Lead. Connect. Represent.
Build your skills. Find your voice. Make an impact.
The College of Business Advocates (C.O.B.A.) is a student leadership and professional development program for students who want to grow beyond the classroom. C.O.B.A. members develop the confidence, communication skills, professional presence, and leadership experience needed to become effective advocates for themselves, their peers, and the College of Business.
C.O.B.A. is not just about representing the College. It is about developing students into leaders through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Why Join COBA?
COBA gives students opportunities to learn by doing. Members practice the same skills they will need in their careers—communicating professionally, working on teams, solving problems, presenting ideas, building relationships, receiving feedback, and taking responsibility for results.
As a COBA member, you will:
- Develop as a leader
- Strengthen your communication skills
- Gain real-world experience
- Build your professional network
- Learn the business behind the College of Business
- Build confidence and your résumé
C.O.B.A. members who successfully meet program expectations also receive a $500 stipend.
Learn. Practice. Lead.
C.O.B.A. combines professional development with opportunities to immediately put those skills into practice.
Members participate in interactive sessions on topics such as:
Leadership & Teamwork
Learn how to build trust, work effectively with others, manage differences, give and receive feedback, and contribute to a strong team.
Professional Communication
Practice presentation skills, communication etiquette, professional conversations, and communicating the value of business programs to different audiences.
Career Readiness
Strengthen your professional presence through topics such as LinkedIn, AI, networking, and the language of business.
College of Business Knowledge
Learn about our academic programs and resources—and then practice explaining them. COBA members don’t simply listen to presentations about our programs; they research them, develop elevator pitches, receive coaching from program coordinators, and learn how to communicate what makes each program distinctive.
Goals & Resources
Put Your Skills Into Action
What makes COBA different is the opportunity to use what you learn in authentic situations.
Members may:
- Present to students in Trailblazer Connections
- Meet with prospective students and families
- Support College of Business recruitment and outreach
- Help organize and promote major College events
- Participate in the Dean’s Student Advisory Council
- Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and fellow students on projects that matter
These aren’t simulations. Students are trusted with real responsibilities and receive coaching and feedback along the way.
The Skills You'll Build
COBA focuses on six core competencies:
Integrity & Trust • Approachability • Vision & Purpose • Problem Solving • Teamwork & Relationships • Presentation & Communication
The goal is not simply to participate in activities. It is to leave C.O.B.A. as a more confident communicator, stronger teammate, thoughtful problem solver, and better leader.
Our Mission
We empower student advocates to inspire and uplift others through collaboration and leadership development, creating a culture of excellence and growth.
Our long-term vision is to help develop innovative, resourceful, and ethical business leaders who understand that leadership begins with meaningful engagement.
Our Story
C.O.B.A. began in Fall 2024 after students and College leadership attended the inaugural Student Ambassador Success Conference at Bowling Green State University’s Schmidthorst College of Business. The founding students returned to Utah Tech with an idea: create a student organization that would do more than promote the College—it would intentionally develop students as leaders and professionals.
Since then, C.O.B.A. has grown from a small group of founding advocates into an experiential learning program where students develop skills, assume leadership responsibilities, and help the next generation of business students discover their opportunities.
Ready to Become a COBA Advocate?
If you are a business student who wants to grow as a leader, strengthen your professional skills, meet people, and make a difference, we want to hear from you.
COBA Alumni / Previous Advocates
-
SPRING 2026
- Aiden Duerden
- Harrison Potter
- Diana Trujillo Serrano
- Jackson Feinauer
- Joseph Odundo
- Kennedi Wilkins
- Matthew Pedroza
- Abidh Aditto
- Diana Trujillo Serrano
- Aiden Duerden
- Leonardo Mendez
- Harrison Potter
- Jackson Feinauer
- Diana Trujillo Serrano
- Aiden Duerden
- Asher Anderson
- Ian Scadden
- Hunter Larsen
- Miki Akiyama
- Leonardo Mendez
- Linda Kujat
- Elora Lutz
- Leonardo Mendez
- Linda Kujat
- Mitch Whaley
Fall 2025
SPRING 2025
FALL 2024