MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Research, teaching, and student engagement at the intersection of culture and business ethics.
Located in the El Paso–Juárez region, the center draws on a binational setting to advance work in multicultural management, business ethics, and sustainability.
CMME connects faculty research with undergraduate learning and community engagement. Its work develops students’ ethical thinking, creates opportunities for collaborative research, and shares practical knowledge that can strengthen organizations and communities.
Mission
The Center for Multicultural Management and Ethics fosters a culture of ethics in the El Paso region by engaging students in economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Develop ethical reasoning through the annual Skov Essay Competition on Business Ethics and related learning activities.
Build undergraduate research skills through collaborative projects, conference presentations, and publication.
2026 competition closed. The submission deadline was March 22, 2026.
Launched in 2013, the annual competition challenges students to analyze a timely issue in business ethics. The current competition is open to UTEP undergraduate students and is supported primarily by Robert E. and Jacqueline Skov.
2026 topic
Explain how self-efficacy—the confidence people have in their abilities—shapes motivation to learn financial literacy and make sound financial decisions.
Future competition details will be posted when available. Questions may be sent to ethicsessay@utep.edu.
The following requirements applied to the 2026 competition. Updated requirements will accompany the next competition announcement.
The limit applies to the essay itself. The title, reference page, headers, and footnotes are not included.
Essays should offer thoughtful analysis, use specific examples, limit informal phrasing, and be carefully proofread.
AI tools may assist with revision, but the essay must remain the student’s original work and voice. Entries may be reviewed for AI-generated content.
Because of the volume of entries, only participants selected for an award are contacted individually.
Email ethicsessay@utep.edu or call (915) 747-7748.
Published results from the Skov Essay Competition on Business Ethics, 2014–2025.
Essay topic: “How curious are you, and how can you develop your own curiosity?”
Eligible schools: The 2019 competition was open to freshman high school students from public and private schools in the El Paso region, including the El Paso, Ysleta, Fabens, Socorro, Clint, Canutillo, San Elizario, and Tornillo Independent School Districts.
Essay topic: As technology enables people to work anytime, anywhere, what ethical issues does working at home raise?
Eligible schools: The 2018 competition was open to public and private schools in the El Paso region, including the El Paso, Ysleta, Fabens, Socorro, Clint, Canutillo, San Elizario, and Tornillo Independent School Districts.
Essay topic: Why should businesses act responsibly?
Eligible schools: The 2017 competition was open to public and private schools in the El Paso region, including the El Paso, Ysleta, Fabens, Socorro, Clint, Canutillo, San Elizario, and Tornillo Independent School Districts.
Essay topic: Why should businesses act responsibly?
Eligible schools: The 2016 competition was open to public and private schools in the El Paso region, including the El Paso, Ysleta, Fabens, Socorro, Clint, San Elizario, and Tornillo Independent School Districts.
Essay topic: Is it ethical to lie to customers in order to gain their trust and future business?
Eligible schools: The 2015 competition was open to senior students from Austin, Bowie, Bel Air, Coronado, Chapin, El Paso, and Jefferson high school.
Essay topic: How can we contribute to shaping ethical business practices in our community?
Eligible schools: The 2014 competition was open to senior students from Austin, Bowie, Bel Air, Coronado, Chapin, El Paso, and Jefferson high school.
CMME recognizes the donors, financial institutions, and grant partners that have supported the Skov Essay Competition and related initiatives.
Selected starting points for students, instructors, and researchers.
Professor of Management and Robert E. and Jacqueline Skov Endowed Chair in Business Ethics
Garcia’s research examines diversity in the workplace, business ethics, and international human resource management. She directs the Center for Multicultural Management and Ethics and leads its work connecting research, teaching, and student engagement.
Skov Essay Competition on Business Ethics
Woody L. Hunt College of Business
(915) 747-7748