Now in its third year, the Zimmerman Scholars Program, the premier leadership development program for undergraduate students in the Davis College of Business & Technology at Jacksonville University, has seen the largest cohort of students to date, with business graduates staying in the First Coast job market. The Scholars Program is designed to recruit top talent to the Jacksonville area, preparing students for major leadership positions.
“Our data from the Davis College shows that these exceptional Zimmerman Scholars are not only recruited to prestigious positions local companies but are staying in Northeast Florida, helping boost the local economy on the First Coast,” said Dr. Barbara Ritter, dean of the College of Business & Technology.
Nearly 90 percent of Zimmerman Scholars from Cohort 1, year 2021-2022, remain in Jacksonville and worked or currently work at organizations, such as Miller Electric, Jacksonville Jaguars, Davis College of Business & Technology, Morning Star School, Dun and Bradstreet, PGA Tour, JU Athletics, Forcura, TPC Sawgrass, STRIDE, the Haskell Company and Insight Global, to name a few.
For the 2023-2024 cohort, the Zimmerman Scholars Program accepted 15 new scholars this year, bringing the total to 29 scholars. This year, adding scholars to the program was an exceptionally selective process with an approximate 31 percent acceptance rate.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure for me to lead such a select group of young business students,” said Jennifer Reid, director of the Zimmerman Scholars Program. “They never fail to impress those they meet.”
Participation in the Scholars Program, which was established by the Zimmerman Family Foundation, is by invitation, following a competitive application process and includes cohort-based activities and scholarship funding up to $5,000 annually. Scholarships aren’t automatically renewed, and students must be invited to continue in the program each academic year.
“The Zimmerman family takes great pride in the Zimmerman Scholars Program at JU’s Davis College of Business & Technology, as its success reflects our commitment to nurturing the future leaders and innovators of our business community,” said Morrie Zimmerman, president and CEO, Far East Brokers. “We hope that this program will continue to strengthen the bonds between the Davis College of Business & Technology and the Jacksonville business community, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”
Zimmerman Scholars have participated in about six Career Treks per year in the city of Jacksonville and have had numerous other companies come to them on campus. Last year, the Scholars visited Forcura, Miller Electric, PGA Tour, Dun and Bradstreet, FBI and Far East Brokers. There are many exciting new career treks scheduled for this academic year.
“I’m honored to be part of the Zimmerman Scholars Program and its exclusive opportunities. The networking and career treks offer us the chance to build great relationships with executives in the Jacksonville community, which in turn benefit us in our future careers,” said JU sophomore Kyle Landry, majoring in business administration and marketing.
The Zimmerman Scholars Program assists students with defining job-related career goals and provides ready access to the personal development necessary to achieve success. All activities are designed to provide individual coaching based on a student’s development needs and focuses on the skills most desired by employers: Problem-solving, ability to work in a team, work ethic, communication, leadership, flexibility/adaptability, organizational ability and strategic-planning skills. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage with working professionals, participate in real-life, company-based projects and lead/mentor each other.
JU senior Taylor Ruiz, triple majoring in finance, management and marketing, says the Zimmerman Scholars Program has enhanced her collegiate career immensely. “The leadership skills we gain both in the classroom, as well as by networking with leaders on campus and within the community, have allowed me to further develop professionally and personally,” she said. “I’m grateful for the growth this program has provided for me over the past three years.”
The Zimmerman Family Foundation Inc. is a Jacksonville-based, non-profit organization devoted to many worthy causes. It was established in 1998 by Charles Zimmerman, chairman of the board of Far East Brokers and Consultants, Inc., a premier importer of promotional and seasonal general merchandise to the U.S. supermarket and drug industries, as well as a supplier of powerful marketing and logistics support. Due to its dedication to quality, innovation, service and trust, Far East Brokers today supplies more than 12,000 stores across the country and is considered an industry leader by many of the most successful retailers in the world.
The Zimmerman Family Foundation represents the heart of their company and its desire to give back to the community. President and CEO of Far East Brokers, Morrie Zimmerman, is continuing that tradition and is involved in many of the foundation’s philanthropic efforts. Among them is the Zimmerman Scholars Program at Jacksonville University. Morrie is also a valued emeritus member of the executive advisory board for Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business & Technology. The foundation includes Morrie and his wife Chase, his parents Elli and Charles, his aunt and uncle Nancy and Seeman. All are valued partners in the future success of the university and the Zimmerman Scholars Program.
The JU Davis College of Business and Technology is the only triple-accredited private college in all of North Florida and South Georgia, with AACSB, ABET, and AABI accredited programs. Its mission is to empower students to achieve sustainable career success with a high quality, relevant and applied educational experience that is delivered by faculty committed to advancing the individual development of each student.
