WCBA students selected for John D. Beeghly Fellows Program
Jan Harter and Nathan Heinly, business students from Youngstown State University's Williamson College of Business Administration, were selected as the John D. Beeghly Fellows for the 2024 Summer Semester.
“The generous gift made by the John D. Beeghly Family is an important investment in our business students," explained Kelly L. Wilkinson, Ph.D., Dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration. "The gift provides our students with career-related experiences in regional businesses, so it is a collaborative 'win-win' for both the WCBA students and the Mahoning Valley.”
The John D. Beeghly Fellows program provides students with a paid fellowship working with the Ohio Small Business Development Center, Export Assistance Network and the APEX Accelerator at YSU. Projects include domestic and international market research, financial modeling, export readiness studies, business viability analysis, cash flow projections, sales forecasting, marketing & social media strategies, research on government contracting opportunities, marketing capability statements and outreach for government contracting efforts. Students gain valuable career-related work experience to competitively position themselves in the job market upon graduation.
Harter, a Business Economics major graduating in Spring 2026, is from Ulm, Germany. He wants to establish a career in Corporate Strategy Consulting, leveraging his analytical skills and understanding of economic principles to drive impactful business decisions. Harter aspires to work with global firms, helping them navigate complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving market landscape. Through the Beeghly Fellowship and academic projects, Harter has gained invaluable experience working directly with clients. This opportunity enabled him to effectively assist businesses in achieving their goals. Harter eagerly anticipates leveraging his skills and experience to make meaningful contributions in the corporate world, tackling challenges and seizing opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication.
Heinly, a Business Finance major graduating in Spring 2025, is from Jefferson, Ohio. He was given the opportunity to be a Beeghly Fellow through his participation in the Ohio Procurement Internship Program at YSU. Heinly aspires to become a professional in the world of Finance, Government Contracting or possibly obtaining a position that deals with both. His ultimate goal being to run a business of his own. Through the Beeghly Fellowship, Heinly has been able to see real world clients reap the benefits of working alongside the Small Business Development Center. He is excited to continue helping small businesses succeed in the both the commercial and government marketplaces.
The Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU received a best practice for their service delivery model that integrates the Beeghly Fellows into SBDC services. The ASBDC Accreditation team visiting Ohio, stated that the model should be an example to other university based SBDCs for integrating educational, community and economic development services.
The John D. Beeghly Fellows Program is made possible by an endowment established at the YSU Foundation by Mr. Beeghly’s wife and children. John David Beeghly was a lifelong resident and businessman in Youngstown, Ohio, and son of area industrialist and philanthropist, Leon A. Beeghly. From 1967 until his death, Mr. Beeghly served as vice president and director of Standard Slag Co. and Stancorp, Inc., a holding company for industrial businesses.