Business Students Selected for John D. Beeghly Fellows Program

Jan Harter, James Slessor, Moritz Bayer, and Tanishka Agnihotri, business students from the Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA), were selected as the John D. Beeghly Fellows for the 2025 Fall Semester.

The John D. Beeghly Fellows program provides students with a paid fellowship working with the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network (EAN) and the Ohio APEX Accelerator (APEX) at Youngstown State University. Projects include domestic and international market research, financial modeling, export readiness studies, business viability analysis, cash flow projections, sales forecasting, marketing & social media strategies, research on government contracting opportunities, marketing capability statements, and outreach for government contracting efforts. Students gain valuable career-related work experience to competitively position themselves in the job market upon graduation.

The Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU received a best practice for their service delivery model that integrates the Beeghly Fellows (student interns) into SBDC services. The ASBDC Accreditation team visiting Ohio, stated that the model should be an example to other university based SBDCs for integrating educational, community and economic development services.

The John D. Beeghly Fellows Program is made possible by an endowment established at the YSU Foundation by Mr. Beeghly’s wife and children.

John David Beeghly was a lifelong resident and businessman in Youngstown, Ohio, and son of area industrialist and philanthropist, Leon A. Beeghly. From 1967 until his death, Mr. Beeghly served as vice president and director of Standard Slag Co. and Stancorp, Inc., a holding company for industrial businesses.

“Through the support and generosity of the John D. Beeghly Family, the Beeghly Fellows program creates a unique and transformative opportunity for our students, enabling them to be part of cutting-edge learning experiences – from hands-on research and applied technology to strategic analysis and forecasting – that prepare them to graduate ready to lead and make an impact. This investment in our students bolsters the capacity of our Small Business Development Center, Export Assistance Network, and APEX Accelerator, allowing these centers to expand their reach, offer more specialized services, and deepen their work as engines for economic growth in our region,” said Christina Saenger, Interim Dean of the WCBA.

The Williamson College of Business Administration is dedicated to providing educational experiences that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in business careers, ensuring they meet the demands of today’s employers. Additionally, the college plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s economic prosperity by offering talent, programs, and services that enhance business competitiveness.

STUDENT BIOS
Jan Harter is pursuing a degree in Business Analytics and Economics, with graduation expected in Spring 2026. Originally from Ulm, Germany, he is driven by a strong interest in Corporate Strategy Consulting. His long-term goal is to collaborate with global companies, assisting them in adapting to shifting market conditions and seizing emerging opportunities.

James Slessor is a senior majoring in Supply Chain Management with minors in Professional Selling and International Business. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, he is passionate about global commerce and aspires to build a career in international sales and logistics. A 2025 Ohio Export Internship Program participant, James completed his internship with Haltec Corporation in Leetonia, Ohio, and earned his NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential. Recognized on the President’s List for six semesters, James also serves as a captain of the YSU Men’s Swim Team, where he holds multiple individual and relay program records and exemplifies leadership both in and out of the pool.

Tanishka Agnihotri is a junior majoring in Finance with a minor in Data Analytics. Originally from Maharashtra, India, she is deeply interested in the intersection of finance, analytics, and strategic decision-making. Tanishka plans to pursue a Master’s in Finance to further enhance her analytical and strategic skills, with the goal of helping organizations make informed, data-driven decisions.

Moritz Bayer is a Finance (management track) major graduating in Spring 2026. He is from Vienna, Austria, and eager to gain extensive experience in the business world as he prepares for a career in finance. The Beeghly Fellows Internship allows him to work on projects in the business world outside of the classroom for the first time. Through the Ohio Export Internship Program last summer, he deepened his understanding of international trade and its financial implications. His ultimate goal is to pursue a career that integrates his experiences from the Beeghly Fellows Internship and Ohio Export Internship Program with his expertise in finance. Moritz is eager to embrace future challenges and contribute to the growth and success of small businesses through the internship at the Small Business Development Center.