Stone Finds His Rhythm in the Gordon Ford College of Business
- Mary Bidwell
- Thursday, November 5th, 2026
The roar of the crowd in Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium. The deep, brassy notes of trombones. The hum of conversations in business classrooms. The warmth of greetings in the halls of Chandler Hall.
Aida Stone’s experience at WKU is a symphony of these sounds, reflecting a vibrant tapestry of music on the field, collaborative learning in the classroom, and a strong sense of community. A sophomore from Scottsville, Stone felt an instant connection to the WKU Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) from the start of his college journey.
“I’ve always had a business-minded mentality. When I encounter a problem, I tend to think about how I can solve it efficiently and effectively,” Stone shares. His father, also a business major, further nurtured this mindset during his childhood.
With both parents attending WKU, Stone felt that "coming here just felt like the right choice" after hearing about their positive experiences on the Hill. Building on that familiarity, Stone is crafting his own journey as a Marketing major with a concentration in Strategic Marketing and a minor in Music.
Favorite Classes
Stone highlights his entrepreneurship and business-to-business marketing classes as particularly valuable, saying, "Both have been extremely beneficial in learning new things. That’s something I strive for every day – continuous learning."
His coursework in the GFCB provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation in business concepts, encompassing classes in management, business communication, entrepreneurship, and more. Stone appreciates the collaborative nature of his learning experience, particularly in a marketing class with Instructor Megan Ormon, who encourages "personal discussions about the class content and makes us think."
A Collaborative Approach
This collaborative spirit extends beyond the classroom. Stone recently participated in a group project in his entrepreneurship class focusing on energy drinks, a topic relevant to his generation. The team identified a market need, explored existing research, developed a hypothetical product, and assessed potential competition. This hands-on experience provided Stone with a new perspective on marketing while addressing a real-world challenge.
Beyond academics, Stone is also an active member of the Big Red Marching Band (BRMB), where he practices routines in the Ford Fieldhouse and performs under the stadium lights during WKU football games in the fall. As a trombone player and section leader, Stone applies the skills he learns in the GFCB to his leadership role in the band.
"I have been able to use a lot of skills from my various management classes within the BRMB," Stone explains, "Being a section leader, there are times that I have to think on my toes and come to conclusions efficiently and effectively."