Dr. Leigh Hartman, a Doctor of Business Administration graduate ’19, from the Davis College of Business and Technology, always dreamed of owning a business on a picturesque main street. A former senior initiative portfolio executive at Bank of America and consultant with Arthur D. Little, she fulfilled this dream after moving to Highlands, North Carolina, a charming “Hallmark-style” small town.
“When the opportunity to buy the local coffee shop arose, it felt like the perfect chance to turn that dream into reality. My family saw it as a way to connect with the community,” she said.
Another of her dreams has also come true — teaching. The former Charlotte, North Carolina resident is now an associate instructor of management at Western Carolina University, where she teaches Introduction to Management and Introduction to Project Management in Practice. Additionally, she serves as director of assessment for the College of Business.
Her coffee shop, Caulders Coffee Cafe, has become a valuable teaching tool in her management course. “It’s an excellent case study for planning, organizing, leading and controlling,” she explained. “It also provides a relatable contrast to large corporate examples.”
Hartman selected JU’s DBA program because of its well-rounded curriculum. “The program structure, with its cohort model and thoughtfully sequenced courses, made it interesting, challenging and achievable,” she said.
The professor credits the DBA program with enhancing her skills as an instructor. Her first career in project management focused on urgent, specific challenges. “The DBA program helped me step back and analyze business issues from a broader, strategic perspective,” she said. “This shift in mindset has been invaluable in teaching and problem-solving.”
The program was instrumental in her transition to academia and she found valuable mentorship along the way. She has collaborated with Dr. John Shaw, associate professor of management and chair of the Department of Business and Communication, on several articles, calling it an “incredibly rewarding experience.”
Shaw, who co-chaired Hartman’s dissertation, praised her as a passionate educator. “Dr. Hartman has developed innovative activities and resources that engage students while fostering critical thinking and communication skills,” he said. “Her ability to translate research into practical teaching strategies reflects her dedication to education.”
Beyond her teaching, Shaw noted that Hartman exemplifies excellence, innovation and leadership in representing the DBA program and Davis College of Business and Technology. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Hartman, not only as a colleague but as someone who has enriched my professional journey.”
