Letter from the Dean
It is only if we first dream it that we can do it, but how can we dream if we can’t see past the horizon?
A college education is truly transformative, when it lifts our sights beyond what is in front of us,
to see the possibilities of what is now only imagined.
“Oh, the places you’ll go,” wrote Dr. Seuss in his classic book that has become a staple graduation gift. What Dr. Seuss would not have considered, however, is just how many places students in ISU’s College of Business have been able to go while pursuing their education.
The theme of this edition of the Business Bulletin is “Chasing Horizons,” with a focus on the many places that ISU’s College of Business students, faculty, and staff have traveled in pursuit of matchless educational experiences.
From sales competitions in Boise and Las Vegas to summer internships on Wall Street in New York City, from conference presentations in Los Angeles and Washington, DC all the way to Denmark, and from a once-in-alifetime study abroad opportunity in Greece to a Fulbright Scholar appointment in Malta, people from the ISU College of Business made their mark this year across nine different time zones. The kinds of remarkable opportunities that you will read about in this edition of the Business Bulletin are only made possible by
the generosity of the dedicated supporters of ISU’s College of Business. In my time as interim dean, it has been a pleasure to get to meet you, to hear about your stories, and to partner with you in helping to turn your visions into valuable educational opportunities for our students.
Speaking of horizons, the sun is setting on my time as interim dean. On March 1st, we will welcome the new permanent dean of the ISU College of Business, Dr. Sam Beldona. Dr. Beldona brings decades of higher education leadership experience and we are excited for his leadership in the next chapter in our college’s story. And for all of the exciting, farflung horizons that you will read about in this edition of the Business Bulletin, I am especially proud that our faculty and staff bring a worldclass education to students every day, right here in Idaho. It is the people (our students, faculty and staff, supporters, alumni and friends) who make the ISU College of Business such a wonderful place to be. Thank you - and Go Bengals!
ALEX BOLINGER, PH.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business ICCU Professor of Management
Masters of Healthcare Administration Becomes CAHME Accredited
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) Board of Directors has approved the initial accreditation of Idaho State University’s Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program, housed in the College of Business.
This accreditation reflects years of intentional work outlining the MHA curriculum, outcomes and partnerships with the highest standards in healthcare management education. It also speaks to the dedication of faculty and the quality of education ISU provides.
“CAHME’s mission is to advance the quality of healthcare management education. CAHMEaccredited programs have successfully navigated a complex and careful accreditation process managed by experts in the study and practice of healthcare management,” said Al Faber, interim president and CEO of CAHME.
“[Receiving accreditation means] the program meets the rigorous standards set by leading academicians and practitioners who are experts in their fields.”
A report will be filed annually moving forward to ensure ISU’s program continues to meet CAHME standards.
“Our CAHME accreditation represents our
ongoing commitment to quality improvement, and to preparing graduates who have not only demonstrated the program’s required competencies, but who also embody the vision and leadership needed to navigate and transform today’s complex healthcare environments,” said MHA Program Director Dr. Iris Buder.
With the addition of CAHME accreditation, ISU’s College of Business now joins only a handful of business schools in the United States, and very few west of the Mississippi River, that are both AACSB- and CAHME-accredited.
ISU’s MHA program, launched in 2018, has graduated more than fifty students who now serve in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and other healthcare organizations throughout the region. Designed for both recent graduates and midcareer professionals, the program provides flexible, student-centered education through a fully online program to accommodate working professionals.
MHA faculty at ISU bring
decades of leadership and management experience across U.S. and international healthcare systems, combining academic rigor with real-world insight. The curriculum is grounded in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) competency model, ensuring that students develop the conceptual, technical, and human-relations skills necessary for effective healthcare leadership.
“Being AACSB and CAHME accredited is a significant achievement,” said Interim College of Business Dean, Dr. Alex Bolinger. “The ISU College of Business is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders to meet the healthcare needs of our growing state and region.”
Alumni Support Fuels Scholarships, Competitions and Student Growth
Alumni support plays a vital role in expanding opportunities for students in the College of Business. Through generous donations, alumni help fund scholarships, hands-on learning experiences, academic competitions and even recreational enhancements. These contributions reduce financial barriers while allowing students to grow academically, professionally and personally. The following are funds that were created by College of Business alumni throughout the semester.
REED E. OSTERMEIER ENTREPRENEURSHIP ENDOWMENT
The ISU College of Business launched the first ever ISU Business Pitch Competition, made possible by the newly established Reed E. Ostermeier Entrepreneurship Endowment. The competition invited high school students from across Idaho to pitch a business idea for their chance to win big scholarship prizes. The competition gives students the opportunity to not only win scholarship money, it also helps them become better public speakers, learn about entrepreneurship as a career and even make their business dream a reality.
“I was inspired to support entrepreneur programs at ISU, specifically this competition, because it really embodies the spirit of my brother,” said Shane Ostermeier, who established and named the endowment that supports the competition in honor of his brother. “Reed had an entrepreneurial spirit – he took on many business ventures, everything from farming to personal training.”
CAMPBELL FAMILY FUNDS NEW TIMING SYSTEM FOR ISU SWIMMERS
Gary and Susan Campbell are strong proponents of Idaho State University, with nearly 40 years of giving to support the College of Business, the College of Education, Bengal Athletics and the Stephens Performing Arts Center. They’ve also established several scholarships and endowments, including the College of Business’s first endowed professorship in Finance named for Gary’s favorite college professor. Their latest gift steps out of the world of academia and dives into Campus Recreation, with funds providing support to Campus Recreation’s purchase of an electronic timing system for the swimming pool.
“Becoming a member of ISU’s varsity swimming team taught me perseverance, discipline and to believe in myself,” said Gary Campbell. “It was a life-altering opportunity which remains a cornerstone of who I am today and why I continue to swim. Our providing a state-of-the art automatic timing system for ISU’s superbly reconditioned pool brings us true joy. We hope future generations of ISU and area high school students also benefit from the life skills learned in competitive swimming.”
RICHARD T. AND JULIA R. NORMAN
ENDOWMENT FUND
The College of Business believes in building a better future for our students and our communities. One way we accomplish that is by educating and supporting student entrepreneurs. The Richard T. and Julia R. Norman Memorial Endowment Fund was started by alumni Bob and Diane Johnson in honor of Diane’s parents, who built a thriving and successful business from the ground up. Bob and Diane believe in the importance of entrepreneurship and are grateful for the opportunities that Richard and Julia helped create for them.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business - it is also about igniting innovation, creating opportunities, and solving problems that can impact entire communities,” said Interim Dean and ICCU Professor of Management Dr. Alex Bolinger. “This fund directly supports entrepreneurship and business leadership programming in the College of Business, such as the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition.”
JOHN D. AND MICHELLE SARGENT SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Generations of Bengals will benefit from the generosity of lifelong ISU supporters and proud Pocatello natives, John and Michelle Sargent, whose recent gift reflects their deep family roots and enduring belief in the power of education. Two new funds have been established by the Sargents, one of which, the John D. and Michelle Sargent Scholarship Endowment, was established to support students majoring in Political Science, English, Sociology, Energy Systems, Radiographic Science and Business Administration, reflecting areas of study pursued by the Sargents’ own four children and two sons-in-law.
“ISU has shaped every chapter of our family’s story,” said Michelle Sargent. “All four of our children were the first in our family to earn college degrees — two even served as ASISU presidents — and our youngest went on to earn four degrees, including a doctorate. We’ve seen firsthand how ISU transforms lives, and we want to make sure other families have that same opportunity.”
CATHERINE AND AMY RIDER LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Catherine and Amy Rider are true Bengals. Both believe strongly in the importance of accessible and affordable education for all students who want to better their lives by obtaining a degree. Catherine is an ISU alumna, and both she and Amy held staff positions at ISU for several years before leaving to pursue professional opportunities on the East Coast in 2024. They touched many lives and had an enormous positive impact on ISU while serving in their respective roles - Catherine was the Senior Director of Development at the College of Business, and Amy was the Executive Assistant and Communications Specialist for ISU President, Kevin Satterlee. The Riders established this scholarship to continue their impact on ISU by supporting future Bengals as they pursue their degree. This fund will support students majoring in the College of Business and College of Education, with preference given to candidates who have demonstrated leadership throughout their academic career, professional experience or personal lives.
Back to Business
Back to Business, hosted by College of Business clubs during the first week of the fall semester, is a way for the College’s clubs, faculty and staff to welcome back returning students and introduce themselves to new ones. Held for the fourth year, activities included lunch, giveaways, music, club booths, yard games and a dunk tank for students to dunk a professor.
“Events like Back to Business allow students to meet and see us as people, which should make it easier to talk to us about research opportunities, career mentorship and networking,” said Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Alex Rose, who took a turn in the dunk tank. “Faculty have a reputation for being self-serious and inaccessible - by seeing us being silly and, critically, collegial with one another, it’s my hope that we’re seen as more human and thus more approachable.”
Bengal Street Party
Connected to ISU’s home football opener was the first ever ISU Celebration Week. Friday of the week was the Bengal Street Party, which invited Bengals and community members to campus for an evening of interactive booths, activities, food, giveaways, music and more. The College of Business chose to do a photo booth for the event. Organized and run by graduate assistants from the College, the booth ended up being one of the most popular at the event.
“The Bengal Street Party was a blast to be part of,” said Graduate Assistant James Cannon.
“I was able to work alongside close friends at our College of Business–themed photo booth and watched as students, faculty, alumni, and even ISU President Robert Wagner joined in and embraced the fun. The energy and laughter made the time fly.”
Engaging Asynchronously
College of Business faculty joined together to discuss how to make asynchronous learning more engaging and as close to in-person learning as possible. Several professors from across the College’s programs presented tips during the meeting, including Associate Clinical Professor Julie Frischmann, who discussed innovative methods for implementing teams in asynchronous classes.
“I find asynchronous online courses challenging for both instructors and students, particularly when it comes to engagement and relationship building,” said Frischmann. “To address this, I encourage, and often require, virtual meetings and keep detailed notes on each student so that I can better understand who they are. My goal is to build relationships with my online students that are just as strong as those I develop in the classroom.”
Executive in Residence
The Executive in Residence program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of business classes, as well as talk one-on-one with students and faculty. The program is an incredible opportunity for College of Business undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable connections with high-level leaders in a variety of business fields and learn about their rise to success. This semester’s Executive in Residence was former Assistant Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Laura Hill.
“Students shared overwhelmingly positive feedback following Laura’s visit as Executive in Residence. Her candid insights and remarkable leadership journey inspired many to evaluate their career and personal paths,” said Director of Advising and Student Services Tara Smith. “Laura’s visit exemplified the purpose of the Executive in Residence program by providing students with meaningful insight, perspective and inspiration from a remarkable leader.”
Amplifying Bengal Voices
The College of Business social media accounts continue to grow in popularity on and off campus by highlighting the personalities of students and faculty and sharing authentic, student-focused content. These accounts increase visibility and shape positive perceptions of both the College and ISU. A standout campaign took place on Instagram, where the College donated $5 to Benny’s Pantry (ISU’s on-campus food pantry for students in need) for every new follower gained over a two-week period. Launched with a video featuring Graduate Assistant James Cannon and Benny’s Pantry Student Manager Rachel Child, the campaign was shared more than 50 times, viewed nearly 11,000 times, and resulted in 237 new followers, equating to a $1,185 donation to Benny’s Pantry.
“Creating social content has been a fun way to showcase the expertise, personalities and culture of our College in a way that just isn’t possible through traditional advertising,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Presley Arrowood. “I’m incredibly thankful to the professors and students who have been willing and excited to participate.”
Competitions Give Current and Future Bengals Opportunities to Win Big
PITCH COMPETITIONS
The College of Business offers two pitchstyle competitions for students to compete in every semester - the U.S. Bank Pitch-Off and the Shark Tank 101 Pitch Competition. The Shark Tank 101 Pitch Competition targets freshmen students and is conducted online using Zoom. The U.S. Bank Pitch-off focuses on upperclassmen and graduate student pitches. Thanks to U.S. Bank’s continued support, over $40,000 in prize money has been given out at these events over the years, with over $15,000 given out this year alone.
“The business pitch competitions support students in far more ways than simply teaching them how to pitch an idea,” said Clinical Associate Professor and main coordinator of the events, Josh Thompson. “Through the process, students develop confidence, strengthen communication
and presentation skills, learn how to think critically under pressure and gain experience receiving and applying real-world feedback from business professionals. Just as importantly, they begin to see themselves as capable leaders and problem-solvers. These experiences help students clarify their interests, build professional readiness and develop the self-belief needed to succeed beyond the classroom.”
New this year was the opportunity for future Bengals to pitch their business ideas. Funded by the Reed E. Ostermeier Entrepreneurship Endowment and in partnership with PitchVantage, the first ever ISU High School Pitch Competition invited high school students to pitch a business idea for a chance to win big scholarship prizes. First place went to Eagle, ID native Halle Nielsen, who received a full semester of in-state tuition.
“This competition underscores the College of Business’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive the future of Idaho,” said Interim Dean and ICCU Endowed Professor of Management, Dr. Alex Bolinger. “We are so grateful to Shane Ostermeier for his vision and generosity in funding this competition.”
SALES COMPETITION
A College of Business tradition, the Sales Competition invites students from across campus to gain invaluable experience diving into the principles of sales for a chance to win cash prizes. This semester’s sponsor was Farm Bureau.
“Our sales competition keeps getting stronger each year,” said Executive Director of the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence John Ney. “Judges consistently comment on
how prepared and professional our students are, which is exciting to see and a great reflection of the program.”
In addition to the ISU Sales Competition, students have the opportunity to join the College’s traveling sales competition team,
who competed at events in Corvallis, OR, Boise, ID and Las Vegas, NV this semester.
At the Boise event, the Blue Turf Sales Challenge, the team secured a first place win in the team category, beating some of the biggest names in the industry from across the western United States.
“Winning at Boise State University was a fun and proud moment for our students,” said Ney. “In just our second semester of competing externally, it marked a big milestone for the sales program and showcased their hard work, teamwork and ability to perform at a high level.”
Professional Development Month: Creating a Career-Ready Culture
The College of Business places a strong emphasis on building a career-ready culture among students through our unique Professional Development program. Part of the program includes Professional Development Month. For the eighth year, the month of September was packed full of opportunities to help students become more career-ready and find internships or jobs. Events during the month included an etiquette and networking dinner, resume review sessions, a business attire fashion
show, a career fair and an accounting symposium.
“Professional Development Month is all about giving students an approachable way to get career-ready,” said Professional Development Director John Ney. “The events are tailored to help them build confidence and pick up practical skills they’ll use right away as they enter the workforce”
Marketing major Vic Thomas attributed her
attendance at Professional Development Month events to her confidence going into networking situations at a recent conference she attended in Las Vegas with fellow marketing major David Kays and Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Haley Hardman. “The skills [...] the College of Business taught me were invaluable for this conference. Having the opportunity to network on campus at the Accounting Symposium, career fair and etiquette dinner was perfect practice for going out into the ‘real world’.”
Horizons aren’t just lines on a map or silhouettes in the distance. Horizons represent the future. They’re the place you look to for strength when the finish line feels far away.
That same pull towards what lies ahead shapes a Bengals academic journey, because getting a degree is a story of distance in all its forms. With every class taken, every goal pursued, College of Business Bengals move closer to the lives they’ve dreamed of.
This journey is also measured in literal miles - the miles students travel to learn, compete and discover. Every journey into the world beyond ISU’s campus expands a student’s view of their potential. These experiences are made possible by donors who understand that going the distance, whether through an academic course or across the globe, changes lives.
Along the way, somewhere between effort and achievement, departure and return, these horizons no longer feel so distant or abstract. They become closer and clearer, shaped by confidence and knowledge gained through the journey.
What stories begin just beyond the next horizon?
Locations College of Business students and faculty have traveled outside of Idaho for conferences, competitions and other learning opportunities over the past two academic years. Callout images represent stories highlighted on the next page.
MATTHEW WIRTZ
Finance and economics major Matthew Wirtz recently became the first ISU student to receive an internship at Goldman Sachs. With assistance from donor funds, Wirtz was able to spend the summer in New York City learning the in and outs of the finance world.
“The work in my internship was challenging, but I learned a lot from the experience,” said Wirtz. “I worked as an intern on the Climate Risk team, where we monitored and analyzed climate-related catastrophes near the firm’s real estate exposure and ensured compliance with jurisdictional climate risk regulations around the world. The whole experience was extremely interesting. I really appreciate all of the support ISU has given me [in making this internship possible].”
AUXERRE, FR
DAVID KAYS & VIC THOMAS
With the help of donor funds, marketing students David Kays and Vic Thomas traveled to Las Vegas to attend the Society for Marketing alongside Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Haley Hardman. Kays and Thomas co-presented a research abstract titled Brand Fanaticism: The Dark Side of Brand Religiosity.
“Attending this conference was incredible,” said Thomas. “The skills that Dr. Hardman and the College of Business taught me were invaluable for this conference. I grew up in Idaho, and the opportunity to experience other cultures and ways of thinking doesn’t seem as plentiful here. It felt like going to Las Vegas helped me feel more connected to people from all over the world, and that is probably the most valuable part of going anywhere; the people we meet along the way.”
Through ISU’s international exchange program, Associate Professor of Management Dr. Jeff Street spent the semester at the University of Burgundy in Auxerre, France teaching strategic management and entrepreneurship.
“The primary thing I have learned is that when it comes to teaching the young business minds of the future, we are all very much alike around the world,” said Street.
Economics Professor Dr. Iris Buder was selected as a plenary speaker at the International Association for Time Use Research conference in Corfu, Greece. It featured cross-country analyses commissioned by the Gates Foundation, examining time-use data through a gender lens. The research highlighted gender imbalances in work and demonstrated how to inform macroeconomic decisions around care systems, infrastructure and social protection.
CORFU, GR
CALLIE HUBER
MBA student Callie Huber recently returned from the 2025 North American Case Research Association Conference in Newport Beach, California, the most selective and prestigious casewriting conference on the continent. With travel made possible through donor funds, Huber was able to present her case, written as a thesis under the guidance of Dr. Alex Bolinger, which describes how she and her husband negotiated for and purchased a grain elevator to support farmers in the Upper Valley of eastern Idaho.
“Attending the NACRA Conference was an incredibly meaningful experience,” said Callie. “Stepping outside of Idaho and meeting professors and students from universities across the country and internationally gave me a broader perspective on how case studies can shape classroom learning.”
DAKOTA MCNAIR
Through assistance from donor funds, student Dakota McNair, a triple major in finance, management and marketing, was able to travel to Greece over the summer with fellow marketing and management students for a unique travel abroad opportunity. Tied to topics covered in their business classes, the students participated in many tours and other learning activities, including visiting archaeological sites, olive oil tasting and a tour of filming sites for the movie Mamma Mia.
“This faculty-led experience allowed professors and students to engage in rich cultural, historical, and business experiences that were directly tied to their education. This model made study abroad more accessible, structured and supportive for our students,” said Assistant Professor of Marketing Haley Hardman.
COPENHAGEN, DK
Dr. Ruiling Guo, Professor of Healthcare Management, presented Tried and Tested Approaches to Teaching EvidenceBased Management together with other professors from across the world at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Also in attendance were ICCU Endowed Professor of Management Dr. Alex Bolinger and Associate Professor of Management Dr. Tyler Burch.
WASHINGTON, DC
Economics major Anne Miller traveled with Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration Dr. Sonali Salunkhe to Washington, DC to attend the annual Association of University Programs in Health Administration Meeting and present their research: Assessment of Access to Healthcare Services Among Adults in the United States. Salunkhe also received the 2025 Rising Star Award at the event.
Ovations and Collaborations
College of Business faculty are recognized leaders in teaching and research, earning prestigious awards that reflect their impact in the classroom and beyond. In addition to professorships, awards and research published in highly respected journals, this semester brought an increase in collaboration across business programs as well as among alumni and business partners. These collaborations enrich coursework, create more integrated learning experiences and expose students to new perspectives within business.
PROFESSOR AND ALUMNUS TEAM UP TO HELP STUDENTS “DESIGN” THEIR LIVES
Core to the ISU College of Business mission is high-impact career oriented learning and experiential opportunities. One of these learning opportunities is the College’s Personal Branding and Professional Development class. Required for all business majors, this class allows students to investigate different career opportunities and tailor a successful career path. New to the class this semester was guest teacher Don Burdick, retired Senior Vice President of Global eCommerce and Travel at Costco and a College of Business Alumnus. For two weeks, Burdick and Director of Professional Development John Ney taught concepts from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. The book applies design thinking principles to help readers build a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Based on a popular Stanford University course, the book encourages an iterative, experimental approach to moving through life’s many problems and situations. During the two weeks, Burdick also shared many of his own stories and lessons learned from throughout his career. Several of his stories circled around his work in establishing the first Costco in South Korea. It just so happened that an international student in the class was from South Korea, and he had a Costco card from the very Costco Burdick helped to open.
“Having Don in the classroom brought the material to life,” said Ney. “Students loved hearing from a successful ISU alumnus and Costco executive. He was able to connect the ideas from the Designing Your Life book to real career experiences.”
FINANCE AND MARKETING PROFESSORS ASSIGN COLLABORATIVE FINAL
Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Haley Hardman and Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Paul Obermann brought their classes together the final two weeks of the semester to bring the worlds of marketing and finance together for an immersive final project. Students from Obermann’s Financial Modeling class and Hardman’s Business to Business Sales class teamed up to use financial modeling to analyze data for a coffee shop to decide whether a social media campaign would be profitable, as well as to determine the amount of inventory the coffee shop would need to optimize profits.
“The collaboration Paul designed and executed across our courses added a level of realism and collaboration that will equip students with a unique, yet necessary, skillset that should be appealing to employers,” said Hardman. “We want to ensure we are preparing our students to the best of our abilities, and opportunities like this project help us toward that goal.”
DR. SONALI SALUNKHE RECEIVES
PORTNEUF MEDICAL CENTER ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
Undergraduate Healthcare Administration Program Director and Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration Dr. Sonali Salunkhe has become the recipient of the Portneuf Medical Center (PMC) Endowed Professorship in Healthcare Administration, a position made possible through PMC’s generous support to ISU College of Business. Kept as a surprise, Salunkhe arrived at PMC for a “research team photo,” and was instead greeted by ISU and PMC colleagues with a special announcement.
“I am very thankful to PMC, whose vision created this endowed professorship within the ISU College of Business,” said Salunkhe. “Receiving the PMC endowed professorship, in PMC, from leadership teams from both PMC and ISU College of Business, was a pleasant surprise. It fills me with deep gratitude. [This professorship] is an extraordinary honor, which will strengthen and elevate our healthcare administration program.”
“PMC is honored to support ISU through this endowed professorship for Dr. Sonali Salunkhe,” said PMC Chief Financial Officer John Abreu, who had the privilege of announcing the professorship and also works with Salunkhe on research. “This investment reflects our shared vision of advancing healthcare leadership and education in Southeast Idaho. By fostering research, innovation, and collaboration, we are building a stronger pipeline of healthcare professionals and improving the quality of care for our community. We congratulate Dr. Salunkhe on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the meaningful impact her work will bring.”
This professorship adds to Salunkhe’s growing list of achievements, including the 2025 American Public Health Administration ‘Rising Star Award’, the ISU Impactful Research Award for November 2025 and her work with an interdisciplinary ISU team to secure a multi-million-dollar Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training Program grant aimed at addressing mental health needs in Idaho.
Professorships recognize faculty excellence while also creating a lasting philanthropic investment in students, faculty and the broader community. Beyond attracting top talent to ISU, professorships strengthen academic programs by supporting research as well as meaningful internship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
FINANCE RESEARCH SHARED AMONG
PRESTIGIOUS COMPANY
Faculty across the College of Business publish research throughout the academic year, and many are featured in distinguished research journals and prestigious Universities. This semester, Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Paul Obermann’s research on gender differences in top management turnover was featured in Columbia Law School's blog, and Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Jennifer Liang’s research on how local wildlife and nature affect property prices across the U.S. was featured in a top-tier journal, Review of Finance. Learn about more of the research happening in the College of Business at isu.edu/ cob/faculty--staff/published-faculty-research
INFORMATICS PROFESSOR RECEIVES U.S. PATENT
Associate Professor of Informatics Dr. Bob Houghton has had a new U.S. patent approved and issued.
The patent, which represents eight years of work and a total of 13 years on the project, focuses on a method of port knocking technology to pass secret messages. These messages can move across the internet undetected by any known Intrusion Detection Systems technology, including Firewalls.
Welcoming New Faculty
ANDREEA BUJAC, PH.D | VISITING FACULTY OF MARKETING
Andreea Bujac is a Visiting Faculty of Marketing in the College of Business. She teaches Introduction to Marketing and Digital Marketing. Before joining ISU, Andreea served as Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark and as Assistant and Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalborg University in Denmark. She has taught courses in marketing, brand strategy, digital marketing, marketing communication, quantitative research methods and consumer insights, and supervised over 170 Bachelor’s and Master’s projects. Her research focuses on consumer behavior, B2B marketing, branding, marketing communication and sustainability. She has published in journals such as Industrial Marketing Management, Sustainable Development and Administrative Sciences. She has also been a partner in large international projects, including EU Interreg and Nordforsk initiatives, focusing on climate adaptation, digital engagement, and entrepreneurship. Andreea speaks English, Danish, German and Romanian, and actively collaborates with universities and businesses across Europe. She is passionate about bringing marketing-centered consumer insights into both her teaching and research.
JENNIFER LIANG, PH.D | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF FINANCE
Dr. Liang teaches Intro and Advanced Corporate Financial Management at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She has also taught Security Analysis and Portfolio Management before joining Idaho State University. Her research interests include empirical corporate finance, municipal bonds, corporate governance and CEO compensation, where she researches topics such as the impact of corporate income tax changes on municipal bond issuance and shareholder preferences on CEO compensation packages. She graduated with her Ph.D in Finance from the Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University. Prior to her Ph.D, she received a B.S. in Accounting Honors with a Mathematical Sciences minor from Binghamton University.
Recognizing Retiring Faculty
ANN HACKERT, PH.D | PROFESSOR OF FINANCE
Over the course of her career, Dr. Hackert has taught nearly every course in the finance curriculum. Her favorite memories are of her students’ successes, and their willingness to let her help them - whether it was meeting up in person or on Zoom to work together whenever they needed her, finding their first job, connecting with campus resources like Benny’s Pantry or navigating the challenges of university life. “It was important for me to meet students where they were and support their success,” said Hackert.
Ann is looking forward to the next chapter with a full research pipeline to complete and using her time to serve her community.
TOM OTTOWAY, PH.D | PROFESSOR OF INFORMATICS
Dr. Ottoway has a Ph.D. in Production and Operations Management and a Master of Science in Information Systems from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Wichita State University. Tom worked in aerospace, including more than six years with The Boeing Company, prior to pursuing his doctorate. He held academic positions at the University of Montana and Kansas State University prior to joining ISU. Tom served as Dean for the College of Business from 2012 to 2018.
“I am so grateful for Tom’s contributions to the ISU College of Business, highlighted by nearly a decade in leadership roles in the college,” said Interim Dean and ICCU Professor of Management Dr. Alex Bolinger. “I am forever grateful for the indelible impact he made on my career and I want to thank him for how he enriched the educational experiences of a generation of students.”
TESA STEGNER, PH.D | PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS
Dr. Stegner received her bachelor’s from Valparaiso University and her Ph.D from Washington State University. She taught a range of applied micro courses over her career, including Environmental and Public Finance. Her research interests lie primarily in the area of economic education but also include applied micro analysis.
“Tesa has been an integral member of the ISU community for decades,” said Economics Professor Dr. Karl Geisler. “Her service in the department and across the university will remain a stand-out example for years to come. She is an admired colleague, with a steady insightful demeanor that will be missed by students and faculty alike.”
Record Number of Trees and Nonprofit Beneficiaries at Festival of Trees
For the fourth year, the College of Business partnered with presenting sponsor Lookout Credit Union to host the Festival of Trees. A local holiday favorite that launches the holiday season for many, the Festival of Trees aims to capture the magic of the holidays while bringing the community together in support of local education and community needs. This year, the committee put out a call for nonprofit proposals to receive funding from the 2025 event. After reviewing the submissions, the Festival of Trees Committee chose the following groups: All About the Animals Coalition, Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area, Pocatello Free Clinic and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This group of
nonprofits was added to the groups gifted funds every year, Idaho State University Scholarships, Make-a-Wish Idaho and the School District 25 Education Foundation, bringing the total beneficiary group this year to seven organizations.
“We had a large group of incredibly worthy nonprofits apply,” said Festival Director Suzette Porter. “It was difficult to decide, but we felt these groups represented a variety of demographics and causes from throughout the community.”
In addition to a record number of nonprofit beneficiaries, this year’s Festival also had 74
A Message of Thanks
Many years ago, I took my first official College of Business class while pursuing a marketing minor. As an anthropology major, I remember feeling a bit of imposter syndrome - was I smart enough for a business class? Did I really belong alongside these business students? It didn’t take long to realize that I had found where I belonged. My classmates were
smart, kind and capable. My professors took an interest in me, encouraged me and mentored me. They inspired me to pursue my MBA and to apply for a position here. At every major milestone of my adult life, both personal and professional, the College of Business has been there to support me and cheer me on. The sense of community and family I’ve found here has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life.
trees up for bid - the most in any year since the College of Business began contributing to the renaissance of this community event.
“Support of this event through tree donations, sponsorships and volunteerism adds up,” said Porter. “The Festival of Trees helps those in need and changes lives throughout our community.”
In August, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary as a full-time employee at Idaho State University. Over the past decade, I’ve had incredible opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to the success of our students and programs.
What has really made this work so meaningful, though, is the chance to see our staff, faculty, students, alumni and community supporters
come together to make remarkable things happen at ISU. Together, we have:
• Launched ISU’s first alumni mentorship program, helping students navigate embarking on their career journey,
• Established numerous endowed scholarships and program funds, including a transformational gift to support the MBA program,
• Celebrated record levels of alumni engagement and investment in our students’ success,
• And so much more.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the strong and generous community that surrounds the College of Business. Thank you for being such an important part of it. Your continued involvement ensures that our students - and ISU as a whole - will keep thriving for years to come.
By the time this Bulletin reaches your mailbox, I will have begun a new chapter as Vice President for University Advancement at Cameron University. I’m deeply grateful for my time at ISU - the friendships, the lessons and the incredible experiences that have shaped my career and my heart.
One of the best parts of being the Director of Development has been the opportunity
to experience firsthand how mine is just one of many stories of how ISU’s College of Business has positively impacted the careers and lives of so many students. Your generosity in sharing your experiences and giving back to support the College has been truly inspiring to witness. Every time you support student scholarships, endow program support, or fund professorships to attract and retain outstanding faculty, you are laying the groundwork for today’s students to thrive in what will be an exciting but also rapidlychanging future. Let’s continue to work together to help the next generation of Business Bengals achieve their dreams.
I will always be proud to be part of the Bengal family. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, to make the College of Business such a special place.
WALK AND TALK WITH THE DEAN
Every Monday through the fall semester, Interim Dean Dr. Alex Bolinger invited students, faculty and staff from across campus to join him for two laps around the Quad during the lunch hour. Walkers were welcomed to talk about classes, research, campus life or whatever was on their minds. While walkers came and went as their schedules allowed, a core group of students developed and joined Bolinger every week. It was through these regular meetings Bolinger was able to get to know the students well, and one student, freshman Jordyn House, was even able to secure a Career Path Internship through an introduction made during the walks.
“One of the downsides of being interim dean is that I spent less time in the classroom, so I looked forward to this opportunity every week to talk to students about their experiences, all while getting some fresh air and enjoying the beautiful fall weather in Southeast Idaho,” said Bolinger. “I want to give a special shoutout to College of Business students Ethan Flicker, Jordyn House and James Cannon for their near-perfect attendance!”
KRISTINE MCCARTY College of Business Director of Development
College of Business
921 South 8th Ave., Stop 8020
Pocatello, ID 83209-8020
ABA005
Less than 200 schools in the world hold accreditation in both accounting & business. We’re one of them.
Help Bengals find their ROAR. Your contribution will allow students to elevate their careers, embrace the future and do more than they ever thought they could. Contact Interim Dean Dr. Alex Bolinger at (208) 282-2601 for more information.
Celebrating 125 Years at Idaho State
This year is an impressive milestone for ISU - 125 years as an institution of higher learning. Join the College of Business and the rest of campus in celebrating this historical year!
125 years ago began a tradition of community, academic excellence, and inclusion that has persevered through political opposition, the Great Depression, two world wars, crippling drought, five name changes, the Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in 2026, we celebrate and honors the Bengals who came before us who rallied behind the cause of higher education. We look to continue flourishing and innovating into the next 125 years and beyond.
Scan the QR code to share your ISU stories and learn more about the 125th anniversary, or visit isu.edu/125years