In the Church, Joanne Osmond has served many roles over the years including the president of the Women’s Organization and the children’s programs. From 2000 – 2004 she served as the Stake Primary President (responsible for youth programs in twelve Churches in Lake and McHenry County), 2004 – 2008 she was the Stake Public Affairs Director for Chicago Area Council responsible for Church communications / events. She has served on the LDS Relations Committee representing scouts from multiple stakes, as a Cubmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and member of the Troop Committee. She has served as Ward Relief Society President and Stake Young Women President and was the Ward Primary President responsible for the religious instruction of children between the age of 18 months and twelve years old 1985 – 1988 and more recently from 2017 – 2022. Annually, she organized a day camp for the children which incorporated the best of cub scout day camp and religious training. Sister Osmond served as a Seminary Teacher, Stake Just Serve Director, and despite her lack of Musical ability she was the Ward Music Director before she moved to Provo, Utah.

Joanne is an online instructor for BYUI teaching Small Business Creation for students worldwide. Each semester she guides and inspirers over 60 students in their journey to Buy, Partner, or Build a small business.

BUS 210 Small Business Creation is designed to introduce students to the basics of small business creation, understand the importance of creating systems, and expose students to the many career opportunities available in the field of entrepreneurship. Students learn about startups, buying existing businesses, franchises, and family run businesses. Through class discussions, Case Studies, selected readings, and team projects, students gain a clear understanding of entrepreneur, partnering, and Intrapreneurial opportunities. Each student creates Decision Matrixes, Income Statements, Business Cases, Appendixes, Two-Page Business Plans, multiple team presentations and videos.

The course is an amazing combination of learning experiences to help students internalize the skills to start and grow their own business. Students work primarily on a team with 50% of their grade based on team participation. This course does not have alternatives to successful completion that circumvent teamwork.

Learning Model

The course activities follow a cycle of prepare, ponder and prove, and teach one another.

Prepare: Students prepare by doing daily practices.

Teach One Another: Students teach one another through written and zoom interactions or discussion boards.

Ponder and Prove: Students prove their knowledge and skills by completing assessments and recordings.

“Experiential [learning] is a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values.” Association for Experiential Education