Turner College's Charles Boster Named Finalist for the 2026 CSU Chappell Graduate Award

When he worked in the private sector, Turner College accounting professor Charles Boster learned the value of continuous improvement. Today, he applies these concepts in the academic environment to ensure course content reflects the current business environment, to seek feedback from external stakeholders related to student knowledge and performance expectations, and to implement best practices of pedagogy through high impact teaching strategies, fostering improvements to student engagement, material retention, and practical application. This process has led to success for Boster, as reflected by his recent nomination for the 2026 CSU Chappell Graduate Award. As Boster explained to Turner Business, "As the student base has changed, so has my teaching content and method. Over several years of continuous improvement (at two institutions) and speaking with local business professionals and students, the MBA course transitioned from a lecture-based course format to a team-oriented, project-based course with fostering leadership, teamwork, and content application. Changes to date have improved student performance, students feedback, and student interaction, resulting in a more positive educational environment and experience."

Boster's approach to graduate business education relies heavily on classroom examples and cases to encourage student discussion of topics. The goal of this process is to create an active classroom environment where students share insights and assist their peers, as the discussions frequently focus on questions about alternate solution paths. Assessments of learning primarily focus on a group project culminating in a written report and project presentation. Students are encouraged to integrate technology, such as artificial intelligence, spreadsheets, word processors, and presentation software, for more efficient research and communication. In line with continuous improvement approaches, students complete and receive feedback on subsections of the project throughout the semester and are allowed to revise work until the final submission is due. "My goals for the student are quite simple. I want students to gain an understanding of core course concepts to facilitate communication and performance in their futures. While roles in the community and definitions of success differ, I want every student to appreciate the perspective of others and become life-long learners," Boster explained. Turner Business congratulates Professor Boster on his success thus far and wishes him the best going forward.