.html or reach out to Truman with questions.

"CABLE helps students believe they belong here from day one," Truman said. "And that sense of belonging can make all the difference in their long-term success."