DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
A Message From
The Chair
The department continues to see increasing student enrollments in our concentrations. This resulted in hiring three new faculty members in the past year: two post-doctoral fellows and two new adjunct instructors in the past year. One new faculty member, Liz Karam, will be the next department chair beginning in July (read about them on page 3). The faculty continue to excel in research and teaching in their efforts to promote the College’s vision of Business for a Better World. We hope you have experienced many successes as well!
Top Research
An increasing number of faculty published their research in top journals. Rob Mitchell, Sherry Fu and Boris Nikolaev were recognized for their research contributions with internal awards. Yolanda Sarason received a Fulbright Award to conduct research in Guatemala, and Michael Gross will be conducting research in Canada and Chris Henle in Ireland during their sabbaticals.
Excellence in Teaching
Our faculty went above and beyond again this year to provide our students with signature experiences both in and out of the classroom. These courses incorporate stronger ties to diversity, equity and inclusion, in addition to making use of cutting-edge technology such as generative artificial intelligence. Students continued to excel in international case competitions and other student engagement events. Two faculty members, Kipp Krukowski and Boris Nikolaev, received College and University awards for their outstanding teaching. Many more in the
department received nominations. We are grateful for our faculty's efforts over the past few semesters and for many of you who visited our classes to provide real-time, realworld lessons for our students.
Engaging with You
We value engagement with our alumni and the business community. Our annual alumni night in February brought alumni, students and faculty together to connect. We held successful meetings in the fall and spring for our Human Resources Edge Network and Supply Chain Management Forum. Thanks to your generosity, our endowed scholarships are growing. We also would like to establish faculty fellowships to support research. If you are interested in contributing to any of these, please visit our giving page: advancing.colostate.edu/biz/management .
After 16 years in the department and the past four as chair, I have decided to retire in June 2024. It has been a rewarding 25-year career in academia, and I am looking forward to the next adventure, which will include four years in Alaska followed by permanently settling in Tennessee. I would like to express my deep gratitude to each of you for your continued support of our department over the years, and I look forward to seeing how the department evolves under new leadership. If you have any feedback for us, please email juliet.romero@colostate.edu If you haven’t connected with us, I encourage you to do so through LinkedIn (csu.bz/mgmt-linkedin) or Instagram (@csu_management).
Susan Golicic, Ph.D. Professor and Chair
What’s New in the Department of Management
Elizabeth Karam Named Department Chair
With Susan Golicic retiring over the summer, Elizabeth Karam, PhD, has been selected to serve as the next chair of the Department of Management.
Liz joins the College from James Madison University, where she served as academic unit head and professor in the management department. A nationally renowned leadership scholar, she has been published in top peer-reviewed journals and regularly presents at national and international conferences. In recognition of her scholarship and academic leadership, she was awarded the JMU College of Business Dean's Impact award for three consecutive years. Prior to JMU, Liz was an associate professor and award-winning scholar at Texas Tech University.
Before joining academia, Liz earned a bachelor’s in sociology from the University of Michigan with a concentration that examined the social inequalities of race, class and gender. She worked in banking and human resource management before earning her MBA and PhD at Michigan State University.
“I was most attracted to the opportunity to work with the nationally and internationally renowned faculty in the management department and to be a part of working toward the College of Business’ vision of Business for a Better World,” she said. “There is a tremendous opportunity for business professors to support sustainable, ethical and impactful solutions to today’s business challenges, and I hope to spend the rest of my career at the College of Business collaboratively focused on those initiatives.”
Outside of academia, Liz enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities with her partner, two daughters and rescue dogs.
Asad Aziz Retires
Asad Aziz decided to get his PhD partly because of his interest in strategy and entrepreneurship, but mostly because he wanted to call his mother (an MD) on the phone and say, "May I speak to Dr Aziz? This is Dr Aziz calling!"
Little did he know that his years at the College of Business would be some of the most rewarding and enjoyable years of his professional life. This was such a positive developmental experience for him that his daughters noticed, more than once pointing out how he evolved and grew after leaving the semiconductor industry for the world of academia.
During his 15 years as management department faculty, Asad taught in MBA programs as with undergraduates. His favorite activity was advising student venture teams on their businesses, traveling with them to the field in locations such as Ghana, Vietnam and Mexico. Along the way, Asad was honored to receive the Green and Gold award for exemplary teaching, the Water Pik Excellence in Education award and the College of Business Excellence in Faculty Service award.
When sometimes questioned by colleagues about the goofy grin on his face, he is known to have conspiratorially whispered, "Don't tell anyone, but I just can't believe they're paying me this much to have fun!"
Grateful for the wonderful friendships he has made during his time at the College, Asad plans to stay in touch and in Fort Collins.
What’s New in the Department of Management
Welcome Haley Paluzzi to the Department
Haley Paluzzi recently earned her PhD in supply chain management from Iowa State University. In her dissertation, she explored the importance of adopting a consumercentric perspective for supply chain researchers and practitioners. Focusing on the interface between consumers and supply chains, her research interests include sustainable supply chain management, the circular economy and reverse logistics. Haley earned her MBA from the University of California – Riverside and received her Bachelor of Science in metallurgical and materials engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Before joining academia, Haley worked in operations and supply chain management roles within the steel industry, gaining valuable experience in the field. Haley’s hobbies are centered around the outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, golfing, skiing, traveling and riding dirt bikes with her family and friends.
Rowan Hilend Joins the Department
In Fall 2024, Rowan Hilend joins the department as an assistant professor of supply chain management. Rowan earned her PhD in logistics from Michigan State University, where a National Science Foundation grant funded her research into the global detection and interdiction of illicit wildlife trafficking supply chains. Through her research, she strives to achieve a holistic, transdisciplinary perspective of the motivations and multifaceted impacts of deviant behavior exhibited across illicit and legal supply chains.
Before joining the PhD program at MSU, Rowan graduated from Colorado State University in 2019 with dual bachelor's degrees in supply chain management and industrial/ organizational psychology. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening and horseback riding. Keep an eye out for her and her dog, Mowgli, around campus.
Outstanding
Boris Nikolaev
Outstanding
Bill Shuster
Outstanding
Troy Mumford
Alumni Spotlight
Aidan Hettler: SCM Graduate Transforming Healthcare
Fully embracing the College’s vision of using Business for a Better World, supply chain alum Aidan Hettler (’21) stepped into to the role of CEO at Sedgwick County Health Center at the age of 22.
His journey exemplifies the profound impact of a human-centered approach to business rooted in the principles instilled during his time at the College of Business. Aidan shared that the College’s Business for a Better World vision was more than a slogan: His exposure to the College’s vision shaped his outlook and directed his ambition. Ultimately, it inspired Aidan to embrace servant leadership that strives to make a significant impact in his organization. In turn, that same leadership provides his team with the support to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.
Reflecting on his time in the College, Aidan attributes his success to experiences here.
"My time at the College of Business didn't just prepare me for a career in supply chain; it shaped me into a multifaceted business professional and leader focused on human values, emotions and connections that serve as the heartbeat of an organization,” he said.
Megan Murphy: Using Her HR Education as an HR Leader
Megan Murphy (’18) has already made strides in the world of human resources.
Megan is a senior human resources business partner at Lockheed Martin, where she brings more than six years of experience to her role. She serves as a vital asset, providing strategic HR support to a dynamic team of more than 300 leaders and employees. In this role, she embodies the College’s Business for a Better World ethos in pursuit of her company’s goals.
“I enjoy helping leaders craft the vision for the organization,” she said. “How that fits in is twofold: Lockheed has a great mission of protecting the nation and creating cuttingedge tech. Within my day to day, I get to positively impact the people working on these projects.”
Murphy’s success builds on her experience at the College of Business, which cultivated her passion for HR. Her involvement with the Society for Human Resource Management, including serving as president, played a pivotal role in shaping her future career path.
Business Insights for a Better World
Curveball Workloads Cause Anxiety and Burnout
If you’ve ever felt blindsided by an unexpectedly hectic or slow workday, you’re not alone. A recent study by Sherry Fu and her colleagues reveals that unexpected changes in daily workload can lead to anxiety and burnout among office workers.
The research, "'I Didn't See That Coming!' A Daily Investigation of the Effects of As-Expected and Unexpected Workload Levels," found that when employees’ expectations for their workday don't align with reality, they perceive a loss of control over their environment. That lack of control, in turn, can become a source of anxiety. Surprisingly, both excessive and insufficient workloads can cause stress if they deviate from an employee's expectations.
The research found that this anxiety doesn’t end when the workday does. Its lingering effects indirectly contribute to additional anxiety the following day, potentially setting the stage for burnout over time.
The findings were drawn from responses to daily surveys conducted over three weeks. Further analysis led researchers to hypothesize that the feeling of reduced control over one's environment is the driving force behind this anxiety.
The research offers valuable insights for managers, suggesting that providing employees with greater control over their daily workloads could help mitigate anxiety and prevent burnout and turnover. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing field of organizational management research by delving into the interior experiences of individual workers on the job.
Mara Waller Pens Book on Crisis Preparedness
It seems that organizations - and their leaders - are constantly faced with unexpected critical situations that require immediate attention. "Crisis-Ready Teams," cowritten by Mara Waller, provides leaders with a framework to prepare in advance to manage crises.
The authors analyzed audio and video recordings of hundreds of hours of crisis simulations involving flight crews, nuclear power plant control rooms, mine rescues, emergency room doctors and nurses, and other teams. Drawing on this, they explain how any team, and any team leader across all sectors, can be ready to manage high-magnitude events that could seriously harm their organizations.
The book is based on Mara and her coauthor’s extensive, decades-long research on crisis team dynamics and key success behaviors and explores why some teams perform so much better than others. Combining empirical research and other academic literature on team crisis performance, it shows how crisis teams and leaders can cement crucial behaviors through specific tactics and attention to team composition, communication and coordination, especially in the first few minutes of a crisis.
The book provides a valuable framework and research data for scholars studying crises and teams in organizations. It is also appropriate for organizational leaders and MBA or executive education instruction on crisis management and leadership.
Human Resources
OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
Abbey Blik, Fall 2023
“
I had no clue what I wanted my concentration to be at the College of Business until I took the intro to human resources class with Samantha Conroy. She inspired me to choose the HR concentration, and since day one, she and all the management faculty showed me endless support.
“I had the opportunity to work for the College of Business as the HR program recruiter. This opportunity fostered so many great connections with the faculty and professionals in the Northern Colorado area. I can confidently say that I am forever grateful for choosing to pursue the HR concentration, and the professors have made me a wellrounded student.”
— Abbey Blik
Cayla Begley, Spring 2024
Without the guidance and dedication from my professors, I would not be here. They have imparted knowledge and support that has helped me strive for excellence. Attending the HR Edge Network, holding the vice president position at our local SHRM chapter and participating in the HR case competitions have all allowed me to apply the skills that I have learned in my classes. Being a mock interview specialist at the Career Management Center has also been so rewarding over the past year. These opportunities have helped foster my relationships with students and professionals and enhanced my leadership skills.
“As I reflect on the College of Business, I am thankful for the experience that has helped me grow out of my shell and shaped me into the individual I am today.”
— Cayla Begley
Human Resources
Top HR Students Showcase Talents at Case Competition
For the fourth year in a row, the Rocky Mountain HR Case Competition brought aspiring human resources leaders together to test their skills by addressing real-world HR issues they will face after graduation.
The February event challenged teams of students from the College of Business at Colorado State University, the University of Wyoming, the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Denver to develop a strategy for navigating the complexities of remote work in the postpandemic workplace.
The event kicked off Feb 23 with a networking event at Advanced Energy, where participants received an inside look at the company and heard from a panel of seasoned HR professionals. These industry experts shared insights on the evolving role of HR, from managing payroll to driving talent development.
The next day, teams turned their attention to the case competition, where they analyzed the challenges of remote work and drew on classroom learning to craft innovative solutions. Each team presented its recommendations to a panel of judges, including HR leaders from Woodward Inc., New Belgium Brewing and the city of Fort Collins.
After fierce competition, the top spots went to teams from the College of Business at CSU, Wyoming and UNC. The students from the College - Alea Arias, Alice Larm, Lauren Phillips and Isabella Rubio - earned first place with their thoughtful approach and polished presentation.
HR Edge Events Bridge Students, Faculty and Professionals
Two successful HR Edge Network events this year provided invaluable opportunities for students, faculty and industry professionals to connect, collaborate and explore the latest trends in human resources.
In November, Woodward Inc. hosted the event, presenting about the company and facilitating engaging discussions. Faculty members Chris Henle, Tiffany Trzebiatowski and Troy Mumford shared their research, followed by an alumni panel featuring Maggie Hirko, Tabitha Tallent and Kyle Dysart. The event was a testament to the department's commitment to fostering meaningful connections between academia and industry.
The spring HR Edge event, held in April, featured research presentations by Boris Nikolaev and Samantha Conroy, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence in human resources. This was followed by a presentation by Karie Willyerd called, “AI + Human: Designing for Humans in the Loop.” The afternoon showcased a case competition, providing students with another opportunity to present solutions to HR professionals. The event concluded with a captivating discussion on the role of AI in HR, a topic at the forefront of the industry's transformation.
100%
Students who passed the SHRM certified professional exam
Management and Innovation
OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
Barrett Power, Fall 2023
“
I could not be more grateful for my experience in the College of Business. Not only am I leaving equipped with so much knowledge, I am graduating with a love for business that grew as a direct result of my experience here. As a student-athlete, I could not have succeeded without the support of so many people, especially my professors.
“So many professors went above and beyond, showing up to cheer me on at matches or sending emails wishing me good luck. I am so thankful. Following graduation, I plan to use my final year of eligibility as an athlete to play one last season of volleyball and get my MBA degree. I am confident my experience has prepared me for success wherever I find myself in the future.”
— Barrett Power
Elizabeth Rencher, Spring 2024
“ The secret to an organization's success is the 'who,' not the 'what.' The 'who' at the College of Business made my experience at CSU a delight. Thank you to my professors who shared knowledge of management and innovation, allowing me to bring value to real-world situations like my consulting practicum with Park County. Thank you to my advisors, who supported my dream to study abroad in Spain and brought me to Ecuador for our community and cultural engagement trip. And thank you to the Daniels Fund, the reason that the doors of higher education were opened for me. I hope to build bridges for others just as you all have done for me."
— Elizabeth Rencher
Management and Innovation
Embracing
AI in the Classroom: Professors Pave the Way for Innovation
Management faculty lead the charge in integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies into the classroom experience.
From leveraging AI for experiential learning to fostering critical thinking and ethical considerations, faculty are equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Kipp Krukowski, working with ExEC Experiential Entrepreneurship, pioneered the use of an AI interviewing tool in his entrepreneurship courses. Students practice interviewing the AI, gaining confidence in open-ended questioning and follow-up techniques. The AI interview subject provides knowledgeable responses tailored to the students' specified expertise areas. Complementing this experience with human interviews, students gain a well-rounded understanding of the interviewing process and its nuances.
Similarly, Rob Mitchell embraced AI as a learning tool, requiring students to articulate their use of generative AI in assignments. Recognizing the importance of critical thinking, Rob redesigned assignments to challenge students' analytical abilities, fostering a balanced approach to technology integration.
Boris Nikolaev's classes have taken AI integration to new heights. From data analysis with Code Interpreter to using ChatGPT as an innovation copilot, students explore the vast potential of AI. They delve into the ethical challenges and risks associated with AI, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its implications. Moreover, students gain hands-on experience by building their own AI models to automate tasks, further cementing their grasp of this transformative technology.
Empowering the Frontlines in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
The 2024 Northern Colorado Human Trafficking Symposium engaged and educated attendees on human trafficking through research, training and collaboration. The symposium served as a platform for survivor stories, professional insights and research discussions.
This year's theme, “Equipping the Global Frontlines,” set the tone for the two-day virtual event held April 11-12. It attracted 1,217 attendees, making it the largest yet. Keynote speakers included Kathy Givens, a leader and survivor, and experts like Shanna Parker and Becca Johnson.
With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, the symposium offered three tracks to cater to the diverse needs and interests of attendees, which included community members, survivors, students and researchers. Presentations varied in topic, covering issues such as decolonizing anti-trafficking programs and delving into innovative approaches like music therapy for survivors.
The College of Business’ vision of Business for a Better World was on full display as the symposium brought together experts, advocates and concerned individuals from around the globe to address this pressing global challenge.
Entrepreneurship minors enrolled
Supply Chain Management
OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
Jackson Boll, Fall 2023
I was given many amazing opportunities to pursue my passions and develop valuable skills. I held two supply chain internships at World Wide Technology and Woodward Inc. and an externship with Arrow Electronics through the Supply Chain Practicum Course.
“The College also gave me opportunities to show my skills through case competitions. Most notably, my teammates and I won first place at the 2023 National Undergraduate Supply Chain Case Competition in Minneapolis. Networking opportunities like Supply Chain Club events and the Supply Chain Management Forum were extremely valuable to me throughout my time at the College and contributed significantly to my professional growth. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing professors and peers, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me along the way!"
—Jackson Boll
Kyra Kauffman, Spring 2024
“ I served as the vice president of the Supply Chain Club, competed in case competitions, participated in the competitive supply chain practicum and traveled to Arkansas to attend the WISE Leadership Symposium. After coming back, I worked to start a local WISE chapter to further support the diversity of our supply chain program.
“Outside of school I enjoyed working as an intern at Rexel USA, focusing on sustainability in their distribution processes. I have also earned a second concentration in human resources management.
“I made a point to focus on building strong connections with my classmates and the incredible faculty at the College of Business. I cannot thank the SCM staff enough for being so welcoming and supportive of all my ambitions during my time here.”
— Kyra Kauffman
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management Students Shine at Case Competitions
The supply chain management program enjoyed a busy spring semester, attending two prestigious case competitions and hosting the Rams Operation Stimulus Supply Chain Challenge.
In late February and early March, the College hosted the Rams Operation Stimulus Supply Chain Challenge, welcoming 17 teams from 16 top supply chain programs across the nation. The event featured a mobile classroom trucking trailer from the American Trucking Associations’ Image Truck Program, staffed by America's Road Team. Keynote speakers included the management department’s Zac Rogers, Jeff Hicks of Fastenal, Greg Hodgen (CSU alum) of Groendyke Transport and Janice Kosanovich of PepsiCo Transportation Services.
The two-round case competition challenges students to devise solutions for a real-world transportation challenge. This year, teams were tasked with developing a 10-year vehicle acquisition strategy for a fictitious company.
At the University of Minnesota Supply Chain & Operations Case Competition in April, the College of Business team faced 15 teams from across the country in a challenge that charged teams to create a digitization strategy for Henkel Corporation in 24 hours.
In October, four College of Business students traveled to Detroit for the annual General Motors and Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition, advancing to the finals and earning second place among teams from approximately 20 universities across North America.
Student case teams were required to offer a solution for a supplier sourcing issue for a GM truck model. Students also toured the Little Caesars headquarters during their time in the Motor City.
Logistics Academics Gather in Fort Collins
In April, the College of Business hosted the 2024 Patricia J. Daugherty Logistics Doctoral Symposium, a symposium hosted annually by top U.S. supply chain management programs. The symposium offers doctoral students a platform to showcase their research, interact with industry experts, and drive progress in logistics and supply chain management, fostering academic collaboration and fueling innovation within the field.
The event focuses on mentoring and professional development, bringing faculty, industry partners and doctoral students together to prepare future researchers for success in their academic and professional pursuits in a face-to-face setting.
From delving into the ethical dimensions of research to navigating the complexities of the job market, discussions around each topic were marked by a shared dedication to engagement and excellence. Sustainability emerged as a key theme, emphasizing the importance of aligning scholarly pursuits with real-world impact. As the global community grapples with pressing environmental challenges, the symposium's emphasis on sustainability acted as a further reminder of the transformative power of research in driving positive change.
100%
Students receiving a signature experience such as practicum projects and case competitions
Thank You
Thank you to the Department of Management’s 2024 Peak Partner, Lockheed Martin, for everything it has done for the department over the past few years.
This year, we were involved in a wide array of activities and impacted the lives of many students — and not just at the College of Business. We are proud of the impact we had in sponsoring and hosting the Rocky Mountain HR and Operation Stimulus case competitions, as well as the annual Logistics Doctoral Symposium. Thank you to all of the sponsors, faculty, staff and attendees for these events. We look forward to engaging with all of you at future events!
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Department of Management
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1201 Campus Delivery
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(970) 491-5103 biz.colostate.edu/management
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