NASBA Center For Public Trust 
UNM Students and Faculty Embrace Need for Ethics Education
The University of New Mexico (UNM) became the fifth university to establish a chapter of the Student Center for the Public Trust (Student CPT). Boasting a great turnout at its kick-off meeting on March 8, the chapter claims rights to the first established west of the Mississippi.
Guest speaker and NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) President, Alfonzo Alexander, delivered a dynamic presentation on ethical leadership in business. Alexander’s comments were followed by a thoughtful Q&A session and a lively discussion with students. The engaging meeting format will be mirrored by future chapter activities, where experienced professionals will be brought in as guest speakers to offer insight and relevant advice to chapter members as they prepare to transition from students to ethical business leaders.
Additionally, Amy Walters, CPT Manager of Programs, spoke about the many benefits of Student CPT membership, including a view into the real world of business, leadership development, networking opportunities, and increased marketability. She also spoke about the requirement to participate in a community service activity. This pushes members to interact with their community and fellow chapter members, while developing additional leadership skills.
UNM and its Anderson School of Management have shown a deep commitment to the support and success of the new student chapter. Attendees included not only students, but also UNM faculty members and Anderson School of Management Dean, Douglas M. Brown. Brown addressed the group, expressing his support and gratitude to the faculty, student officers, and the CPT. He also applauded the students in attendance for their ability to recognize the value of membership in the Student CPT.
"We see tremendous potential at UNM due to its strong support system within its business school, in particular; Dean Brown, Dr. Linda Ferrell – Professor of Marketing, Dr. O.C. Ferrell – Professor of Marketing, and Craig White – Dept. of Accounting Chair and UNM’s Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisor." said Alexander. Drs. Linda and O.C. Ferrell also serve on the CPT Board of Directors.
Nearly 50 students became official members at the inaugural event, with majors ranging from Accounting and Finance, to Marketing and Management Information Systems. This variety of student backgrounds and interests is something unique to the Student CPT, as membership is open across all majors. The chapter hopes to attract members from across campus and engage majors in Engineering, Communication and Journalism, as well as the Medical and Law schools.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for UNM students to engage and discuss organizational ethics and ethical leadership. In conjunction with our Daniels Fund Business Ethics Grants we feel that UNM students have some of the best exposure to this important topic in the country." Linda Ferrell, Bill Daniels Professor of Business Ethics.
"There has never been a time in history when businesses and universities needed to partner together more than now to address business ethics with our students. We feel fortunate to have forged a strong partnership with the NASBA Center for the Public Trust." O.C. Ferrell, Bill Daniels Professor of Business Ethics.