Keiser University Flagship campus student Dyshaunda (Dee Dee) Harris is now one step closer to realizing her career goals thanks to her Keiser University Women in Automotive Scholarship award. Harris, an Automotive Dealership Management student from Orange Park, Florida would like to eventually create her own brand of vehicles and is excited for the opportunity to focus on the area of study.

“Both leaders and scholars know that uniting people toward a common purpose and goal inspires them to do greater things.  It all starts with a vision and priorities or strategies to work towards a mission. This is what Dee Dee is demonstrating as she enters the automotive area of study, and what Keiser University and the Women in Automotive organization are doing as they prepare women for careers in the field. Being able to educate students while also supporting the mission of Women in Automotive is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dr. Martha Rader, Keiser University’s MBA Program Director.

The Automotive Dealership Management curriculum examines various factors influencing the automotive industry such as technological progress, consumer expectations, government regulations, and personal mobility. Students are exposed to the unique challenges facing automotive and vehicle retail distribution systems and graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and techniques to thrive in the new environment.

The diversity of Keiser University’s Flagship campus is inspiring to Harris as well. “As a campus with students from across the globe, I’m thankful to learn about the culture and lifestyle of my new international friends,” said Harris, who is also a Seahawk Basketball player.

Dr. Rader and the Women in Automotive organization designed the Keiser University sponsored Women in Automotive Scholarship to promote and empower females to enter the automotive industry.  “Women are the main driver of automotive sales and need to be represented as such in our dealerships.  Our program helps develop the necessary skills for these talented women to help lead the change in our business,” said Brian Bastin, Program Director for the Automotive Dealership Management program.

Women in Automotive was founded by six industry female leaders in partnership with JKR Advertising in Orlando, Florida, with the mission of assisting the automotive community in recruiting, retaining, and developing female employees and leaders. The group is particularly interested in empowering and developing women in the automotive industry with the philosophy that strong female leaders benefit the work force and will help facilitate the training and hiring of more females in dealerships. The scholarship award is presented incrementally to a student over four-years.

The Keiser University Automotive Dealership Management concentration is part of the Keiser University Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration degree.  The program is offered both in a traditional on campus and fully online delivery method.