Although he already has plenty on his plate, Michael Zaffuto (’02, ’22) could not pass up an opportunity to help improve the educational experience for his fellow students in the Worldwide Campus College of Business.

Zaffuto, who is pursuing his Master of Science in Engineering Management, is among the four students named to the first-ever College of Business Student Council.

“I saw an opportunity to provide feedback to the university and to increase the communication,” said Zaffuto. “That way, [school leaders] have an understanding of what's going on within the programs because I have direct communication with the students and that's who they're providing the service to, the students.”

Zaffuto is joined on the inaugural council by Clayton Baughn (’23), Gil Charnes (’22) and Kevin Mulavu (’23).

“We look forward to the contributions of the council as we work together to advance student success,” said Dr. Maneesh Sharma, dean of Worldwide’s College of Business. “These student leaders will play a critical role in shaping and carrying out the council’s purpose - foremost of which is to serve as a link between the College of Business leadership team and our students.”

A Master’s Program for Busy Professionals

Zaffuto is happy to play his role, even though it means juggling a number of responsibilities. In addition to nailing down his master’s degree at the same school where he earned a bachelor’s in Engineering Physics in 2002, Zaffuto is also a project manager for a land development firm in Orlando and has a wife and young family.

He also has another extracurricular task that he is passionate about, thanks to his nearly two decades serving as a sports official and referee at several competitive levels.

“Sleep is a commodity for me during certain times of the year,” said Zaffuto.

The Importance of Giving Back

But serving on a group such as this student council is important for Zaffuto, who says he has enjoyed returning to the classroom at his alma mater.“It's been great,” he said of his online education experience at Worldwide. “The professors have been responsive. I can always reach out to them and have a dialogue. The administrative staff, my advisor is very receptive, and she communicates well back and forth. I never have to follow up. Overall, I'm very pleased with the experience as far as the Worldwide experience.”

What Are the Goals of Student Council at Embry‑Riddle?

But there is always room to make a great thing even better. That’s the goal of the student council, which has its first cohort focusing on three key goals:

• Bridge collaboration between the college’s students and personnel.
• Enhance services that facilitate student success and build affinity with the college.
• Promote networking and leadership opportunities for business students.

Although his student council service is bound to increase his already high workload, Zaffuto is excited about the potential and committed to the cause.

“I believe that all persons involved in an organization deserve to have a fair representation in an organization to have their voices heard,” Zaffuto said.