As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transformed higher education, Dr. Sarah Holtzen faced a critical decision: ignore a world-changing shift as AI use surged, or begin understanding emerging technology and prepare students for evolving workplace expectations. Her decision to approach the classroom with innovation rather than resistance is now earning national recognition.
Dr. Sarah Holtzen, Graduate Programs Coordinator and Associate Professor of Management for the Plaster School of Business, has been named one of only five finalists for the Award for Courageous Experimentation and Innovation in Management Education. Presented by the Academy of Management’s Management Education and Development (MED) division, this prestigious award honors educators who boldly reimagine how their students learn. For Dr. Holtzen, the recognition reflects years spent building courses around project-based learning (PBL): a long-standing, immersive pedagogy grounded in solving ambiguous and complex real-world problems rather than relying solely on traditional textbook education.
“Beginning in the fall 2023 semester, I embarked on a path of courageous experimentation to try something new in the classroom,” said Dr. Holtzen. “With project-based learning, faculty serve as a facilitator, guiding students through a process of small group reflection and self-directed learning to practice critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to partner student teams with real-world clients to analyze real-world business problems.”
Pivoting to Meet Students’ Needs
Dr. Holtzen’s decision to incorporate AI into project-based learning was backed by workforce trends.
“Nearly a third of recruiters surveyed in the 2025 Graduate Management Admission Council survey report that knowledge of how to use AI tools is important to the hiring of management graduates,” said Dr. Holtzen. “Management educators have an ethical responsibility to help students navigate growing complexity. Through this innovative combination of PBL and generative AI (GenAI), my students have received hands-on, direct experience with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and other large language models.”
Today, students learn to use AI responsibly and effectively rather than viewing it as a shortcut. The result is a classroom experience that moves beyond theory and into applied practice. Students interact directly with businesses, manufacturers, nonprofits, and community organizations while learning how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence integrate into professional environments.
In recent semesters, students have:
- Partnered with La-Z-Boy to redesign employee onboarding programs
- Worked with the Tri-State Human Resources Association to develop compensation survey strategies
- Collaborated with local government offices to analyze compensation structures
- Attended internship expos to evaluate real-world recruiting strategies
Students who have participated in these experiences frequently describe them as transformative.
“Dr. Holtzen has tailored the course to the current business environment,” said one student who participated in the La-Z-Boy orientation project completed in Employee Training and Development (MGMT 447). “She has administered a course that revolves around the use of Microsoft Teams, ChatGPT, and current articles/news. Not only has the class been beneficial from an academic standpoint, it also has been beneficial by utilizing these resources which are commonly used and has developed skills that will be necessary upon graduation.”
These outcomes are particularly significant because many MSSU business students are nontraditional learners, including working adults balancing jobs, families, and education. Additionally, courses are often fully online and asynchronous, making connection and engagement more challenging. Dr. Holtzen’s immersive projects change that. By centering her coursework around collaboration, real clients, and tangible outcomes, students become more engaged and invested in their learning. Student feedback reflects this impact, but employers reinforce it through strong internship and workplace evaluations.
Real-World Impact
Internships remain a cornerstone of business education at MSSU, and Dr. Holtzen regularly supervises students as they apply classroom learning in professional settings. During a recent internship, a human resources student used generative AI tools to design a questionnaire for a local manufacturing facility. The students’ on-site supervisor reflected on the impact:
“We live in a hyper-competitive time in business and education since potential customers of each of these institutions have many choices to pursue,” said Ramin Zarrabi, Plant Manager at Johnson Controls. “Dr. Holtzen is creating a distinctive experience and product that could markedly change the students future career trajectories.”
Another organizational partner echoed these sentiments:
“It was a privilege to partner with these bright, future professionals on a project that applies to real-world, on-the-job experience,” said Angela James, MSSU alumna and former HR Director of La-Z-Boy Midwest. “Being able to see their fresh perspectives on a project we had a dire need of revamping helped us achieve that, and we were able to utilize it in our organization.”
Innovation in Motion
Even after receiving national recognition, Dr. Holtzen continues experimenting with new approaches to workforce preparation. This summer, she is launching a new three-part workshop series, AI Literacy for Business Professionals, in partnership with the Missouri Small Business Development Center at MSSU. These sessions will offer information on Understanding AI, Using AI Effectively, and Responsible AI Use. Designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs across Southwest Missouri, the workshops emphasize practical, hands-on learning with zero tech background required. Registration will be available soon at https://www.mssutraining.com/events.
As the workplace continues to evolve, Dr. Sarah Holtzen’s approach reflects reality—students will always benefit most from immersive learning experiences.
Ready to learn by doing? Discover how Missouri Southern’s AACSB-Accredited business programs connect classroom learning with practical experience employers are looking for. Visit the Plaster School of Business or apply today to begin your journey at MSSU.
