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J. W H ITN EY BUN TING COLLEGE OF BUSIN ESS & TECH NOLOGY

ANNUALREPORT HI GHLI GHTS AND KEY STRATEGI C UPDATES FROM THE ACADEMI C YEAR |20252026

Vision The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology aspires to be the preeminent business school among public liberal arts colleges and universities by delivering innovative programs of excellence.

Mission The mission of the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology is to develop agile business professionals and socially responsible citizen leaders who embrace intellectual inquiry through critical and analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, technical competence and effective communication, while building upon the attributes of a public liberal arts education.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

LIGHTING A PATH FOR OUR FUTURE BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD THE 2022-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1: FOCUS ON ACADEMIC INNOVATION Key Initiatives: Develop and implement a BS in Finance Expand and enrich high impact practices Ensure technology currency across academic disciplines Grow and sustain graduate enrollments

Academic innovation reflects both responsiveness to demand in the market and relevance to broader societal needs. A business education, as fully integrated with the public liberal arts, sets the environment for transformative listening, learning, and leveraging.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2: CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETAL IMPACT Key Initiatives: Develop partnerships with large employers Design and implement a Center for Innovation Visit gcsu.edu/business/strategic-plan to read more.

We foster collaborative engagement and meaningful stakeholder connections. Our goal is positive and measurable societal impact for our various constituents including students, faculty, staff, local organizations, entrepreneurs and regional employers.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

By the Numbers 2025-2026

#1 Most money raised of all GCSU colleges for the 2026 Annual Giving Challenge

Undergraduate Business Program Among Regional South Universities according to U.S. News & World Report 2025.

Best online Master of Business Administration Degree in Georgia according to U.S. News & World Report 2026.

Undergraduate Computer Science Program Among Regional South Universities according to U.S. News & World Report 2025.

$244,670

2,350+

Economic impact of CoBT volunteer hours

Students enrolled in the College of Business & Technology

Of the Top 5 Majors at GCSU are in the College of Business & Technology

32%

30+

Of all new GCSU students are CoBT majors

Honors College Students

Students engaged in Undergraduate Research

Graduating Students Reported

73%

of students participated in high-impact practices

students participated in study abroad or study away programs

51%

percentage of students making $60,000+ salary upon graduation

146

Internships were completed

92% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with their internships

87%

of students rated CoBT faculty quality as high or very high

These numbers are based on undergraduate senior exit exams and information from the GCSU Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. Volunteer Hours are based on Industry Standards from The Independent Sector.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Faculty Publications 2025-2026 ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS LAW

COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS

75+ Total Number of Publications Disclaimer: This list is not comprehensive and is based on information recorded in Faculty Success for this reporting period. It includes media interviews, features, publications, other quotes in the press and publications outside of CoBT disciplines.

Conferences 2025-2026

AACSB International Conference & Meetings Academy of Business Research Conference Academy of Economics and Finance Academy of Legal Studies in Business Academy of Marketing Science Agile Network AIACIS Conference All-Ohio Accounting Conference American Accounting Association American Economic Association Americas Super Use Group Georgia Chapter Meeting Association for Writing Across the Curriculum Association of Private Enterprise Education Atlantic Marketing Association Conference Beta Alpha Psi National Meeting Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Conference for Teaching & Learning in Accounting Corporate Responsibility Research Conference Decision Sciences Institute Enterprise Agility Network Inaugural Conference Financial Management Association Annual Meeting Georgia Association of Accounting Educators Conference Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Huber Hurst Legal Scholarship Seminar

Number of CoBT Faculty

International Association for Computer Information Systems Annual Conference International Information Management Association Intercollegiate Sales Competition Management Accounting Section Midyear Meeting Middle Georgia Stock Pitch Competition National Collegiate Sales Competition North American Sustainability and Responsibility Summit Perry Startup Summit RAIS Conference Richard Tapia Diversity in Computing Conference Rocky Mountain Academy of Legal Studies SAP Alliance Small Business Institute Society for Marketing Advances Society for Military History Southern Association for Information Systems Conference Southern Business Administration Association Annual Meeting Southern Finance Association Conference Southern Management Association Springer Nature USG Innovation Competition USG Teaching & Learning Conference

Undergraduate Majors

4* Master’s Programs

*New fifth program, Master of Science in AI Strategy, beginning Fall 2026. Disclaimer: The list of conferences is not comprehensive and is based on information reported in Faculty Success for the reporting period. The data may not capture all activities, achievements or contributions during the reporting period.

Company Collaborations

Guest Speakers | Internships | Sponsors | Competition Judges | Projects Achieve Atlanta

First Citizens Bank

Microsoft

AGCO Corporation

Focus Brands

Middle Georgia Manufacturing Expo

Agile Network

FORVIS/Mazars

Milledgeville Baldwin Chamber

AmericasMart

Fouts Bros., Inc.

Nichols Cauley

Amici’s

Frazier Deeter

Parrish Construction

Analysis Group

French Vill’Edge

Peraton

Aprio

Fulton & Kozak

Pettigrew & Pettigrew

Atlanta Apparel Market

Geological Society of America

RNMKRS

Bank of America

Georgia Pacific

SalesForce

Base44

Georgia Power

SAP

Becker CPA

Georgia Technological University

Shuffle Mamas

Bennet Thrasher

Goebel Media

Slalom

BKV Corporation

Grant Thornton

Slumberpods

BodyPlex

Gulfstream Aerospace

Small Business Development Center

Booz Allen Hamilton

Halle Foundation

Smith + Howard

Carr Riggs & Ingram

HD Hyundai Infracore

Soliant

CB Smith & Associates

Howard Moore McDuffie

SparkMacon

Central Garden & Pet

IBM

State of Georgia

Chick-Fil-A

Insight Global

Supreme Lending

Cintas

Jackson and Coker

The Coca-Cola Company

City of Suwanee

Kairos Group

The Smith Agency

Country Fried Creative

Knight Foundation

Thiele Kaolin

Crumbl Cookies

KPMG

Tomorrow Digital Marketing

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Surcheros

TTi

Draffin Tucker

Lake Country Gymnastics

Vecima Networks

Eatonton Chamber of Commerce

Lauren Roth Consulting

Visit Macon

EisnerAmper

Lockheed Martin

Visit Milledgeville

ERPSim

Mauldin & Jenkins

Windham Brannon

Exchange Bank

McNair McLemore Middlebrooks

WipFli

Exchange Investment Services

YKK

* This list is not comprehensive and is only a sampling of companies that the College of Business & Technology collaborates with.

Accounting & Business Law HIGHLIGHTS BETA ALPHA PSI

Community Service Project

Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an honors organization that recognizes scholastic and professional excellence in accounting, finance and information systems. This chapter is Silver Status, has 60+ members, and sent attendees to the National Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas and Mid-Year Meeting in Cincinatti, Ohio. BAP placed third in the Best Practices Competition. They also hosted fundraisers and a community service drive with local non-profit, Communities in Schools, and raised over $1,000. Check out their service website! Many Beta Alpha Psi events and activities are sponsored by the Accounting Advisory Board. This year, 14% of the Educational Foundation of the Georgia Society of CPAs scholarship recipients were CoBT accounting students!

HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES

Accounting Alumni Mixer @ Aprio

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) PROGRAM

$200 saved per taxpayer 100+ program participants 92% participant satistfaction rate 900 CoBT student service hours 18 Student Certified Tax Preparers

GCSU Accounting Alumni

Dr. Mohammad Jizi, Interim Chair

ALUMNI & FACULTY Mary Beth Hall ’22, ’23 After earning her BBA and MAcc at GCSU and passing all four sections of the CPA exam, Mary Beth Hall quickly advanced to Senior Audit Accountant at Nichols Cauley & Associates. She credits GCSU faculty with providing the technical knowledge and mentorship that prepared her for a rapidly evolving industry shaped by AI. Read the full story in Front Page.

Dr. Adel Almasarwah Dr. Almasarwah, CoBT assistant professor of Accounting and MAcc assessment coordinator, published a new textbook titled Modern Financial Accounting. Bringing international experience from six countries, his research recently earned the "Best Paper Award" at the 42nd International RAIS Conference.

FACULTY

Victor “Scott” Burns GCSU accounting instructor V. Scott Burns, CPA, possesses a robust professional background featuring senior leadership roles at JP Morgan and Horseshoe Fund Services in Bermuda. Since joining the faculty in 2022, he has dedicated himself to teaching core accounting and taxation courses with a focus on real-world application. He also started and directs Georgia College's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, synthesizing his tax expertise with a passion for community service and student development. Read the full story in Front Page. You can also read his interview with WMAZ13 on AI & Taxes.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Economics & Finance HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT MANAGED INVESTMENTS COMMITTEE (SMIC)

2025-2026 SMIC Executive Board

SMIC consists of an executive leadership board and 10 managing directors who oversee groups of analysts, with a 45-person membership requiring interviews and financial knowledge testing. Students make weekly pitches in a variety of sectors within the S&P, and it is one of the hardest organizations to join on campus, with a growing membership. MENTORED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

Five students and six faculty members presented their original research at the 63rd Annual Academy of Econonmics & Finance Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES

AEF Student Presenters

Conference presentations | MURACE Undergraduate Student Research | Finance Club Economics & Debate Club | Omicron Delta Epsilon | NUDGE Unit: Psychology + Economics DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Brent Evans, Ms. Caroline Collier, Ms. Jessie Folk, Dr. Kalvin Mudrow, Dr. Chris Clark and Dr. J. J. Arias presented at The Association of Private Enterprise Education.

CoBT May 2026 Commencement Speaker & Economics Major, Lauren Decker

Hear from Economics Major, Erin Young, about why she chose GCSU and our Economics program in Front Page.

Dr. J.J. Arias, Chair

ALUMNI Morgan Stallings ’03

From interning at Booz Allen Hamilton to leading a $600 million brand expansion at AGCO, GCSU economics alumnus Morgan Stallings has mastered corporate strategy across multiple industries. Now a senior director at HD Hyundai Infracore, he attributes his analytical marketing approach to the foundational education and mentorship he received at Georgia College. Read the full story on Front Page.

Leah Kitashima ’12

Leah Kitashima earned her Ph.D. at Clemson University and now works as a consultant at Analysis Group, partnering with legal counsel to assess economic damages and communicate complex analytical findings in litigation. Read the full story on Front Page.

FACULTY Dr. Brooke Conaway Dr. Conaway brings award-winning dedication to her role as an economics professor, recently serving as president of the Academy of Economics and Finance. She stays deeply involved in campus life, mentoring over 130 senior thesis projects and even bringing her dog to class during exams. Read the full story on Front Page.

Dr. Donghun Kim

Before teaching finance, Dr. Kim spent six years as an international corporate finance manager, leading financial modeling for billion-dollar infrastructure projects. He uses that practical experience to bridge the gap between theory and practice, prioritizing real-world decision-making and teaching high-demand skills like Python. Read the full story on Front Page.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Information Systems & Computer Science HIGHLIGHTS

Students earning SAP Certification #1 ERPSIM TEAM IN THE UNITED STATES Five GCSU students claimed the top spot among U.S. universities at the SAP North American ERPsim Competition. Coached by Dr. Joy Godin, the interdisciplinary team used advanced data analytics and AI-assisted tools to manage a simulated manufacturing company and maximize profits. Read the full story in Front Page.

Winning ERPsim Team DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Students at a Networking Event

115+ students & professionals attended the professionalism etiquette dinner First AI Prompting Hackathon in partnership with Base44 GCSU WIT Day hosted speakers from Booz Allen and Salesforce Cybersecurity Day hosted speakers from Coca Cola and Georgia Tech

Dr. Jeannie Pridmore, Chair

ALUMNI Dean Crawford ’21 From interning with refugee students to leading major operational improvements at Slalom, Dean Crawford proves success is built through intentional choices. As a Senior Consultant connecting people, processes and technology, he credits his GCSU foundation for the confidence to embrace new challenges. Read the full story on Front Page.

Taylor Robbins ’15, ’23 From undecided freshman to software engineering leader at Lockheed Martin, Taylor Robbins leveraged his GCSU foundation to drive AI strategy and process automation. His journey demonstrates the power of early mentorship, continuous learning and strategic networking. Read the full story on Front Page.

FACULTY Dr. Daniel Wu With nearly 20 years of corporate IT experience, Dr. Wu brings hands-on data science expertise to the classroom. From analyzing baseball performance to solving local business challenges, his real-world approach prepares students to lead in an AI-driven world. Read the full story on Front Page.

Dr. Joy Godin For over 15 years, Dr. Godin has transformed information systems education through hands-on learning in AI, virtual reality and process automation. Her mentorship and leadership in the SAP Lab and WebMBA program empower the next generation of digital leaders. Read the full story on Front Page.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Management, Marketing & Logistics HIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Elevator Pitch: 670 participants in the elevator pitch competition for the 2025-2026 academic year New Student Organization: Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Top-ten placements in the RNMKRS Cold Call Competitions

Spring Elevator Pitch Winner Abigail Black SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE

Professor Kent Hill's Small Business Institute class held a tie-dye pop-up shop on campus. A collaboration with the Department of Athletics, the experiential project invited the GCSU community to support student-athletes. The students sold out the 240 t-shirts and raised a grand total of over $3,000 for the GCSU Women's Soccer Team. It was a perfect demonstration of business theory putting real-world impact into motion.

Small Business Institute Tie Dye Shop HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES

Internship Panel for Marketing & Advertising Club

Dr. Scott Manley, Chair

ALUMNI Jeremy Carlin ’24

After 15 years in ad tech, one professional pivoted to supply chain management to pursue more meaningful work. From warehouse floor supervision to strategic logistics, his journey highlights the power of adaptability and hands-on experience. Read the full story on Front Page.

Carlee Schulte ’10 After leading downtown revitalization for 15 years as Main Street Director, Carlee Schulte returned to her alma mater as Director of University Events. Her journey shows the power of pivoting, adaptability, and local networking. Read the full story on Front Page.

Craig Conyers ’20, ’23

From handling customer service calls during the pandemic to managing Georgia Pacific's internship program, Craig Conyers built a successful recruiting career on empathy, drive and spotting talent in others. Read the full story on Front Page.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Management, Marketing & Logistics HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR

FACULTY Dr. Ania Rynarzewska An expert in digital marketing, consumer protection and analytics, Dr. Rynarzewska blends industry experience with award-winning research on influencer culture, digital well-being and healthcare. Driven by an innovative spirit, they actively champion ethical marketing practices that foster trust, transparency and digital wellbeing. Read the full story in Front Page.

Dr. Bob Duesing

A retired U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Duesing leverages global leadership experience to teach strategic management. He has published 14 articles, consulted for startups, founded the GCSU Entrepreneurs Club and coached over 40 student business simulation teams to top 10% global finishes. Read the full story in Front Page.

Dr. Karl Manrodt

An internationally recognized logistics expert, Dr. Manrodt codeveloped the globally utilized "Vested" business model and became the first faculty member in recent memory to publish in the Harvard Business Review. A dedicated mentor, he has co-authored eight books, led major industry surveys and advised Fortune 500 firms.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Graduate Programs Overview The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology offers online programs in artificial intelligence, logistics and supply chain management, management information systems and business administration, as well as a face-to-face program in accounting. Email grad-admit@gcsu.edu to learn more.

MBA Master of Business Administration A member of the WebMBA Consortium offering accredited, affordable and asynchronous degrees with exponential networking opportunities.

Outstanding MMIS Graduate, Earl Brown

MMIS WEB MBA

Master of Management Information Systems The Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) bridges business and technology. For more than 35 years, we've transformed students from any undergraduate background into highdemand IT professionals.

MSAI NEW: Master of Science AI Strategy, Starting Fall 2026 The Master of Science in AI Strategy prepares students to design, deploy and evaluate AI solutions in real organizational and industry settings.

MACC

MLSCM Master of Logistics & Supply Chain Management The MLSCM program is designed to be completed in one year if desired. Entry into the program occurs every fall for experienced working professionals and spring for recent graduates with no work experience.

Master of Accountancy The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) emphasizes graduate-level accounting topics and business skills in areas identified by the profession as critical for success in a challenging and dynamic business environment.

gcsu.edu/graduate

PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS

Executive in Residence Read about Kristina’s visit on campus.

The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology’s Executive in Residence program brings distinguished professionals back to campus for high-impact student engagement. Last fall, double Bobcat Kristina Turner (’99, ’03), the first female deputy state auditor for Georgia, shared how her interdisciplinary background helped her integrate tech and data analytics into public service. This spring, Sam Rauschenberg (’07), Vice President of Growth and Impact at Achieve Atlanta, returned to emphasize the power of interpersonal skills and authenticity in an AI-driven job market. Both alumni guest-lectured, networked, and delivered keynote addresses to inspire the next generation of leaders.

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Read about Sam's visit on campus.

PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS

Executive Forum

Visit the forum website

This quarterly program facilitates an open dialogue between community leaders and those who make a difference in our state and region. Speakers have expertise in a variety of areas including economic development, technology and business innovation. This year’s Forums included: High-Trust, High-Impact Leadership — Kristina Turner (Georgia Dept. of Audits & Accounts) Small Business Marketing Masterclass — Lou Childs (SlumberPods), Nick & Lauren Goebel (Goebel Media); Mod: Dr. Mary Rickard For the Love of Community: Economic Development — Rebekah Snider (Visit Milledgeville), Trish Whitley (Visit Macon), Denise Brinson (City of Suwanee) Where Business Meets Innovation: Entrepreneurship in Middle GA — Robert Grant & Robert Betzel (SparkMacon), Kara Lassiter (Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber)

Student Success Stories

This year, several students achieved incredible accomplishments due to their academic scholarship and extracurricular endeavors. A few highlights: Savannah Goode, marketing major, won GCSU’s 2026 Venture Capital Challenge with TraySync and represented the Bobcat nation at the University System of Georgia Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition where she placed sixth. Read the full story in Front Page. App Creation: Student Reid Bissell created CourtTime, and student Wiliam Means created PocketAce. Three graduate students presented at the Southern Association of Information Systems Conference with their faculty, presenting research. Two students attendeded the National Collegiate Sales Competition at Kennesaw State University and landed job offers on site.

Academic Highlights This year, our faculty paved the way with unique partnerships, innovative curriculum and new ideas for our students. Some especially exciting activities included: Big data classroom research partnership with Thiele Kaolin. Read the full story in Front Page. GCSU was named a Celonis Center of Excellence for the second year in a row. Read the full story in Front Page. GCSU and University of Munster partner with focus on AI, Pope and World War II. Read the full story in Front Page. Students learn about the shrimp economy with Dr. Swinton in the classroom, cooking up global industry knowledge. The full story is in Front Page.

UNIVERSITY-WIDE AWARDS Mike Madison ’06, ’07, ’15 This prestigious honor recognizes alumni and friends of Georgia College & State University who demonstrate exceptional, long-term service to the university.

Ania Rynarzewska

This award is to encourage and reward excellence in peer-reviewed, juried scholarship and creative endeavors within the University. Scholarship & Creative Endeavors Award

Max Crook Volunteer Service Award

Jonathan Pope ’08 The academic college alumni achievement awards are given to a graduate from the College of Business & Technology who has excelled in a particular professional field, having attained prominence and/or having had a positive effect on the state, regional or national level.

Sam Rauschenberg ’07

College of Business & Technology Alumni Achievement Award

The academic college alumni achievement awards are given to a graduate from the Honors College who has excelled in a particular professional field, having attained prominence and/or having had a positive effect on the state, regional or national level.

Honors College Alumni Achievement Award

BOBCAT PARTNER AWARD Pettigrew & Pettigrew This university-wide award recognizes a business or organization that, although not a part of Georgia College & State University, helps the campus community achieve its mission and goals as if it were a member of the team. Pettigrew & Pettigrew is an exemplary corporate partner, truly deserving of the GCSU Bobcat Partner Award. Each year, Pettigrew generously sponsors key student success events and supports efforts across the university. Read more about Alumni Awards and hear award winner videos.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY AWARDS Dr. Adel Almasarwah This prestigious honor recognizes alumni and friends of Georgia College & State University who demonstrate exceptional, long-term service to the university.

Dr. Ania Rynarzewska

This award is to encourage and reward excellence in peer-reviewed, juried scholarship and creative endeavors within the College of Business & Technology. Scholarship & Creative Endeavors Award

Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Award

Ms. Susan Whittle

This award recognizes staff members who consistently exceed expectations, model institutional values and drive exceptional collaborative and creative results.

Ms. Abigail Hardt

Staff Excellence Award

This award honors an exceptional department major demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, campus involvement, leadership and community service. They are selected from outstanding majors and represent the college.

Overall Outstanding Undergraduate Student of the 2026 Class

VALEDICTORIANS Mr. Oscar Lynch, Ms. Avery Treadwell & Ms. Andrea Barnett This recognition honors graduating students achieving the highest cumulative academic average and demonstrating overall excellence in their majors. This year the College of Business & Technology had three valedictorians achieving a perfect 4.0 in their undergraduate academic careers! View the entire Atkinson Honors Awards Ceremony.

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

Faculty & Leadership HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR

Dr. Faye McIntyre, Interim Dean

This year, Dr. Faye McIntyre led the College of Business & Technology as the Interim Dean. Dr. McIntyre brought over 35 years of higher education experience, including AACSB accreditation expertise and a strong ability to engage with external partners. Her leadership helped to advance the College of Business & Technology as a top destination for experiential learning, preparing students to lead and thrive in the future of business. Having attained her MBA from the University of West Georgia, McIntyre went on to earn her Ph.D. in business administration in 1990 from the University of Georgia and led classes as a professor of marketing continually since 1988. We appreciate her service to the university!

The new Dean, Dr. Amit Ghosh, began on June 1, 2026.

Faculty Retirements This year, several faculty members retired after many years of service. We thank the following individuals for their service: Dr. Bob Duesing (Emeritus) Dr. Chris Lowery (Emeritus) Dr. Karl Manrodt (Emeritus) Dr. Meg Geddy Ms. Roberta Gorham

CoBT 2025-2026 Report

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT

PLATFORM REACH 242K 220K Facebook 16.5%

LinkedIn 18.2%

870K Visit our social media pages

Instagram 65.3%

Number of Impressions in Thousands Newsletter Readers: 60,330

Average Time Reading: 6 minutes

Content Engagement