Engage@Spears Summer 2016 by Spears School of Business

The official magazine of the Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University

VOL. 5, NO. 1, SUMMER 2016

A LE XI S S M ITH

Life at OSU delights New York-bred professor PAGE 28

OSU

SPEAKER SERIES Presented

by the

sPears school

b usiness

corPorate sPonsors

and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building a High-Performance Culture in Uncertain Economic Timesâ&#x20AC;?

CARLY FIORINA Former CEO of Hewlett Packard, American Business Person Carly Fiorina is a true leader and a seasoned problem-solver. She is a passionate, articulate advocate for policies that advance economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation and effective leadership. Through extensive experience, she has learned that human potential is a limitless and uniquely powerful resource that can be unlocked, inspired and focused on worthy goals and common purpose. She knows that traditional principles, applied in a 21st century context, are the most effective way to unleash this potential for positive change in communities, organizations of all kinds and our nation.

Tulsa Business Forums 2016-2017

Make your reservations: cepd.okstate.edu/emb

Make your reservations: cepd.okstate.edu/tbf

Oklahoma City

Tulsa

CARLY FIORINA

November 15, 2016

4:00-5:30 p.m. Presentation National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

CARLY FIORINA

November 16, 2016

9:30-11:00 a.m. Presentation Mabee Center

Please check the website for information on additional speakers. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, contact the Oklahoma State University Center for exeCutive and Professional develoPment 1-866-678-3933 | cepd.okstate.edu

2016

Spears School of Business Golf Classic at Karsten Creek

Friday, August 5, 2016 Karsten Creek Stillwater, OK

For the third year in a row, the OSU Spears School of Business is bringing back the golf scramble at Karsten Creek. Those who played in the previous two Golf Classics thought it was a great success and asked for another venture on the greens. We will devote any net proceeds from this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event to the general scholarship fund for use by Spears School of Business students. Come join us for a great fun outing and bring your friends!

To register, please visit cepd.okstate.edu/golf

SILVER

SPONSORS BRONZE

For information regarding sponsorship, contact Ms. Kelle Scott at 1-866-678-3933 or e-mail kelle.scott@okstate.edu.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COURTESY / BRIAN WATSON

Departments Dean’s Letter ��3

Spears School of Business alumnus Brian Watson is sitting pretty these days with his rise in the Los Angeles entertainment

Hall of Fame �� 42

scene — including a nice perch overseeing the Staples Center.

Retirements �� 44 In Brief �� 46

It’s His Call

On the Cover Lex Smith is enjoying asking questions, finding answers and teaching students in the Spears School.

SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SCHOOL OF

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

COVER PHOTO: PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

AT SPEARS BUSINESS

SCHOOL OF

MARKETING and

Fired Up It’s safe to say that Kelle Scott is probably the only licensed cannoniere in the Spears School.

A Real Taste of Business OSbrU is giving Spears School students hands-on experience in marketing, customer service and other elements of running a business.

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

GARY LAWSON / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

GREETINGS, Welcome to the latest edition of Engage@ Spears! We recently completed another academic year here at OSU. The students, staff and faculty have had a very productive year, and we highlight some of those events and people in this magazine.

Our building project is making good progress. Turn to Page 6 for our story and photos of our beam signing and topping-out ceremony. The topping out is a significant milestone, representing that the building’s structure is complete. By the time football season rolls around, all the steel will be up, the roof on and the dormers in place. The building is a physical symbol of the transformation going on now in the Spears School. We recently concluded a branding initiative with the help of two consultants who surveyed and interviewed almost 1,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni. They helped us realize that what sets the Spears School apart is our sense of community and our focus on treating people with compassion. We have world-class scholars, outstanding programs and high quality education, which is enveloped in a deep appreciation for individuals and their needs. Turn the page for a story on the Spears School of Business — The Power of Personal. We said goodbye to another fantastic group of Spears students at graduation. We are very proud of our students, and you will see a story about one of our outstanding seniors, Brett Humphrey, in this issue. Brett was one of the first students I met after being named interim dean, and it has been a joy watching him grow into such an amazing young man.

Finally, inside you will see a feature on Alexis (we all call her Lex!) Smith. Lex is a great example of the young faculty we have here in the Spears School. She is wonderful with students, has conducted some very interesting research and is a devoted mother. We hope you enjoy these and other stories brought to you by our outstanding marketing department, led by Terry Tush. We are fortunate to have their creative energy working for us. And while I’m at it, let me give a plug for all the staff we have here at Spears. Their dedication is inspiring, and we owe a lot of our success to their collective hard work. Have a great summer! All the best,

Ken Eastman Dean, Spears School of Business

OSU SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DEAN Ken Eastman A S S O C I AT E D E A N S Karen Flaherty and Carol Johnson V I C E D E A N , W AT S O N G R A D U AT E SCH OO L O F MANAG E M E NT Ramesh Sharda SPEARS SCHOOL MARKETING A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Terry Tush MAGA ZI N E E DITO R Dorothy L. Pugh ART DIREC TOR Mark Pennie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dollie Elliott and Ariel West PHOTOGR APHY Phil Shockley, Gary Lawson Blake Brasor, James Neeley and Jordan Pfeiffer GRAPHIC DESIGN Blake Brasor, Dave Malec and James Neeley SPEARS SCHOOL D E PA R T M E N T H E A D S Lee Adkins, Economics and Legal Studies in Business Bruce Barringer, School of Entrepreneurship Robert Cornell, School of Accounting Jim Pappas, Management John Polonchek, Finance Joshua L. Wiener, School of Marketing and International Business Rick L. Wilson, Management Science and Information Systems C O N TA C T Spears School of Business Oklahoma State University 201 Business Building Stillwater, OK 74078-4011 405-744-5064 ssb.news@okstate.edu spears.okstate.edu Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the office of the Dean, Spears School of Business, was printed by Royle Printing at a cost of $3,832.31/7M June 2016. #5876

summer 2016 engage@spears

We live in a deeply interconnected world where business is personal while simultaneously more distant. In this world, companies rise and fall based on the strength and success of the relationships they forge. The Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University prepares our students for this world because our students have lived and learned in an environment where personal connections are paramount, and academic excellence is strengthened by interpersonal prowess. We take soft skills seriously. We study business collaboratively. We use technology to include and never to exclude. Community isn’t just a byproduct of what we do. At Spears, we empower students to follow their own dreams, not the dream we have for them. Because the purpose of business isn’t just individual gain but a gain for every individual. With an emphasis on people and community, we ensure our students are just as real as they are ready. In a rapidly changing world, the only constant is people. This is why students choose Spears, why employers choose our graduates and why we make business personal.

S P E A R S

B U S I N E S S

Power of Personal T

his new brand identity statement reflects the Spears School’s students, faculty and staff.

“We are a collegial, collaborative and caring place, and this statement allows us to embrace and build upon our strengths,” says Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School. “We have outstanding academic programs, conduct highquality research, and we do these things in a very supportive environment.” Consultants Remington Tonar and Tennyson Singer spoke with students, faculty and staff, in addition to surveying more than

engage@spears summer 2016

900 alumni and students as part of their research and analysis of the Spears School. Eastman believes the new branding concept helps unite all of the school’s strengths both conceptually and in messaging. “This brand statement lets everyone know who we are and what differentiates us from other businesses schools. We will proudly use it to build our future,” Eastman says. @

Our Mission Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business prepares people to make a difference in the world by teaching essential interpersonal skills alongside a high-quality business education backed by impactful research and outreach.

Our Values: Four values that guide our behavior OPENNESS

CO LL AB O R ATI O N

We are always open to new people and new ideas.

We depend on each other to succeed.

At Spears, we know the value of different people and points of view — in fact, these are essential components of business today. As the place where business is personal, we aim to always be welcoming to all and encourage diverse discussion and points of view.

We share best practices, no matter where we live and work. From Tulsa to Stillwater and even online, collaboration is the only way to learn and grow as an organization. As the place where business is personal, our relationships with faculty, alumni and students strive to build deep, long-lasting connections.

S I N CE R IT Y

FO R E S I G HT

We value honesty and candor as an organization.

We are always anticipating what comes next.

At Spears, we know the importance of deep-seeded relationships and interpersonal connections. We value candor, integrity and the ability to stand by what we say. To us, business — and especially the business of education — is personal.

At Spears, we know what it means to be a young person in business today. We pride ourselves on being future-focused and preparing our students for the road ahead. Our sensitivity to people and their needs ensures that we will remain relevant and effective far into the future. After all, in business, people are the only constant. @

summer 2016 engage@spears

Topping Out PHOTOS: BLAKE BRASOR

New Business Building construction making progress BY TERRY TUSH

he construction of the new Business Building on Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus reached several milestones this spring, including the traditional topping-out ceremony, where the last steel beam is raised to the top of the structure.

Dean Ken Eastman and other leaders in the Spears School of Business, officials from Manhattan Construction and its vendors, leaders from the OSU Long Range Facilities Planning department, and employees from Elliott + Associates Architects who designed the building were among those celebrating the topping-out ceremony on May 2. In addition, the Spears School, in conjunction with the Business Student Council, hosted a beam-signing event earlier in April. OSU students, faculty and staff, Spears School alumni and others signed their names to a pair of orange-painted 14-foot-long beams that were placed in the $75 million, crescent-shaped structure. An estimated 750 people took part in the special event. 6

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The 144,000-square-foot, four-story Business Building is scheduled to be completed in January 2018 and open to students that spring. “Participating in the beam-signing event gave me the opportunity to get to know my professors and fellow students in a way that I hadn’t before. On that day, we were all one big Spears School of Business family,” says Josh White, an entrepreneurship senior from Oklahoma City. “In 10 years, I’ll be able to return as an alumnus and know that I was a very small part of something huge that will impact lives and inspire excellence for years to come.” When the new building opens, all Spears School personnel will be housed together for the first time in many years to serve more than 4,600 undergraduate and over 1,000 graduate students. OSU business school faculty, staff and graduate students are currently housed in six different buildings in Stillwater — four on campus and two off campus. The new Business Building will include 13 classrooms, nine team rooms, eight conference rooms, eight breakout rooms, four labs, 825 classroom chairs and 150-plus offices.

OSU President Burns Hargis signs one of the two 14-foot long beams that would be placed in the new Business Building.

The 45,000-square-foot basement will contain most of the classrooms, including a 150-seat classroom and five 65-seat classrooms. These classrooms will incorporate flexibility and interactivity. Movable furniture will facilitate various configurations, as the tiered classrooms will allow students to easily collaborate on projects and incorporate small-group exercises into class time. This flexibility reflects the curriculum’s hands-on, experiental-learning approach to prepare graduates for success in the modern workplace. The new Business Building’s neo-Georgian exterior will tie in with the rest of the Stillwater campus. “The new building will provide enough space to house faculty, students and staff, and more importantly, it will have educational space to better prepare our students for the future,” Dean Eastman says. “We are looking forward to the vibrance and the new opportunities of the new building.” @

OSU students take a group selfie.

summer summer2016 2016engage@spears engage@spears

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

Counter clockwise from top left: Michael and Anne Greenwood at the beam signing. Pistol Pete poses for an Instagram photo. Dean Ken Eastman (from left), Associate Dean Carol Johnson, Pistol Pete, Vice Dean Ramesh Sharda, and Associate Dean Karen Flaherty enjoy themselves during the Topping Out ceremony. Dean Ken Eastman and Pistol Pete pose with students during the beam signing event.

engage@spears summer 2016

A pair of Spears School students sign one of the beams that went into the new Business Building.

summer 2016 engage@spears

Myers Suite and Conference Room (Dean’s Suite)

Keystone Lobby

What’s Inside the New Business Building The new Business Building will provide Oklahoma State University students with the resources and technology to receive a business education to rival the most impressive in the United States. These updated renderings – provided by Elliott + Associates Architects – show a variety of the spaces that students will be using throughout the building. For additional renderings of the new building and to check on a live videostream of the daily progress, visit the Spears School’s building website: http://spears.okstate.edu/building/.

Eastin Center

engage@spears summer 2016

Loggia

Le Norman Classroom

summer 2016 engage@spears

Riata Center

Crystal Room

engage@spears summer 2016

Watson Trading Floor

When the new building opens, all Spears School personnel will be housed together for the first time in many years.

Typical Dormer Office

ConocoPhillips Student Lounge

summer 2016 engage@spears

Keystone Lobby

Reception and Myers Suite (Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suite)

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approximately the length of nearly 600 super cab pickups roughly one and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools

equivalent to 6,800 All-Big 12 defensive ends named Emmanuel Ogbah

approximately 100 times the depth of a deep gopher hole

approximately two Allie P. Reynolds infields

about 3,650 football fields from end zone to end zone

150-plus offices 4 Computer labs

about 1,306 cases of water bottles

8 Breakout ROOMS 8 CONFERENCE ROOMS 9 TEAM ROOMS

summer 2016 engage@spears

He shut down Forward Designs while in high school in Jenks, Okla., to focus on launching Paradigm Creative, his mobile application-development firm, in early 2015.

Forrest Hull brings years of running businesses to OSU BY ARIEL WEST

e’s only 18 years old, but he already runs his own business.

Forrest Hull is a freshman entrepreneurship major at Oklahoma State University who has racked up years in business. “I actually started Forward Designs in middle school,” Hull says. “I started making jewelry from essentially scrap metal in my garage and selling it to people at my church and peers at my school, and through that process, I kind of developed the entrepreneurial bug.”

engage@spears summer 2016

“I wanted to figure out a way to start a business that was more scalable and something I was more passionate about,” he says. “That’s when I got involved with the entrepreneurship community in downtown Tulsa, and that brought me to the point of launching Paradigm Creative. It’s a mobile application-development firm that takes the complicated process of creating an app and makes it available and affordable to all types of entrepreneurs.” Paradigm Creative has enjoyed many successes since its launch, including surpassing its first-quarter revenue goals in February. Although profitable, Paradigm Creative remains a startup in Hull’s eyes. “I think that’s healthy,” Hull says. “Every day is a new challenge and, consequently,

a new learning experience. I’ve failed so many times at different parts of the business, but I feel blessed to have failed early rather than later. My dad and other business owners told me that everything would change after the first customer, and they were absolutely right. It’s a unique feeling [to know] that clients believe in my vision and are willing to pay for it.” Hull sees Paradigm Creative capitalizing on the reinvigoration of the American dream. “Paradigm Creative is posed at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship,” he says. “These are growth markets. More and more people are turning to entrepreneurship as a source of employment and personal fulfillment. We have a ton of opportunities open right now, and I’m excited to continue this growth.” OSU was Hull’s only university interest. His father was an architect student, and the School of Entrepreneurship and the

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

An Experienced Entrepreneur... at 18

Riata Center for Entrepreneurship in the Spears School of Business sealed the deal. “I was lucky enough to know what I wanted to do early on,” he says. “It’s rare for a university to have such a developed and thorough entrepreneurship program. I didn’t apply anywhere else. I belong here; I love it here.” Hull joined a fraternity and learned a lot about time management. Balancing social obligations, classes and his business was a challenge. “It’s been a humbling experience living with others,” Hull says. “When you first come to college, you think you are going to be on your own and alone, but you’re not, especially if you’re in the Greek community.” He plans to travel this summer. He will start with a two-week study abroad trip to Chicago, then travel cross-country to promote his business through the 1 Million Cups entrepreneurship program. After that, he will visit China and Japan for 2½ weeks before returning to OSU for his sophomore year. “I have mission trips and study abroad trips planned,” Hull says. “I will be speaking at 16 different cities across the United States to promote my business. It’s going to be very business-focused. It’ll be busy.” As an entrepreneurship major, Hull has access to the Riata Center’s off-campus Student Startup Central, a two-part program that helps students get their businesses up and running. He is the youngest student to be awarded his own office in the SSC building as part of the Riata Incubator, the second stage of the program. “You get a lot of benefits through Student Startup Central,” Hull says. “The incubator is what I’m a part of. I can hold meetings there and I can communicate with professors and bounce ideas off of them, so it’s been a great experience being able to work with people there and develop business concepts and ideas on a more professional level.”

“He is one of those students who is ahead of the curve,” says Kyle Eastham, entrepreneur-in-residence for the School of Entrepreneurship. “As instructors, we need to find ways to challenge students like Forrest because he’s been an entrepreneur for years, while the material in the class is new to most of the students.”

Sharing Their Stories Forrest Hull is participating in the

Forrest will be a sophomore next fall. He plans for the year to be filled with busy schedules and connecting with others.

Spears School of Business’ “I Am

“I’m really looking forward to Homecoming and delving into my majorrelated classes,” he says. “Homecoming is a cool experience; you see the project from ideas to fruition and meet a lot of great people. I’m also excited to get into the upper-level classes that are related to my interests.”

business students at OSU as the new

Forrest credits the Student Startup Central, Riata Center and the Spears School of Business for opening doors for his future.

School, and I appreciate their will-

“I have to give huge shout-outs to Richard Gajan and Kyle Eastham,” he says. “They help students develop business ideas every day and have provided resources, countless introductions and have opened so many doors for my future. Your network is your net-worth, so the connections that I’ve made through these organizations have been invaluable. You never know who knows who.” “Keep your eye on Forrest,” Eastham says. “I have no doubt you’ll be hearing more from him and about him in the years to come.” @

Building” project, following six 2015-16 freshmen throughout their time as business building rises from dirt to become an impressive new structure. “I am very excited to follow the academic careers of this diverse group of freshmen. They each bring an interesting perspective to the Spears ingness to let us document their OSU experience,” says Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School. “We are proud of our students, and this project allows others to learn more about our wonderful students.” Manhattan Construction will complete the building in January 2018, opening to students that spring. Elliott + Associates Architects designed it. The students are sharing their stories through media that include video, social media, magazine articles, newsletters and blogs. Students involved are: Peyton Hillery, accounting, Wichita Falls, Texas Forrest Hull, entrepreneurship, Jenks, Okla. Jorge Luna, marketing, Oklahoma City Braxton Noble, finance, Stillwater Tim Sakabu, finance, Antelope, Calif. Jeana Wilson, business management, Stroud, Okla.

summer 2016 engage@spears

PHOTOS: COURTESY / BRETT HUMPHREY

Opportunities Knock, He Answers Okla. “One thing is for sure: I won’t have a boring life after graduation. I don’t plan on stopping or slowing down.”

Spears’ top senior already blazing his trail BY TERRY TUSH

Brett Humphrey’s great smile and friendly demeanor stand out, even in a large crowd. The beam signing for the new building at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business was a perfect example. Humphrey, who graduated from OSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in finance, was energetically greeting students, faculty and staff in front of the Business Building during the event, co-hosted by the Spears School and its Business Student Council. Nearly 750 people stopped by on the sunny Friday afternoon in April to sign the beams that will be a part of the new Business Building. The visitors included 18

engage@spears summer 2016

Spears School students, faculty and staff; OSU and business school alumni; donors who are helping to make the new building a reality; members of the construction crews working on the building; officials from OSU Long Range Facilities Planning; numerous supporters from the OSU Foundation; and many more, including OSU President Burns Hargis. Humphrey, partially running and facilitating the show at the event (after all, he spent his senior year as president of Business Student Council), made each visitor feel welcome. “I just love being around people,” says Humphrey, who began working shortly after graduation in the finance department at Phillips 66 in Bartlesville,

The Tulsa native’s long-term goals include eventually running for political office.

“Politics aren’t fun. Let’s be real. People hate you and say terrible things about you,” Humphrey says. “But I have pretty thick skin; if someone says something terrible about me, I can get over it and move on. I really don’t take anything too personally. “I feel like I can make relationships with people all across the country — even all around the world — and use my public speaking ability to get my point across and fight for the rights that I believe in. I’ve always wanted to hold public office and represent my constituents.” He truly believes that he’ll be on television in the future — but not necessarily in a way related to politics. “If all else fails, my ultimate goal is to be a game-show host. No kidding,” says a grinning Humphrey, who has his eye on

replacing either Wayne Brady on Let’s Make a Deal or Drew Carey on The Price is Right. Humphrey won’t be sitting around waiting for someone to beg him to participate. He’s willing to jump in with both feet. “A lot of people say college kids get burned out after four years, but that’s not who I am. If anything, I plan on picking it up,” he says. That’s been his philosophy since arriving at OSU four years ago after graduating from Jenks High School. He had applied to numerous schools but all signs “kept leading back to Oklahoma State,” where he received numerous scholarships, including the Spears Scholar Leader, the Jerry Gill Tulsa Alumni Scholarship and the Oklahoma State Board of Higher Education scholarship.

Dressed as a penguin, Brett Humphrey participates in the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics.

Once on campus, he passed up few opportunities. As a sophomore, he was the recruitment chair for the Dance Marathon, helping to recruit more than 1,200 participants and raise more than $75,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Humphrey has also served as a Spears Ambassador, helping recruit future OSU business students. “I knew that OSU was super welcoming. It’s funny about Oklahoma State; the opportunities are available for everyone,” he says. “The opportunities are there; you just have to go out and get them. That’s

the way I’ve looked at college. I’ve never turned down an opportunity to be a part of something, to lead an organization or an effort that I’m passionate about.” His passion to be a leader led him to the Business Student Council, joining as a freshman class representative only two weeks into his college career. He’s served in a leadership role each year — social chairman as a sophomore, special events chair as a junior and president in his final year of college. continues

“If all else fails, my ultimate goal is to be a game-show host. No kidding.” — BRETT HUMPHREY

Humphrey, his sister, Amanda, and his dad, Brian, enjoy the WalkAround during the 2015 Homecoming festivities. summer 2016 engage@spears

“I’ve had the chance to meet so many people through Business Student Council. It’s amazing the relationships I’ve made through that organization, in planning and coordinating events,” says Humphrey, who received the 2016 Raymond D. Thomas Award, presented annually to the top senior in the Spears School. “I’m very thankful for my time here. The business school and OSU has made a huge impact on my life. I’ve definitely found my home here in Stillwater, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” It sounds as if Humphrey has had a blessed life — and as one who leans heavily on his Christian faith, he would agree — but there have been struggles along the way. The biggest was losing his mother in 2011, when he was just 17. “My mom loved education. She was a Mensa member, and she was probably

Aaron Cromer

Charlie Gibson

the smartest person in the room at all times. She was also the quietest person in the room. Every time she spoke, it really meant something. She loved and valued education more than any person I ever met in my life,” Humphrey says.

“She would probably say that awards are good and the recognition is nice, but she’d be asking, ‘What are you really doing? Are you influencing people for Christ? Are you making a positive difference in the world?’”

“I know she would be proud [of what I’ve done at OSU]. She’d be proud regardless of what I did. She’s a big part of my story, but not many people know that she passed away.

His mother can rest easy: Not only has Humphrey influenced both OSU and the Spears School, but he’s got his sights set on even bigger goals in the future. @

“It’s funny about Oklahoma State; the opportunities are available for everyone. …you just have to go out and get them.” — BRETT HUMPHREY

Brett Humphrey

Top Spears seniors honored The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association named five seniors from Spears School of Business as 2016 Outstanding Seniors. The Outstanding Senior award recognizes seniors who excel through academic achievement; campus and community activities; academic, athletic or extracurricular honors or awards; scholarships and work ethic during their time at OSU. The Spears School of Business honorees with their hometowns and majors are: Aaron Cromer, Elk City, Okla., business management Charlie Gibson, Ada, Okla., marketing and management

engage@spears summer 2016

Allison Meinders

Tyler Zander

Brett Humphrey, Tulsa, finance and management Allison Meinders, Woodward, Okla., marketing and management Tyler Zander, Enid, Okla., finance and management Fifteen seniors were chosen to receive the award by the OSU Alumni Association Student Awards and Selection Committee after meeting with the 49 Seniors of Significance selected in the fall of 2015 and reviewing their applications. A public banquet honoring the Outstanding Seniors was held April 18 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in Stillwater. For more information about the OSU Alumni Association’s student awards program, visit orangeconnection.org/studentawards.@

SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

MENTORING PROGRAM Making a Difference in the Life of a Student

If you have any questions, please contact: Brandy Polo External Relations Officer, Spears School of Business brandy.polo@okstate.edu Join here: okstate.chronus.com

Accounting student finds high value in Spears education

From Navy to Numbers BY DOLLIE ELLIOTT

know what I wanted to do in three years, so I decided to join the military.”

tudents in the Spears School of Business have many different backgrounds. Shannon Chiarello, who is studying accounting, took an unconventional path after graduating from Yukon High School in 2004.

Chiarello joined the Navy at age 19. During the next six years, she went from boot camp in Chicago to nuclear power school in South Carolina to working on a submarine prototype in New York. She was lastly stationed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in Washington state.

“I enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, and I went there for a semester. I really wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do yet,” Chiarello says. “My dad was really supportive, helping me pay for college. I really didn’t want to waste his time and money and still not

After leaving the Navy, she decided to return to Oklahoma to finish her degree.

S 22

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“I thought that the hospitality program here at OSU would be good for me because I like to help people, and customer service is kind of my thing,” she says. “So I came here for that originally in 2012.”

COURTESY / SHANNON CHIREALLO

OSU’s Hospitality Management students are required to take several lower-level accounting classes. The classes sparked an interest in accounting for Chiarello. She soon transferred to the Spears School to join the professional program in accounting that allows her to work toward her bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. Chiarello is certain her experience in the Navy will help her career. “A lot of things that you learn from any branch of the military can transfer into the civilian world,” she says. “There are a lot of people who have served in the military. Maybe in the future if I have clients who have served, then we can relate.

“(The military) is like its own little group where you can go through a lot of challenges like being away from family and working really late hours and holidays and weekends — and so you can really relate to people on that level.”

Chiarello works about 20 hours a week as a graduate assistant at the Spears School, saying the opportunity has enriched her learning experience. “Being a graduate assistant has helped me gain closer relationships with the

“In graduate school, they take all the concepts you learn in undergrad and expand upon it. So we think about the ‘why.’” — SHANNON CHIARELLO

professors, but it has also helped me see how much time and effort they put in to preparing lessons for us,” she says. “In graduate school, they take all the concepts you learn in undergrad and expand upon it. So we think about the ‘why.’ We think why do we do this rather than just teaching us how.’ ” Chiarello graduated in May with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and plans to take the CPA exam soon. She is confident in her education and preparation from the Spears School of Business. “I feel that the Spears School does a great job of finding out what employers want from their new hires and incorporates those things into its curriculum and classes.” @

Below: Shannon Laney served on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier before she was married. Right: Shannon Chiarello this past spring as a student at OSU.

COURTESY / SHANNON CHIREALLO

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

summer 2016 engage@spears

A Historical Hobby Spears staffer keeps the past alive with role in CivilÂ War re-enactments

engage@spears summer 2016

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

BY TERRY TUSH

t’s safe to say that Kelle Scott is probably the only licensed cannoniere in Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. But when she steps behind a cannon, it’s all for fun.

Scott, a coordinator for outreach programs for the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the Spears School, has been participating in Civil War re-enactments for seven years. It takes six people to handle a Civil War-era cannon; Scott pulls the primer that fires the weapon in the make-believe battles. The cannons fire black powder but no ammunition.

visiting their first Civil War re-enactment outside Houston. “As soon as the cannons went off, we were hooked. I turned to Doug and said, ‘I want to do this,’ ” Scott says. They joined the 25th Dismounted Cavalry re-enactment unit in 2009. The participants dress up in authentic Civil War clothing — Scott says often they’ll be in their North outfits one day and dress as the South the next — throughout the weekend, with battles usually scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays. “The battle is semi-scripted, with the leaders deciding that on this day the South is going to win, and the next day the North is going to win,” says Scott, who has her own Hawkins black powder rifle for use in the battles.

she also believes it’s important for people to learn what role the Civil War played in creating the United States we live in today. “The people are amazing,” she says. “Watching the kids is fun; their eyes just light up. They’re learning the history behind it. More people died in the Civil War than any other war in the United States, so I think it’s important that people know and remember it.” As a CEPD program coordinator, Scott oversees several programs for the Spears School’s highly successful outreach program, which offers nearly 200 programs and courses to more than 14,000 people each year. “I absolutely love working with the CEPD team. We have such dynamic

“As soon as the cannons went off, we were hooked. I turned ... and said, ‘I want to do this.’ ” — KELLE SCOTT

She and her fiancé, Doug DeBord, have traveled to re-enactments in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi to participate in a variety of ways. “I have enjoyed history but not as much as Doug. Doug has really drawn me into it,” Scott says. “I’m a huge old picture lover. I don’t care if it’s photos of my family or whatever, I just love looking at old pictures. So I do have a little bit of a soft spot for history.” The pair began as participants in fur trade era re-enactments, but it didn’t take long to change their allegiance upon

COURTESY KELLE SCOTT

The two often now spend most of their weekends as settlers, manning Grizzly’s Trading Post, a Civil War merchandise business they opened in 2010. In a tent on the re-enactment grounds, Scott and DeBord sell the products necessary to be a Civil War re-enactment participant, including clothing, shoes and boots, pottery, tin ware, guns and knives.

personalities, and I learn something every day by working with my co-workers,” says Scott, who coordinates such programs as the Women’s Business Leadership program, the Oklahoma Economic Outlook Conference, the Executive Education Partnership Program, the Alliance for Sports Business meeting and the Spears School’s Annual Golf Classic.

“Sometimes I miss participating [in the battles], but it is so much fun to see people come in and enjoy the products,” she says.

“The programs we coordinate are also exciting, as it brings us closer in working with Oklahoma businesses. I would say working with people is a highlight of my

Scott compares the re-enactments to campouts with thousands of friends. But

continues

summer 2016 engage@spears

profession, and I cherish the lessons I learn every day,” she says. Julie Weathers, director of the Center for Executive and Professional Development, is pleased that Scott returned to OSU in 2012. Scott worked for OSU Fire Protection Publications in the 1990s before moving to Texas and returned to Perkins (where she grew up and attended high school) a few years ago. “Kelle is a very engaging person and shows great interest in her programs,” Weathers says. “She shows excitement about the participants, speakers and activities she is involved in and is a great team player. Kelle enjoys her job and expresses it and shows her enthusiasm on a daily basis, and she has a great sense of humor. We are thankful to have her as a program coordinator in our center and a member of the Spears School of Business staff.” @

“I absolutely love working with the CEPD team. We have such dynamic personalities, and I learn something every day.” — KELLE SCOTT

engage@spears summer 2016

COURTESY / KELLI SCOTT

Come join Spears School alumni, current students and friends of the school as we gather prior to a pair of Oklahoma State Cowboys football games this fall. Saturday, Sept. 17 OSU vs. Pittsburgh 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29 OSU vs. West Virginia Homecoming

Tailgates will begin approximately three hours prior to kickoﬀ.

• Food, Fun & Friends • See the Progress of Construction on the New Business Building • Spears School Swag • Bring the Family More information will be available closer to football season on the Spears School website spears.okstate.edu

Finding Answers Assistant professor credits her natural curiosity for path to OSU

PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING

engage@spears summer 2016

BY DOLLIE ELLIOTT

tudents initially attending Lex Smith’s Managing Diversity in the Workplace (MGMT4213) class often mistake her for a well-dressed student. But once she begins talking, she quickly gains their attention — with her New York accent — and politely commands their respect, exuding the confidence of a tenure-track professor.

Alexis Nicole Smith, or Lex to her colleagues and friends and Nikki to her family, is passionate about two things: interacting with her students and conducting research in organizational behavior. Research — or as she says, “asking questions and finding answers” — is what she most enjoys as an assistant professor in the Department of Management at Oklahoma State. “I chose this career in part because of a fundamental curiosity about human nature and how the answers we find can be used to improve workplaces and communities,” Smith says. “I enjoy teaching bright and motivated people, and I love the college stage of life. For many doing the traditional route, it’s their first opportunity to discover themselves in an entirely new context, surrounded by a bunch of different types of people and engaging in a higher level of education and experience. I think it is one of the most exciting and influential periods of life, and I like that I get to play a part in it.” She also finds working alongside her colleagues in the Spears School of Business beneficial. “There is a camaraderie that is comforting. I find being able to pop down to my colleagues’ offices for a quick question or just to chat invigorating,” Smith says. “It’s an awesome place to work.”

dedication to her students at all levels was an inspiration to me and my primary model for my work life now.” Smith’s research focuses on gender and diversity at work. She has several project streams within that general umbrella, but she most enjoys her research that involves women’s leadership and influence styles. On one project, she and her colleagues collected hundreds of interviews focused on women as change agents and innovation leaders. “These interviews became the centerpiece for some corporate work we’d been doing on identifying and developing global leadership skills among female executives,” Smith says. “Our research goals aim to uncover and investigate the challenges unique to women as they face the double bind of being tokens in traditionally male-dominated industries and occupations. And more importantly, we seek to identify and advocate the tools that successful women have used to rise to and thrive in executive leadership roles.” In another stream of research, Smith examines how men and women influence through very different, subtler means.

“I chose this career in part because of a fundamental curiosity about human nature and how the answers we find can be used to improve workplaces and communities.”

“I examine attractiveness, charm and flirtation at work as a means of managing impressions. Although we may commonly expect men and women to flirt in certain social domains, the workplace is one setting wherein we routinely police interpersonal flirtation — for many good reasons, sexual harassment and abuse of power being chief among them,” she says.

“However, men and women often rely on charm and even mild flirtation to gain favor with others who they rely on to get work done. My research question is what — LEX SMITH Smith earned a bachelor’s degree happens when men and women do charm in psychology from Rice University or flirt at work, and what influences and a doctorate in organizational behavior, also known as these outcomes? We have been finding very interesting results management, from Tulane University. She joined the Spears wherein women who flirt are penalized in a variety of ways, School faculty in the summer of 2012 to study gender and but these penalties are not applied to men — even when they diversity in the workplace. assertively flirt.” Smith is one of those people who are very well put-together, The group’s findings suggest that women who are attractive, seeming to manage her teaching, research and home life with charming and flirtatious at work run the risk of being typecast great poise. So it should be no surprise that even when she was as the office vixen who is not to be trusted. “Overall, I hope my a young child, she knew she wanted to teach. She dreamed of research sheds light on the many opportunities and threats becoming a college professor — or at least a teacher — just like men and women face when working in increasingly diverse her favorite aunt, Pam, who was a fourth-grade teacher. organizations,” Smith says. She took an AP psychology class in high school and knew it would be her college major. At Rice, she shadowed her favorite psychology professor, Mikki Hebl, as she worked in her social and industrial organization psych research lab. “This is where I learned what it meant to be a college professor,” she says. “Her time and commitment to research, as well as her focus on an approachable, engaging classroom style, and her

OSU was recently honored for its diversity efforts and praised as an exemplary model by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. “Completely diversifying an organization is a difficult task to do in just a few years or in some cases decades, but OSU continues

summer 2016 engage@spears

has contributed a lot of attention and resources to increasing diversity amongst the student body and the faculty and staff. While I think that those efforts are the beginning of something great, there is still a lot more to do. We have seen huge increases in the number of diverse students who attend OSU but are still working on improving the number of students we graduate — students of color in particular,” Smith says. “I do think that in terms of accessibility and international diversity, OSU is making really good strides, and some programs do better than others. I think the issue for OSU is going to be more about understanding the culture and how well or poorly students feel that they are being integrated and included in some of the major functions. Not just classes but the extramural activities, extracurricular life and the social fabric of the university. That’s the kind of factfinding mission that is more of a culture study rather than just numbers. “It starts with the ability to walk through a student center and see groups socializing with one another across social, racial or cultural identities. It’s integration across multiple levels at events and activities that students choose.

She is very organized. She has teaching days and research days. She divides her schedule to protect her time with students and her research efforts. “I say no to a lot of things that I would love to engage in,” Smith says. “But I keep a notebook full of ideas and plans — to be revisited as soon as time makes itself available.” As busy as she gets, she prefers Stillwater’s pace to New York’s. “I love home (New York), but in my experiences elsewhere, I discovered that I enjoy a quieter style and pace of life. In addition, I’d do just about anything I can to avoid living in any place with a proper winter,” she says. “I have thrown away my snow boots and am not looking back.” She and her four siblings were raised between Queens and Brooklyn.

“I love home (New York), but … I discovered that I enjoy a quieter style and pace of life. In addition, I’d do just about anything I can to avoid living in any place with a proper winter. I have thrown away my snow boots and am not looking back.”

To relax, Smith goes for a run in her neighborhood. And “Sunday Funday” activities top her list of fun things. Once a week, she and other single parents alternate hosting dinners that include their children. “We potluck or make food, and the kids hang out in my back yard with the animals,” Smith says. Those animals include a dog, fish, bunny and four chickens. She and her 6-year-old daughter, Chloe, are raising chickens.

Smith got the idea to raise chickens from a colleague. “My family back home laughs about the chickens. When I got them, I thought to myself, I live in Oklahoma. Why not have some chickens? I want to do — LEX SMITH For the past few years, Smith has been as the Oklahomans do,” Smith laughs. “I the moderator of the Women’s Business Leadership Conference learned that the whole process is actually very simple, and there hosted by the OSU’s Center for Executive and Professional are lessons to be learned by sustaining farm animals in your Development. “Every year, OSU invites five or six extraordinary backyard, but they are a lot of fun. And Chloe running after the women who have started their own business or been first women chickens is always the highlight of Sunday Funday. That’s what leaders of their companies or even industries. Stories are often it’s all about. At the end of the day, it’s about having people in about their personal struggles and resiliency, inspiring stories your circle who you can rely on, laugh with and who recharge that other women can identify with,” says Smith. your batteries.” @ “Part of the college experience is to open you up to a world that is beyond the one where you grew up,” she says. “I think that’s a big part of the mission here.”

Lex Smith, second from left, serves as a moderator for the Women’s Business Leadership Conference.

Lex Smith grew up in New York, the daughter of Albert Smith and Methlyn Barnes. JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

engage@spears summer 2016

COURTESY LEX SMITH

Lex Smith and her 6-year-old daughter Chloe enjoy the pace of Stillwater living.

COURTESY LEX SMITH

summer 2016 engage@spears

Greg Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research finds lapses in the art market â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and considerable resistance to changes

T H E

engage@spears summer 2016

B U S I N E S S

“One of New York’s most well-known private galleries ... sold forgeries for a decade. A man created the forgeries in his garage and sold them … as authentics for more than $40 million in profit.” —

oday’s art market is plagued with frauds, thefts, forgeries and overall market failure, and the current governing legal framework has made it worse. Surprisingly, the art market defends its business culture and rejects attempts at restructuring. Why?

“The art market prefers a market that favors the seller: You purchase a piece of art and expect the art to appreciate in value; thus you can resell the work at a higher price,” says Greg Day, assistant professor for economics and legal studies in business at the Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business. “But what if you found out that the art you just purchased was a forgery? Victims of forgeries have little legal recourse against the seller and must return it without compensation, regardless of the generations that have passed since the theft occurred.” Day’s research, titled “Explaining the Art Market’s Thefts, Frauds, and Forgeries (And Why the Art Market Does Not Seem to Care),” was featured in the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law in 2014. The research looked into deceptive practices in the art market. Suppressing information about the authenticity of a piece of art means gaps in titling and ownership are common, accepted occurrences. Even the most diligent art consumer can’t always access enough reliable information to determine if an art deal is a wise investment. “One of New York’s most well-known private galleries, Knoedler and Company,

sold forgeries for a decade,” Day says. “A man created the forgeries in his garage and sold them to Knoedler as authentics for more than $40 million in profit. Even with this scandal, few in the art industry have attempted to add transparency to the market.”

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

BY ARIEL WEST

G R E G DAY

Questions that need clear, definite answers when purchasing art include: Does the work’s value equal the selling price? Is the work authentic? Can anyone else claim ownership of the work? The art industry cites its preference for strict confidentiality in its refusal to provide reliable information. A work loses marketability and value when others assert a claim over it. “There’s really no incentive to discover the true nature of a piece of art,” Day says. “To do so could drive down the price. No one wants to buy a piece of art when there have been claim wars over it because it damages the marketability when a finding is negative. So, business is conducted secretly. The sad irony is that the art market’s transactional secrecy has become both a cause and effect of art theft, further reducing the information a consumer can rely on.” Another issue is an artist’s catalogue raisonné, a catalog listing all of an artist’s known works. Those experts in control of the catalog have an incentive to not authenticate a work, as it would drive the value down for other works by the same artist. “With all of these problems, the blame lies on the legal regime,” Day says. “The law has neglected to account for the unique qualities of art and the history of its trade.

“Victims of [art] forgeries have little legal recourse against the seller and must return it without compensation, regardless of the generations that have passed since the theft occurred.” — Greg Day

Most of the laws seek to encourage buyers to purchase commodities that are free of titling issues but don’t recognize that the majority of works must be sold on the secondary market. Buyers and sellers can’t adjust to what the law demands, so they turn to secrecy and other undesirable behaviors that contribute to market failure.” Despite these issues, the art market seems content with the current methods of buying and selling. Day proposes reforms to allow the art market to operate better. “The buyers’ and sellers’ interests are aligned in the art market, so no one wants to change it, even though the market is technically in failure,” Day says. “For reform to happen, it should consider methods that encourage buyers, sellers and dealers to be more forthright. “The law needs to make communicating information appealing and protect a speaker from potential peril. Insurance could be offered. Art-theft databases could be created. Hold dealers accountable. All of these could help improve the art market.” @

summer 2016 engage@spears

Coffee class gives students hands-on business experience

BY DOLLIE ELLIOTT

tudents at Oklahoma State University who want to start a business don’t have to wait until they graduate to gain first-hand knowledge of entrepreneurship. As a part of the OSbrU coffee cart class, students can do market research, practice human relations, make financial projections and apply for a business loan before they leave the Stillwater campus. OSbrU is part of the Spears School’s Hands-On Business Experience (HOBE), a multidisciplinary initiative set by Dean Ken Eastman to maintain the applied focus of business education at Oklahoma State University.

engage@spears summer 2016

The class teaches students how to run a business from the initial concept to opening and maintaining the venture, allowing students to run the cart. Students serve drip coffee and snacks in the business school lobby. The cart’s products are from vendors with local ties — located in the area or run by OSU students or alumni. “The focus is to not just give the students theoretical knowledge but to ensure they can apply what they learn in the classroom,” says Aaron Hill, project adviser who acts as a business consultant and assistant professor in the Department of Management. “We want our students to get their hands dirty so when they leave OSU, they can apply those experiences and be prepared to contribute value to their employers.

“So we came up with this hands-on business education where they could learn by doing versus a traditional classroomlecture style.” Students from four Spears School departments (accounting, marketing, management and entrepreneurship) are enrolled in the class. “We’ve been able to assign students roles according to their discipline focus, capitalizing on their strengths,” Hill says. Each student is assigned one of four roles. The accounting students do financial projections and balance the budget. Marketing students focus on background marketing research including the scope of operations. Management students focus on human resources, organization and day-to-day operations. The entrepreneurship students provide the innovation and creativity efforts — and like management students, they have a general knowledge of all the roles.

“Everyone on this project has contributed tremendously in every role we have put them in,” says S.J. Barton, a student leader and senior entrepreneurship and marketing major from Keller, Texas.

of the 2015-2016 school year, the Monday through Friday of dead week and the first three days of finals week. All profits will go to scholarships or to support further HOBE projects.

“A lot of people never thought this type of class and project would ever work, and we have proven to them and to ourselves that with great guidance, teamwork and dedication, starting something is very feasible and rewarding,” Barton says.

Although the cart is student run, the OSU University Dining Services has served as a guide and has assisted the venture in almost every step of the process. “University Dining Services have been phenomenal in that they have remained helpful yet they have challenged the students. They have expected the students to meet all standards required of any vendor on campus, while understanding that learning and education are a part of the process for the students.”

“We decided to do a coffee cart because the project was complex enough in that there are many details to learn, yet small scale enough that we could pull it off with limited resources and a minimal timeframe,” Hill says. The project was funded by various Spears School departments, crowd funding, grants, external donors and the PhilanthroPete program through the OSU Foundation. To date, OSbrU has raised over $13,000. The nonprofit business was open eight business days during the last two weeks

OSbrU has met all the Payne County and State of Oklahoma health codes. Spokto Beverage Co., founded by OSU graduates, supplies OSbrU’s coffee beans and sodas. The coffee cart serves Spokto coffee now and will incorporate additional vendors in the fall, as it becomes a venue for emerging products.

“The plan is to differentiate from other campus offerings by supporting local vendors while giving multiple businesses the opportunity to introduce and showcase their products to the public,” Hill says. “And after some market research, we will probably purchase an espresso machine to offer customers even more of a variety. “I feel that I had a great undergraduate education, and I learned a lot of things in theory, but you must be able to apply them,” says Hill. “Our two goals are to: one, to help students apply their knowledge; and two, help students see that starting a business is possible with a plan and business model. We want to give students experience and confidence, so they can be on the path to starting their own successful business.” “My opinion on this project is one of positivity, creativity, persistency and determination,” Barton says. “I say all of those because it has been a crazy experience. We started this nonprofit company literally from the ground up.” @

“… It has been a crazy experience. We started this nonprofit company literally from the ground up.” — S.J. BARTON

summer 2016 engage@spears

The Next ‘Woof’ You Hear … Spears School employees and dogs join Pete’s Pet Posse

BY ARIEL WEST

hree Spears School of Business employees and their dogs joined Pete’s Pet Posse therapy program this year, becoming the first to represent the college in the program.

Jerimy Sherin, computer support specialist for Spears Distance Learning; William Schwartz, associate professor and Judy Freeman Johnson professorship in accounting; and Shelby Clanahan, executive administrative assistant for Dean Ken Eastman, completed the yearlong rigorous training program in the spring. OSU First Cowgirl Ann Hargis established Pete’s Pet Posse therapy program, or P3, in Fall 2013 as a wellness program to enhance physical and emotional health. Applicants for P3 are accepted each fall, and an advisory board selects about 10 applicants to begin the three-month training process in January.

engage@spears summer 2016

At the conclusion of training, all new therapy teams must pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification as well as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs registration process. “This program is really a great idea,” Sherin says. “We are one of the few campuses across the nation that have a program like this, and it’s completely voluntary. Students and faculty get stressed, and just petting a dog can help relieve that stress and provide a few minutes of distraction. It’s great for mental health and wellness.” Liam, Sherin’s Bernese mountain dog, was accustomed to roaming freely in the open spaces in and out of their previous home in Wyoming. But Sherin and his family moved to a condo in Stillwater in 2013, limiting Liam’s excursions. With Pete’s Pet Posse, Liam found a renewed sense of purpose. “Living in a condo was tough for Liam. He’s 115 pounds of dog; he needed a purpose in life. Sitting in the house wasn’t

BLAKE BRASOR / SPEARS SCHOOL

going to cut it. With P3, Liam has that purpose,” Sherin says “He loves being around people and has a great personality, so it’s the perfect fit. He gets to be one of the many positive representations of Oklahoma State.” Schwartz was interested in joining the program previously, but his two dogs didn’t quite fit the bill. “My son, Tristan, has an inoperable brain tumor,” Schwartz says. “After seeing the difference therapy dogs can make in hospitals, we wanted to train one of ours for Tristan. Our lab was smart enough but lazy, and our Chi-weenie was loving but not the smartest.” While deer hunting near his home in October 2014, Schwartz found a collie mix lurking around the garage. He brought the stray in, and they bonded quickly. “It was obvious that she had been dumped on the side of the road; she was all scratched up, so we brought her in for a bath and gave her some food. It was probably two days before she would un-tuck her tail, but we bonded quickly after that. We named her Pippin,” he says.

JAMES NEELEY / SPEARS SCHOOL

BLAKE BRASOR / SPEARS SCHOOL

“I’ve seen what therapy dogs can do for people, and I am glad Pippin and I are a part of a program that brings this to OSU.”

— WILLIAM SCHWARTZ

Schwartz applied for P3 and began the training process.

enroll her 7-year-old Yorkie, Sebastian, into the program.

“The entire process was tough,” he says. “During the first week, I realized how tough it was going to be. You get discouraged, and the dog can sense that, so she gets discouraged and you have to start over. It’s not a joke; they want the best dogs for this program. But I’ve seen what therapy dogs can do for people, and I am glad Pippin and I are a part of a program that brings this to OSU.”

“I always brought Sebastian and my smaller Yorkie, Cheyenne, to the fraternity house that I am a house director for, and I’ve seen the impact the dogs had on them, especially during finals or stressful times in their lives,” she says.

Clanahan has known about the project since its inception, but she couldn’t find the time to join earlier. P3 speakers who visited the OSU Greek house directors last year convinced her to find the time to

During a divorce and the deaths of her father and grandmother, Clanahan saw the power of animal therapy firsthand, strengthening her desire to bring Sebastian into Pete’s Pet Posse. “I didn’t know if I would survive the arena of attorneys, the paper chase and the handling of all the proceedings. It was

overwhelming. Sebastian became my rock and Cheyenne my lovable companion,” Clanahan says. “It was during this difficult time that I realized I wasn’t a family of one, but a family of three. Everyone needs a dog during grieving. Sebastian helped me so much, and I want to let him help others.” The three Spears dogs graduated in May to officially become a part of Pete’s Pet Posse, as well as registered dogs with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. “It’s another program that helps make OSU the nation’s healthiest campus,” Sherin says. “We are all glad to be a part of it.” @

summer 2016 engage@spears

A Selling Success OSU alumnus rises through the ranks in the Los Angeles entertainment scene

engage@spears summer 2016

ERIK OGINSKI / AEG

BY TERRY TUSH

rian Watson usually has the best seat in the house. OK, maybe he’s not actually in the best seat, but he does have a say in who gets the best views when it comes to some of the most popular events in the nation’s entertainment capital.

The Spears School of Business graduate oversees Event Suite Sales in some of the top venues in the world as vice president of event suite and special event sales at AEG venues in Los Angeles, including the Staples Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. Live. Watson’s career has been a whirlwind. He took an entry-level ticket-sales position with AEG a few months after moving from Houston to southern California, and it didn’t take long for his supervisors to spot a future star. “I decided that getting into the sports business would be interesting, so I jumped in, and I have been here ever since,” Watson says. “I am fortunate that I have had a lot of opportunities to move up in my career, both as I have grown and as AEG’s presence in downtown Los Angeles with the Staples Center and L.A. Live has grown as well.”

to attend, like the annual GRAMMY Awards, the NBA Finals or the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final. “Track cycling is something I had never even heard of, and I didn’t know what a velodrome was but I learned quickly,” he says. (Editor’s note: A velodrome is an arena for track cycling races.) That’s where his business administration and management education — and marketing, for that matter — came in handy. “My first major project was trying to find the folks in L.A. who were excited about a niche sport, and then build relationships with them. I was trying to get myself in that community as quickly as possible so we could successfully sell tickets, fill the velodrome and make the event a success,” Watson says. The event was successful, and so was his next assignment (a women’s tennis tournament), and the next (the largest road race in the United States), and the next (the L.A. Riptide professional lacrosse team). “I was willing to take on any project,” he says. In 2008, Watson was promoted to oversee and manage suite rentals at the Staples Center, home to the Kings and the NBA’s Clippers and Lakers. He and his team of five were responsible for selling 18 event suites for the three professional teams, plus any other events at the center. Those sales are worth $7 million-$12 million per year to AEG.

“We had this itch for adventure, so to speak, … so we just decided in 2006 that we were going to move out to L.A., even though we didn’t have a job … or a specific path in mind.” — B R I A N W A T S O N

Watson was working in Houston for Young Life, a Christian ministry, after earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the Spears School of Business in 2002. After four years with the ministry, he and his wife, Suzanne, decided to move to California.

“We had this itch for adventure, so to speak, and [Suzanne] was involved in some things in the entertainment world, so we just decided in 2006 that we were going to move out to L.A., even though we didn’t really have a job, either one of us, or a specific path in mind,” he says. Watson was initially hired on the ticket-sales staff for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League. In addition to owning the L.A. Kings, AEG owns the Staples Center and was developing L.A. Live, a $2.5 billion entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles that includes the Microsoft Theater and features nightlife, restaurants, the Grammy Museum, a movie theater and three Marriot hotels. AEG gave the responsibility for selling tickets for the new venues and special events coming to what is now known as Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif., to the Kings sales staff. Needing one person to focus on these new events, management chose Watson. His first event was the 2006 UCI Track Cycling World Cup, not quite as widely known as some of the current day events he gets

As the department grew, so did Watson’s leadership role. Today, in addition to overseeing suite rentals at the Staples Center, he and another vice president of sales lead a department of 24 full-time and eight parttime employees responsible for ticket sales and hospitality at L.A. Live, the Microsoft Theater and the Hyde Lounge inside the Staples Center. “Anything that has a ticket element, especially if AEG has skin in the game, we tend to take a pretty big role in making sure it’s successful, as far as ticket sales and hospitality,” says Watson, who now also oversees the L.A. Kings group sales department. “The funny thing is now we’ve grown to the point that we have this whole department that focuses on selling the ‘other events’ I was hired to focus on in 2006. It’s been a great experience to show how … if you do the best job at what you’re doing and look for opportunities to help in other areas along the way, that tends to get you noticed, and opportunities kind of present themselves to you.” In October, Watson will celebrate his 10th anniversary with AEG. He says none of what he’s accomplished in the past 10 years would have been possible without his OSU education. continues

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“But more than anything, what the business school at OSU did for me is really teach me how to think.” — B R I A N WAT S O N

“I’m doing sales and marketing; certainly there were classes that helped me understand how to do that and prepared me for that vocation. I am working in a field that seems natural from a business degree. But more than anything, what the business school at OSU did for me is really teach me how to think,” says the 36-year-old. “The business school certainly needs to prepare highly skilled workers for the highly skilled jobs of this century, and a lot of that is understanding technology and understanding things that are vocational in nature.” Yet at the same time, what I experienced was an atmosphere where certain beliefs about business and about life were challenged in different ways so that I learned how to think. I learned how to see different sides of the same issue, and how to build consensus and solve problems. Those things are valuable in leadership, business and life.

Brian Watson (left) and Matt Rosenfeld, vice president of sales for AEG, celebrate the Los Angeles Kings winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.

Watson adds, “When I look to hire people, I want people who are bright with a great attitude and can work hard. But they don’t necessarily have to have the specific experience of selling tickets or selling in sports and entertainment. That is relatively easy for us to teach. But what I do want is someone who knows how to think for themselves, knows how to solve problems, and can build relationships and communicate with people.” Although it’s been 14 years since Watson sat in on his class, associate professor Andy Urich is still impacting his life.

Watson’s Faves As vice president of event suites and special event sales for AEG, Brian Watson attends many of the events at the Staples Center, L.A. Live and Microsoft Theater Los Angeles. We asked him to list his favorite events: 40

engage@spears summer 2016

“He’s such an interesting guy and engaging personality. I think his goal is to teach people how to think for themselves, not to think like him. I still get a chance to talk to him every once in a while, and there are certain things about business and about life that we disagree on, but I love that he’s always challenging people to be independent thinkers,” Watson says. “I had some OSU professors, particularly in the business college, that really focused on [challenging students to think for themselves], even beyond the actual material of what is a marketing plan, what is a business plan. There was more to it than that, and that was something I really valued from my education.” It’s that attitude that has taken him from an entry-level ticket sales position to helping direct a staff that oversees tickets, suites and hospitality for hundreds of events each year. “It’s great. I actually didn’t see myself as a sales guy necessarily coming out of school,” says Watson, who lives with Suzanne and their three children — two sons, Desmond, 7, and Duncan, 2, and a daughter, Charlie, 5. “We get to interact with all types of clients from the fan organizing a group of friends to see their favorite team or act to the CEO using our events as a platform to grow their own business. Life is about relationships, so to be in a business that’s really about building relationships, with those clients, with partners that put on events with us, and with colleagues on our own team, has been fantastic. I don’t know if I would have been as successful selling copiers, but the sports and live entertainment area makes it a lot of fun.” Especially when you control who sits in the best seat in the house, as Watson does inside the Staples Center. @

2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup Finals: Watson has two championship rings from the Los Angeles Kings, celebrating their championships in 2012 and 2014. Grammy Awards: The annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center has become a night that Watson eagerly anticipates. “That is an exciting event to be a part of because it is such a significant event in the music industry, with unique performances and collaborations that celebrate the whole industry, not necessarily just that year’s winners,” he says.

The Watson family (from left): Duncan, Suzanne, Charlie, Desmond and Brian.

2011 NBA All-Star Game: The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers served as hosts when hometown favorite Kobe Bryant won his fourth AllStar Game Most Valuable Player Award. Rihanna, Kanye West and Drake were the halftime entertainment, while Keri Hilson, Lenny Kravitz and Bruno Mars performed at pre-show festivities. 2010 NBA Finals Game 7: Watson saw three NBA Finals runs, including when the L.A. Lakers won championships in 2009 and 2010, but the highlight was Game 7 in 2010 when the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in a match-up of rivals and the league’s most storied franchises.

Kobe Bryant’s final game: In April, Kobe Bryant played his final game as a Laker at the Staples Center, scoring 60 points and leading a fourth-quarter comeback win over the Utah Jazz. “I didn’t think there was any way the game would live up to the hype. The Lakers were finishing a bad year on the court and, in my mind, Kobe’s best moments were over. I couldn’t have been more wrong,” says Watson.

summer 2016 engage@spears

FACULTY HONORS competed with the franchisor after

court. In 2011, the Iowa Supreme

signing a non-compete agreement.

Court cited his work in a decision on

The key issue concerned whether a court should alter the agreement, pursuant to the “blue pencil rule.” Most states routinely use the blue pencil rule to permit the reformation of non-com-

a sports-injury liability case — Feld vs. Borkowski, a lawsuit brought by an intramural softball player who was injured by a teammate during a practice.

pete agreements after execution. In

Pivateau earned his bachelor’s

this case, applying the rule would have

degree in history from McNeese State

allowed the court to alter the agree-

University in Louisiana and his law

ment to make it enforceable.

degree from the University of Texas. @

The Nebraska Supreme Court refused to apply the blue pencil rule, reiterating, “We must either enforce an agreement as written or not enforce it at all.” Citing Pivateau’s article, the court noted that the blue pencil rule

Nebraska court cites Pivateau’s article

“creates uncertainty in employees’ contractual relationships with franchisors, increases the potential for confusion by parties to a contract, and encourages litigation of non-compete clauses in contracts.”

Dan Rickman

recently cited an article

In the article, “Putting the Blue Pencil

authored by Oklahoma State

Down: An Argument for Specificity in

Rickman and Winters receive research honors

he Supreme Court of Nebraska

University legal studies professor

Non-compete Agreements,” Pivateau

Griffin Pivateau in a ruling involving a

argues that permitting courts to

dispute between a franchisor and its

alter non-compete agreements vio-

former franchisee.

lates public policy. The fact that such

“I am particularly pleased that my research can contribute to the resolution of an issue that affects thousands of people across the country,” says Pivateau, an OSU Spears School of

agreements cannot be changed after the signing encourages all parties to review, discuss and negotiate their non-compete agreements before execution, he says.

John Winters

study published earlier this year ranks Oklahoma State University as the sixth most-

prolific institution in the United States producing publications in the top 10 regional science journals.

Business faculty member since 2009.

“I am grateful for the support that

OSU also ranks No. 17 in the world in

“Having a case cited by the highest

Oklahoma State provides to its legal

the study in Growth and Change: A

court in a state is a rare honor. Citation

studies faculty to develop meaningful

Journal of Urban and Regional Policy.

by appellate courts is a significant

scholarship that offers value to real

accomplishment for any legal scholar.”

people with real problems,” he says.

The case, Unlimited Opportunity Inc. vs. Waadah, arose when a former franchisee began a new business that

“This decision reflects the value of the work we do here at Oklahoma State.”

OSU Spears School of Business economic professors Dan Rickman and John Winters were recognized. Rickman ranks second in regional

This is not the first time Pivateau’s

science publications among all U.S.

research has been cited by a high

researchers; Winters is 10th. “OSU has a long tradition of excel-

“This (Supreme Court of Nebraska) decision reflects the value of the work we do here at Oklahoma State.” — G R I F F I N P I V A T E A U 42

engage@spears summer 2016

lence in regional science research, and these rankings show that we continue to shine,” says Lee Adkins, head of the Department of Economics and Legal Studies in Business.

of Accounting and only one of four

field that includes economists, geog-

current Regents Professors in the

raphers, urban and regional planners,

Spears School of Business including

demographers and other disciplines.

Robert Baron (entrepreneurship),

More information can be found in the

Dan Rickman (economics and legal

Growth and Change article online at okla.st/23lnYWd. @

“Recognition as a Regents Professor at

PHOTO: GARY LAWSON/UNIVERSITY MARKETING

Regional science is an interdisciplinary

studies) and Ramesh Sharda (MSIS). Oklahoma State is the most esteemed honor that I have received in my academic career,” says Wright. “I have long admired the successes of Oklahoma State’s Regents Professors and am honored to be counted as part of such an esteemed group. I am humbled by this acknowledgment of my career, and I view it as both a personal honor and a recognition of the internationally respected status of the School of Accounting.” She began as an assistant professor at Oklahoma State in 1982. “During that time, I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor some of the best and brightest students in the country,” Wright says. “I see my

Wright named Regents Professor

students and their many successes as being among my greatest accomplishments. I hope that this starts a tradition in the School of Accounting and that the school has many other

harlotte Wright, Anadarko Petroleum Chair in Accounting and Lanny G. Chasteen

Professor in the Spears School of Business School of Accounting, has been named a Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University. The title recognizes select faculty who have made unique contributions with a distinguished record of nationally rec-

ognized excellence and scholarship. “Dr. Wright is our senior faculty member and is world-renowned for her work in financial accounting, particularly with respect to oil and gas accounting,” says Robert Cornell, head of the School of Accounting. Wright is only the second Regents

Regents Professors in the future.” “We are proud to have Charlotte on the faculty and appreciate her dedication to our teaching, research, service and outreach missions,” says Cornell. “She continues to be exceptional in each regard and she serves as an example of excellence to all of us.” @

Wallace honored as SIOP Fellow

pears School of Business management professor Craig Wallace has been selected

as a Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Fellow. Wallace holds the William S. Spears Chair in Business Administration in the Department of Management at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) promotes the science, practice and teaching of industrial and organizational psychology. Fellows are industrial and organizational psychologists who have made outstanding contributions to the field. “I am truly honored to be elected as a fellow in SIOP,” Wallace says. “In 1998, while completing my bachelor’s degree, I discovered I/O psychology and learned about the greats in I/O. Fast-forward 18 years, I am humbled to have my name alongside these greats as an SIOP Fellow.” @

Professor in the history of the School summer 2016 engage@spears

JAY SHELDON / i2E

Haley Kurtz and Kevin Keith accept the first-place trophy for winning the Governor’s Cup High Growth Graduate Division.

Sourabh Biswas, Samyukta Koteeswaren, Gabriel Bahr and Richard Gajan of WoodPro.

OSU teams top Governor’s Cup BY ARIEL WEST

wo teams of students from the Oklahoma State University School of Entrepreneurship

were among the top winners in the

coordinating and verifying volunteer ser-

work as we prepare for Tri-State in May.”

vices through its student bodies. Volunteer

MITO will compete at the Tri-State com-

Me was coached by David Thomison, clin-

petition in Las Vegas against the top two finalists from Oklahoma, Arkansas

Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup

and Nevada.

High Growth Graduate Division.

Gajan also coaches WoodPro, which

MITO Material Solutions placed first,

consists of OSU entrepreneurship stu-

winning $20,000, with its cost-effective

dents Gabriel Bahr, Sourabh Biswas

ical assistant professor of OSU’s School of Entrepreneurship and George Kaiser Family Foundation endowed chair. “As always, i2E did an amazing job of hosting this competition, and the awards ceremony was spectacular,” Gajan said.

and Samyukta Koteeswaran. WoodPro’s

I2E is a nationally recognized, private,

invention is a sustainable new wood com-

not-for-profit organization founded in

posite that uses red cedar sawdust and

1998 and focuses on growing innovative

epoxy resin. The team placed third and

small businesses in Oklahoma. The Donald

Richard Gajan, Thoma Family clinical

won a $5,000 cash prize.

W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup is a state-

assistant professor of OSU’s School of

“We are so thrilled to make it to the finals,”

Entrepreneurship.

Bahr says. “Placing third was a dream

“Kevin and I are so thankful for the

come true. Our team now knows the

nano-filler additive, which toughens fiberreinforced composite structures. MITO consists of OSU students Haley Kurtz and Kevin Keith and is coached by

opportunity given to us by the School of Entrepreneurship,” Kurtz says. “Our business venture is absolutely the result

new challenges and to perform more hard

struggles you go through when starting a business. We plan to continue working together as a team and develop our busi-

of collaboration between the schools

ness skills together.”

of entrepreneurship and engineering,

OSU had a third team that was a finalist

which is highlighted throughout our

in the High Growth Graduate Division

team makeup and our successes. We

but didn’t place. Volunteer Me, con-

are thrilled to be the first-place team in

sisting of Rhyder Robison, Eliot Bush and

the 2016 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s

Santosh Padakanti, aids private school

Cup. Looking forward, we expect to meet

administration in recruiting, tracking,

engage@spears summer 2016

wide collegiate business plan competition that simulates the real world process of researching a market, writing a business plan and making a presentation to potential investors. In the 11-year history of the competition, $1.5 million in cash, $80,000 in scholarships and $221,000 in fellowships have been awarded, and more than 1500 college students from 31 statewide campuses have participated. For more information about i2E and the Governor’s Cup, visit http://i2e.org/ gov-cup/.

Beginning August 23, you’ll be able to access the world with two daily hassle-free flights to D/FW from Stillwater. Factor in free parking and quick boarding with short lines. Factor out travel time and expense to either OKC or Tulsa, and you’ll see the convenience and simplicity of Stillwater Regional Airport and American Airlines.

Time is money. Save both. Fly Stillwater.

Aircraft operated by Envoy ®

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School of Business, visits with Gen. Keith Alexander before his speech at the Executive Management Briefing.

Tackling Security Concerns Spears School hosts first cyber conference with experts from around the world

security researcher, Dell SecureWorks, Atlanta Monique Morrow, chief technology officer, Cisco Systems, Zurich,

during designated question-and-answer

Switzerland

sessions.

Gen. Keith Alexander, a military vet-

and sophistication of

Speakers included:

eran of 40 years and former commander

cyber attacks, cyber

Ken Westin, security market specialist,

security is one of the

Splunk, Portland, Ore.

BY ARIEL WEST

ith the increasing risk

hot topics of 2016.

Terry Jost, partner/principal, advisory

Hosting the daylong Cyber Security

risk, EY, Dallas-Fort Worth

Conference was a first for the Center for Executive and Professional Development at the Spears School of Business. State, national and international experts on cyber security presented topics to more than 200 participants, mostly senior-level business leaders and administrators. Participants were able to ask questions

engage@spears summer 2016

Matthew Harper, director, information security, Devon Energy, Oklahoma City Sabine Schilg, vice president, security division, IBM, Armonk, N.Y. Kent Nabors, chief information sys-

of the U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service, followed up the conference as part of the Executive Management Briefings program. His presentation, “A Road Map to Freedom: The Strategy of Effective Cyber Security,” explained the United States’ vulnerabilities.

tems officer, MidFirst Bank, Oklahoma

“We have nation-states using cyber as

City

an element of national power,” Alexander

Allison Wikoff, intelligence analyst/

says. “And it will not end. We have the best offense in the world, but we have

some problems: Our infrastructure is not

“We can’t slow down, and we shouldn’t

built for defense; we live in glass houses.

slow down, but we have this huge new

We are not ready to fight in cyberspace.”

problem in the vulnerabilities of cyber

Alexander says industry and the government must come together to build a national cyber defense. “There are two sets of companies: those that have been hacked and know it, and those that have been hacked and don’t know it,” he says. “We want security. Businesses want privacy. Why don’t we get both? We are the country that created the Internet. We have the time now to get this right.” Identity theft, denial of service attacks and destructive attacks are the most common cyber security threats. A cyber attack on the country’s health care sector, Wall Street or even the power grid would have the same effect as a military attack. With the world estimated to generate 7 exabytes of information, which is more than the amount of information humans have generated in the past 5,000 years, cyber security is more important than ever.

security,” Alexander says. “We want to help protect industry, which could be the next front for an attack on our country. We have some of the best mathematicians, the best computer scientists. Why not come up with a solution that’s better than having either just security or privacy?” Rick Wilson, head of the Management Science and Information Systems Department, says the conference was a great way to showcase OSU’s longstanding commitment to providing quality cyber security education. “OSU’s MIS department has long provided cyber security education and research and has been at the forefront of issues facing Oklahoma and the world,” says Wilson. “We bring experts from around the world every year to provide further insight into the great challenge of cyber security. The speakers this year brought up very important topics, and I know students and faculty alike benefited from this conference.” @

Sabine Schilg, vice president of the Security Division for IBM, speaks during the Cyber Security Conference.

JORDAN PFEIFFER / SPEARS SCHOOL

summer 2016 engage@spears

HALL OF FAME

John Fiebig

Dee Niles

Larry Walther

Accounting honors five alumni

klahoma State University’s

head of the School of Accountancy at

highest honor the School of Accounting

School of Accounting

the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

can bestow on an alumnus.

inducted four alumni into

at Utah State University. He also serves

the Wilton T. Anderson

as acting dean.

Hall of Fame and hon-

Shane Wharton, 1990 OSU School of

of Business, is proud to recognize the

Accounting graduate, is executive vice

honorees.

ored a Beta Alpha Psi Distinguished Alumni recipient during the 2016 Wilton T. Anderson Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet on April 22 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

tion for Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores Inc.

of Accounting in the Spears School

“These alumni exemplify leadership in public accounting, private industry and public service,” Cornell says. “Each of

Lindsey Callery, who earned her mas-

these individuals represents the highest

ter’s degree in taxation in 2006 from the

level of professional excellence in their

John Fiebig , a 1987 OSU School of

School of Accounting and is now a tax

respective fields, and we are pleased to

Accounting graduate, is the deputy

manager with HoganTaylor, was hon-

have the opportunity to recognize their

director of inspections for the Public

ored as the Beta Alpha Psi Distinguished

accomplishments.”

Company Accounting Oversight Board

Alumni recipient.

This year’s honorees were:

and is the leader of the Global Network

Fiebig oversees the inspections of the six

The Distinguished Alumni Award was

largest domestic registered accounting

established in 1979 to recognize OSU

firms and their non-U.S. affiliates as the

Dee Niles , who earned bachelor’s

School of Accounting graduates who

deputy director of inspections in charge

degrees in marketing and accounting from

have achieved exceptional success in

of the Global Network Firm Program

OSU, retired from KPMG after a lengthy

the profession, bringing recognition

for the Public Company Accounting

career and is now associate vice presi-

to Oklahoma State University and the

Oversight Board. While there, he has

dent of finance for the OSU Foundation.

School of Accounting. It is dedicated to

been responsible for people matters for

Larry Walther, who earned his doc-

Wilton T. Anderson, the founding father

the Inspections Division and has been the

of the OSU School of Accounting. It is the

regional leader for the Dallas, Houston

Firm Program.

torate in accounting in 1980 from OSU, is the EY Professor of Accounting and

president of accounting and administra-

Robert Cornell, the head of the School

engage@spears summer 2016

and Denver offices.

Walther and his wife, Laurie, live in Logan, Utah. Wharton is an Oklahoma native who grew up in a small farming community in western Oklahoma before enrolling at OSU in 1986. He completed work on his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. He has been employed with Love’s since 1997. Soon after joining Love’s, he was promoted to director of accounting and eventually to vice president of accounting. In his current position as executive director of accounting and administration, Wharton oversees accounting and financial reporting, as well as information technology. He is a member of the Love’s senior leadership team. Shane Wharton

Lindsey Callery

He and his wife, Nancy, are both 1987

technical training courses and recruiting

OSU graduates. They currently reside

partner for OSU. In January 2014, she

in Southlake, Texas, and have three chil-

retired to spend time traveling and

dren — Jack, Chris and Katie, who is a

relaxing.

freshman at OSU.

Walther has public accounting experi-

Wharton and his wife, Lori, have two children, Alec, 21, and Avery, 18. Alec is a junior at OSU, pursuing an accounting degree, and Avery will begin her college career at OSU this fall. The Whartons reside in Edmond, Okla. Callery originally joined the firm of Tullius

Niles joined the OSU Foundation in May

ence with the audit firm of EY. He has

2015. She started her 24-year career

authored numerous books and arti-

with KPMG LLP in January 1990 as an

cles on accounting and is director and/

assistant accountant and progressed

or consultant to a number of public

to partnership in 2005. The majority

and nonpublic companies. He is past

of her career, she focused on not-for-

president of the Federation of Schools

profit, higher education and govern-

of Accountancy and served on the

mental accounting.

Accounting Accreditation Committee

She and her husband, Keith, also an OSU

of the Association to Advance College

graduate, have two sons, ages 7 and 2 months. They live in the Tulsa area. @

At KPMG, she served as the higher education and not-for-profit industry leader

Schools of Business (AACSB).

Taylor Sartain & Sartain (which merged with Hogan Taylor in 2009) as a tax staff member. During the past nine years, she has focused on tax consulting and compliance, as well as personal finance and business planning.

for the Southwest, national instructor for

“These alumni exemplify leadership in public accounting, private industry and public service. Each of these individuals represents the highest level of professional excellence in their respective fields, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize their accomplishments.” — ROBERT CORNELL

summer 2016 engage@spears

RETIREMENTS a long, successful career or how much she would enjoy the learning process. Culton says that one conversation with Sandmeyer (1977-1994) gave her a glimpse of what her career would be like. “Dr. Sandmeyer asked me how I would resolve certain situations and how I would deal with challenging personnel. He wanted to know what my short-term and long-term goals were,” she says. “He and Associate Dean John Bale took a genuine interest in their employees. “Dr. Sandmeyer was very supportive of me completing my master’s while I worked,” says Culton, who received a master’s degree in occupational and adult education at OSU. “In those days, we were just getting all faculty to use computers,” she says. She remembers using double floppy drives to back up financial data. “It’s wonderful to see how far we have come.” In Culton’s career of tracking expenses, processing requests for family medical leave, crediting overtime and arranging compensation, she says the people have been the best part. “We have a diverse staff in the college,” she says. “There are a lot of different personalities you interact with, and there is a wide age range in our employees. You

A Lifetime of Service Karen Culton retires after a 47-year career STORIES BY DOLLIE ELLIOTT

K 50

aren Culton had been at the helm of the Spears

have to learn how to present things so that everyone will be motivated to action.” She says focusing on the people rather than the issue makes her job more

“The thing about the university is we are

enjoyable.

always learning new things. It’s a con-

“Karen has been a great mentor and

tinual learning process, and each year

friend,” says Lisa Fain, director of opera-

is a renewal with new staff, new faculty

tions at the Spears School. “She is kind,

and new students. You’re always learning

supportive, a great listener and has an

new ways of doing things, new ways to

unbelievable amount of HR knowledge.”

keep track of data,” Culton says. “It’s exciting to me.”

Culton returns the kind words to Fain: “She has a wonderful ability to make

School of Business human

When she interviewed with longtime Dean

everyone feel like they are a part of a

resources office for more

Robert L. Sandmeyer in 1986, three years

team, the School of Business team.”

than 29 years before her January

after she earned a bachelor’s degree in

retirement ended her 47-year career

business administration from OSU, she had

at Oklahoma State.

no idea she would be embarking on such

engage@spears summer 2016

Culton has received numerous awards including OSU Outstanding Budget

Preparation Award, Office of Planning, Budget & Institutional Research, 2002; finalist, Distinguished Service Award, Staff Advisory Council, OSU, 1995; and Outstanding A&P Staff Award, OSU College of Business Administration in 1999 and 2002. Culton has also served on a number of committees at OSU over the years including the OSU Task Force for a new financial system, the OSU Compensation Committee, and the Personnel and Fiscal Officers Liaison Group. She began her career at OSU in 1966 in OSU’s correspondence study office during the summer before her senior year at

“The thing about the university is we are always learning new things. It’s a continual learning process, and each year is a renewal with new staff, new faculty and new students. It’s exciting to me.” — K A R E N C U LTO N

Stillwater High School. The next summer, she worked in the continuing education office, helping coordinate conferences.

Aerial Space Engineering Department,

introduced by mutual friends in Stillwater.

which became the Fluid Power Research

They have been married 41 years.

By the time she enrolled as a freshman

Center. She worked at the center for 18

in the College of Business, she was an

years before going to the College of

experienced student worker, and she

Business.

adjusted nicely to classes and working

Culton and her husband, Robert, who

at the OSU Agriculture Extension office. In 1968, Culton was first hired as a full-

earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant administration from OSU, were

time OSU employee in the Mechanical and

Culton plans to spend more time with their family and do some traveling. Their daughter, Dana, graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in political science. “I’ve lived in Stillwater all my life and worked in education all my life, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” says Culton. @

Wehr retires in time to wed

ilma Wehr, administra-

the graduate students. It has been very

to fiancé Butch Hiatt, a retired director of

tive support specialist

rewarding being able to assist the inter-

OSU University Mailing Services, in May.

in the Department of

national graduate students because they

Economics and Legal

seemed to have more challenges,” Wehr

Studies in Business, retired in June

says, “and I have enjoyed being of ser-

after nine years with the Spears

vice to them.”

School of Business and 16 years with Oklahoma State University. In 2007, she joined Oklahoma State’s business school. She had served in faculty support in the OSU School of Media and Strategic Communications since 2000.

“Wilma is a lovely, gracious person, and she is fearless on the phone. Although we will miss her in the department, we are certainly happy for her in her retirement

Wehr is an alumna of Oklahoma State’s

and upcoming wedding,” says Lee Adkins,

business school with a bachelor’s degree

head of the Department of Economics

in accounting.

and Legal Studies in Business.

After retirement, Wehr is looking forward

“I have enjoyed my time at OSU and

to having more time to travel, play bridge

working all my life in general. I feel it’s kept me in good health,” Wehr says. @

and spend more time with grandchildren

“What I have most enjoyed about my

and great-grandchildren. She was also

career is working with students, especially

looking forward to her upcoming marriage

summer 2016 engage@spears

IN BRIEF the Department of Marketing who will

were in agreement that the new name will

now oversee the new School of Marketing

provide recognition to a long-standing,

and International Business.

high-quality academic program that

“This sends a clear message to international business majors that their degree is

continues to prepare students for international careers.

as important as any other degree offered

“We believe the name change will benefit

by the university,” Wiener says. “It also

all university programs that seek to pre-

raises the profile of the international busi-

pare students for international careers,”

ness area. International business is vital

Eastman says.

to Oklahoma and the American economy. “We want to raise the profile of the international business area as most major corporations derive a significant portion of SPEARS SCHOOL

Josh Wiener

their revenue from abroad, and international sales will be a primary source of future growth for many companies. The School of Marketing and International

Successful executives share at CEO Day Executives who lead three successful businesses from around the world shared their stories at Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business’s CEO Day

Business will significantly raise the pro-

April 12.

file of international business and, conse-

The presentation, titled, “Empowering

quently, will encourage students to think

the Next Generation of Leaders,” fea-

about taking courses which will prepare

tured Roger Cagle, deputy CEO and

Nearly 220 students major in international

them to compete in the 21st-century

CFO, SOCO International; Ted Haynes,

business at Oklahoma State University,

market place,” Wiener says.

president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of

making it among the top 25 percent of

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher

Oklahoma, and Melinda Stinnett, CPA,

Department of Marketing gets new name

majors in terms of size for the entire university. Since the major was created more than 20 years ago, those students have been housed in the Department of

Education approved changing the name

managing director, Stinnett & Associates.

after OSU President Burns Hargis, OSU

Cagle earned his bachelor’s degree in

Provost Gary Sandefur and Eastman

general business in 1973 and his MBA

Marketing. The Spears School of Business is committed to raising its profile in the international business area, leading to the recent approval of the name change. The academic department will be known as the School of Marketing and International Business starting in the fall of 2016. It is one of seven academic departments in the Spears School. “This sends a clear and conventional message that international business majors are important at Oklahoma State University,” says Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School. The primary reason for the name change is to provide OSU international business SPEARS SCHOOL

students with the recognition they deserve without additional administrative costs, says Josh Wiener, the longtime head of Ted Haynes (from left), Melinda Stinnett and Roger Cagle spoke at CEO Day

engage@spears summer 2016

BLAKE BRASOR / SPEARS SCHOOL

Pistol Pete joins golfers at the Golf Classic, which raises funds for business student scholarships.

in finance in 1975 from OSU’s business

so it meant a lot that I got to personally

school. Haynes is a graduate of Stephen

interact with three accomplished CEOs.

F. Austin State University and earned a

I definitely got some useful insights from

Golf Classic raises scholarship funds

master’s degree in dispute resolution

the presentation, and I’m looking forward

The third annual Golf Classic will be Friday,

and conflict management at Southern

to applying those in the future.”

Aug. 5, at Stillwater’s Karsten Creek Golf

Established in 2003, CEO Day is hosted

Club, hosted by the Spears School of

Methodist University. Stinnett is an OSU graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1989.

by OSU’s Spears School of Business, the

Business and the Center for Executive

Business Student Council and the MBA

and Professional Development.

“We were delighted to have three out-

Association to bring successful busi-

The scramble brings together Spears

standing leaders share their wisdom with

ness people to OSU so students have

School alumni, donors and friends to raise

our students,” says Ken Eastman, dean of

the opportunity to discover the chal-

money for business student scholarships.

the Spears School. “They are each very

lenges and issues that business leaders

The Golf Classic was founded in 2013 to

successful individuals, and our students

face, understand how CEOs chart their

raise funds for scholarships. Participants

benefited greatly by hearing their words

career paths, discover characteristics

may register as teams of four or indi-

of wisdom.”

they seek in managers, interact with suc-

vidually, and registration covers lunch,

cessful executives and learn about their

refreshments and a shirt.

“I really enjoyed getting to help plan and lead CEO Day this year,” says Nathan

decision processes and leadership styles.

“This Golf Classic started with the 100th

Herrmann, a sophomore accounting

year anniversary, where OSU alumni

student and special events chair of the

attended,” says Kelle Scott, program

Spears Business Student Council. “Since

coordinator for CEPD. “They loved it so

middle school, my career aspiration has

much, they expressed that they would

been to become the CEO of a company,

like us to do it again. Now, we are on our summer 2016 engage@spears

IN BRIEF

Smales to lead Eastin Center

peted in four U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championships as an amateur.

Oklahoma State University in February

“I’m thrilled to be back on the Oklahoma

for Talent Development in the Spears School of Business.

State campus again,” Smales says. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Spears School of Business. The Eastin Center

SPEARS SCHOOL

The Eastin Center, created in 2014, pro-

for Talent Development continues to

vides leadership and administrative sup-

gain momentum, and I can’t think of a

port for the Spears School’s Career

more important initiative than ensuring

Readiness Initiative, which focuses on

OSU business school graduates are

teaching the professional skills and knowl-

career-ready.”

edge necessary for a career in business.

Previously, she was vice president and

Smales will provide leadership over the Eastin Center’s three main functions: career readiness, corporate engagement

chief marketing officer for Snap-on Inc., which makes tools and equipment. As chief marketing officer for Snap-on,

third annual anniversary. This classic helps

and career services.

raise money for scholarships for Spears

“We are delighted to have Alicia serve as

keting, brand management, innovation

School of Business students.”

the first director of the Eastin Center,” says

and customer connection efforts.

Registration prices are $375 individually

Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School.

Prior to joining Snap-on, Smales worked

and $1,500 per team. All proceeds are donated to the Spears School of Business General Scholarship fund. The top three teams receive prizes that are donated

“She brings a wealth of experience and skills to the position, and we are excited to see what she helps us accomplish in the areas of career readiness, corporate

Smales was responsible for guiding mar-

for Hilti Inc., a global manufacturer and marketer of tools and fasteners for construction and industrial markets. She began her career in the sporting goods

by numerous companies. Individual par-

engagement and career services.”

ticipants can also win the Longest Drive

Joseph Eastin, an OSU alumnus who is

as Wilson Sporting Goods, Brunswick

Award and the Closest to the Pin prize.

president and CEO of ISN, was instru-

Corp., Coleman Camping Products and

“We will accept registration until the tour-

mental in the creation of the new center

Adams Golf, holding roles of increasing

with a generous gift. He is thrilled with

responsibility in product and brand

the merrier!”

the addition of Smales as director.

management.

The Golf Classic is made possible thanks

“I can’t think of a better person than

Smales is a member of the Spears School

to the contributions of these sponsors:

Alicia Smales to join the center as its first

Associates and participates in the Spears

Silver • Phillips 66

director,” says Eastin, who earned a bach-

School’s mentoring program.

elor’s degree in business administration

In 2014, she was recognized as one of the

nament is full,” Scott says. “The more,

• Manhattan Construction

from OSU in 1992 and was inducted into the Spears School Hall of Fame in 2012.

industry, working on leading brands such

“Spears School Tributes: 100 For 100” during the 100th anniversary of business

Bronze • MassMututal

“With her rich background as both a cor-

Hole Sponsor • Wallace Engineering

lete, she has the expertise to ensure that

Prizes will be provided by Kicker, Fentons,

the next generation of business leaders. I

10 OSU graduates win OSCPA honors

would also like to acknowledge Dr. Bryan

Nothing can stop these Oklahoma State

Edwards and Dr. Andrew Urich for their

University Trailblazers.

Monster, Wilson Chevrolet and PING. Coca-Cola and Pope Distributing will sponsor drinks on the golf course. For more information about the Golf Classic, visit cepd.okstate.edu, email cepd@okstate.edu, or call 405-744-5208.

four collegiate individual titles and com-

Alumna Alicia Smales returned to to serve as director of the Eastin Center

Alicia Smales

the OSU women’s golf team and won

engage@spears summer 2016

education at OSU.

porate executive and an OSU student-athOSU students are prepared to become

tireless efforts in helping select Alicia Smales to lead the Eastin Center.”

Ten of the 20 Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants members

Smales graduated in 1981 with a bach-

honored in the society’s March/April spe-

elor’s degree in business administra-

cial issue of its magazine, CPAFOCUS,

tion. She was a scholarship member of

were OSU graduates:

continues

OSU is committed to energy savings Sustainability and energy management are among OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priorities. Since 2007, OSU has cut its utility costs more than $32 million. Utilizing the Cowboy Wind Farm, OSU is able to supply about 71 percent of its electricity needs through green power every year. Visit energy.okstate.edu to learn more about how to help OSU save energy today.

OSU is focused on bright minds, building brighter futures and the brightest world for all.

Robert Benson, CPA; assurance manager, Ernst & Young LLP in Tulsa. Ashley Cooper, CPA; tax manager, HoganTaylor LLP in Oklahoma City. Megan Fredrickson, CPA; director of tax and principal, Jenson & Co., CPAs PC in Edmond, Okla. Patrick McFeeters, CPA; chief financial officer, Innov8ive Software Consultants in Oklahoma City. Jacob Pasby, CPA; controller, Arnold Oil

Robert Benson

Ashley Cooper

Megan Fredrickson

Patrick McFeeters

Jacob Pasby

Kristine Thompson

Wendy Thompson

Jana Walker

Evan West

Chris Zach

Properties in Oklahoma City. Kristine Thompson, CPA; tax manager, Eide Bailly LLP in Oklahoma City. Wendy Thompson, CPA, CGMA; manager of transportation accounting, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores in Oklahoma City. Jana Walker, CPA, partner, FSW&B CPAs PLLC in Stillwater. Evan West, CPA; senior manager in business tax services, Ernst & Young LLP in Tulsa. Chris Zach, CPA; marketing specialist, BKD CPAs & Advisors in Oklahoma City. The Trailblazer program was established in 2010 to recognize the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA’s New CPAs, defined as members under the age of 40 or who have five or fewer years of CPA experience. “We are honored to have [the Trailblazers] as members of our profession,” says OSCPA President Robin Byford, CPA, CFP®, senior vice president of wealth management with Merrill Lynch in Oklahoma City. “Their leadership and talents are valuable to us for our future.” The 2016 Trailblazer honorees were to be celebrated at the OSCPA’s 98th annual members meeting June 10 in Oklahoma City. The OSCPA accepts Trailblazer nominations every summer and fall. The OSCPA Public Relations Committee selected this year’s class of Trailblazers from more than 40 nominations.

engage@spears summer 2016

Pete says,

“THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OSU COWBOYS.” You can help us find the next generation of Cowboys by identifying potential students. You provide the contact information. We do the rest.

IN BRIEF

Keynote speaker Brian Byrnes, vice pres-

sport business programs who are housed

ident of sales and marketing for the

in business school, as opposed to other

Thunder, spoke about the organization’s

academic units, with unique challenges

The Oklahoma State University Spears

growth as Oklahoma’s first permanent

such as accreditation and similar issues.

School of Business’ Center for Executive

major-league sports team. After, the group

The conference allowed for networking,

and Professional Development hosted the

attended the Thunder game against the

insight into the sports industry and aca-

sixth annual Alliance for Sport Business

Los Angeles Clippers.

demic presentations.

meeting and conference in Oklahoma

“Brian told a great story about the his-

“The best part of the conference was

tory of the Thunder brand,” says Bryan

getting to introduce my colleagues to

Finch, clinical assistant professor in the

Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, the Thunder

Department of Management and director

and Oklahoma State. It was the first

of the OSU Sports Management Institute.

experience for many of the attendees

The two-day conference began March 31

“How the team moved from Seattle, rein-

in Oklahoma, and I was proud to serve

at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, home

vented itself and quickly realized that it

as host.”

to the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA bas-

was in a unique marketplace. The focus

ketball team. The meeting and academic

has been on long-term sustainable suc-

presentations were held in the arena.

cess and a community-focused style of

OSU scores slam dunk with sport business conference

City. More than 30 university professors and students from across the United States, as well as faculty from Greece and Australia, attended the conference.

“We had seven academic presentations from universities around the U.S. and

leadership. It was a great speech for the conference.”

mitted to increasing academic excellence and helping prepare quality graduates for the sports, recreation and entertainment industries.

Australia and Greece,” says Kelle Scott,

The next day, the conference met at the

CEPD meeting coordinator. “The topics

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home to

ranged from ethics to management to

the Oklahoma City Dodgers, a Triple-A

kinesiology. After the presentations, we

baseball team. The group toured the

ACE tutors offer help via Skype

had dinner in the arena, and the tables

ballpark there as well.

The School of Accounting at Oklahoma

were decorated with Kevin Durant’s

“The goal of the conference was to bring

State University is piloting a project to

training basketball shoes; of course we had to try them on!”

sports business faculty together from all over the USA and beyond,” Finch says. “Our organization was founded to help

ASB was founded in 2011 and is com-

engage@spears summer 2016

offer tutoring via Skype through the Accounting Collaborative for Academic Excellence (ACE) program.

Completing its third semester this past

who are struggling and need extensive

grading and other responsibilities for pro-

spring, ACE provides tutoring and sup-

help to those who are excelling and only

fessors; and Beta Alpha Psi volunteers.

port to all students enrolled in accounting

have a question or two as they prepare

classes in the Spears School of Business.

for class,” says Spencer, ACE director

Skype provides video chat and voice call

and assistant professor in accounting.

services online.

“ACE has been a fantastic opportunity for me, both as a student and as a tutor,” says Nathan Squires, who is simultane-

“ACE is my home away from home,” says

ously pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s

“Angela Spencer has done an exceptional

Elise Heigle, who is pursuing a master’s

in accounting.

job getting this initiative up and going,”

in accounting. “Whether you are looking

says Robert Cornell, head of the School

for help with homework or just need

of Accounting in the Spears School. “This

another accounting major to relate to,

additional (Skype) option will be trans-

there is always a classmate in ACE who

formational to our program.”

has gone through the challenges you are

Initially, ACE was to provide tutoring assistance for the financial accounting course sequence, but it was expanded to support all accounting courses. ACE has also organized a series of small group lunches with diverse professionals to support students’ development outside as well as inside the classroom. “The goal of ACE is to support all students in the accounting program, from those

currently facing in your academic career. “The ACE community has truly given me the most rewarding friendships and been the greatest opportunity of my Cowboy career.” ACE draws tutors from three groups: hourly tutors that are funded in part by ConocoPhillips and Phillips66 funds; mainline graduate assistants who also have

“Going through Intermediate accounting my junior year was difficult, but fortunately ACE provided a unique way to study as well as gain a great understanding of the material. As a tutor, working with other students not only helps them to do well, but it also helps me further my accounting knowledge.” At ACE’s inception, ConocoPhillips and Phillips66 funds were used to pay tutors. Now that nearly all graduate assistants work at least a few hours each week in ACE, ConocoPhillips and Phillips66 partially fund hourly workers and special events, says Spencer.

OSU research article is often cited When Rick Wilson arrived at Oklahoma

“I’ve spent most of the last 20 years here at

State University in 1990, he teamed up with

OSU in administrative positions, so I haven’t

veteran faculty member Ramesh Sharda on

focused on research projects as I did ‘back

a research project that ultimately led to a

in the day,’” says Wilson, who has served as

journal article titled, “Bankruptcy Prediction

the department chair for the MSIS depart-

Using Neural Networks,” which appeared in

ment since its founding in 2002.

the top journal Decision Support Systems in 1994. Rick Wilson

“It was a shock to see our paper so high — yet we still see new papers citing it as the

More than 20 years later, the journal article

basis for future on-going research papers.

has been recognized as one of the most-

It is rewarding to know that Ramesh and

cited neural networks in business research

I played a substantive role in this line of

papers ever published.

important practical research in the ana-

The management science and information

lytics field.”

systems professors’ work was recently listed

To read the full article and view the rank-

as the third-most cited paper in the past

ings of the most cited papers, visit http:// okla.st/23m6cjP. @

two decades, according to an article titled, “Artificial Neural Networks in Business: Two Decades of Research,” published by Michal Tkac and Robert Verner in Applied Soft Computing (Volume 38, January 2016, pages 788-804). Ramesh Sharda

summer 2016 engage@spears

Celebrating 25 years and over 2,000 students

2015 -2016 • 450+ Students • 20 Trips • 18 Countries • 5 Continents

For exciting travel options visit http://cagle.okstate.edu or call 405.744.5210

91 - 2016

25TH

WINTER - SPRING - SUMMER Earn 3-6 hours of credit - Scholarships Available

S T U DY A B R O

Global Adventures Await ! Where Will You Go?

The Numbers Add Up: Spears Business is Growing The OSU Spears School of Business continues to grow as more students value the benefit of an outstanding business education. The enrollment numbers show where the school ranks nationally out of 516 business schools.

largest Doctoral

largest

Undergrad

Total enrollment

largest Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

4,290

4,033

3,819

3,478

2,813

2,257

2,065

Undergraduate Students

4,616

Spears vs. the Big 12

OSU

Texas

Texas Tech

Iowa State

Baylor

Kansas State

West Virginia

TCU

92 %

of all Spears School graduates are employed or have job offers within three months of graduation.

(Data from the AACSB 2014-15 BSQ Survey. Kansas was not included in the survey.)

SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BUSINESS BUILDING, STILLWATER, OK 74078-4011 SCHOOL OF

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SPEARS BUSINESS

SCHOOL OF

MARKETING and INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AT SPEARS BUSINESS THE DEPARTMENT OF

ECONOMICS and LEGAL STUDIES IN BUSINESS AT SPEARS BUSINESS SCHOOL OF

ACCOUNTING AT SPEARS BUSINESS THE DEPARTMENT OF

FINANCE AT SPEARS BUSINESS

THE DEPARTMENT OF

MANAGEMENT AT SPEARS BUSINESS

THE DEPARTMENT OF

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE PETE’S PET POSSE ADDS SPEARS MEMBERS Shelby Clanahan (from left), Jerimy and INFORMATION SYSTEMS Sherin and William Schwartz are the first Spears School of Business employees to be accepted into AT SPEARS BUSINESS

Pete’s Pet Posse therapy program. Their dogs Sebastian, Liam and Pippin (respectively) graduated from the program May 20. To read the story, see Page 36.

Non-Profit organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, OK Permit No. 191