Deans Advisory Board of Students (DABS)

The Dean’s Advisory Board of Students (DABS) is a student advisory board where Pamplin College of Business undergraduate students are selected to collaborate with the Dean of the College, Dr. Saonee Sarker and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Dr. Michelle Seref, to support the development of the Next Gen Pamplin and the undergraduate student experience. DABS members advise the Deans from the student perspective, participate in and lead activities for the good of the College, and help foster a culture of continued engagement where all students feel a sense of belonging.

Mission

The mission of DABS is to augment the undergraduate student experience in the Pamplin College of Business by embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in every aspect of our culture so that students feel empowered to reach their full potential.

Vision

In partnership with the Undergraduate Programs Office, DABS strives to establish itself as a beacon of inclusivity, growth, and excellence and set a precedent for student organizations, fostering an enriching, impactful, and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to engage and support the College in all efforts in the spirit of One Pamplin. 

Values

Our core values are the guiding principles that shape our actions and decisions. They are the foundation of our organizational culture and embody the principles for which we stand.

Excellence and Integrity: We value continuous and humble evaluation in the pursuit of excellence in all that we do. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, committing to act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all our dealings. We believe that integrity is the cornerstone of trust, and we strive to build trust with all our stakeholders through our actions.

Community: We aim to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie within the college. We believe that a strong community is built on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, and an appreciation of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to nurturing relationships between students, faculty, and staff, and creating a space where everyone feels valued, included, and empower to thrive and be successful. 

Student Empowerment: We believe in fostering an environment where students feel confident, informed, and capable of making decisions that affect their Pamplin journey and beyond. This involves creating opportunities for students to contribute to decision-making processes and encouraging them to take leadership roles in campus initiatives.

Servant Leadership: In alignment with the university’s motto, Ut Prosim, we are committed to serving our community and fostering a culture of humility, empathy, understanding, and responsibility, where we develop leaders who prioritize the growth and well-being of others, ultimately driving success through collaboration and shared purpose.

Innovation: We are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, where new ideas and creative solutions are encouraged and celebrated. We understand that the needs of our community are ever evolving, and we are committed to continuous improvement and evaluation, and creating innovative solutions to increase engagement within the undergraduate student body. 

Getting Involved

Each semester, DABS accepts applications for the DABS Apprenticeship program, which allows students one semester to get involved and engaged in DABS initiatives and programs. For more questions about the program or DABS, reach out to PCOBstudentorgs@vt.edu.