Letter from the Dean
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INCREASED ENROLLMENT
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MONTH
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FINDING ROAR
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HOMECOMING AWARDS
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ISU LEADERSHIP CENTER
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ICCU ICBSC ENDOWMENT
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NEW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS
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RECOGNIZING NEW & RETIRING FACULTY
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FESTIVAL OF TREES
I hope all is well and each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family. As we begin 2024, I wanted to write and thank each of you for making 2023 the best year in the history of the Idaho State University College of Business. During the past twelve months, we have made extraordinary progress in every aspect of our strategic plan including:
• The most scholarship dollars awarded to students in the history of the College
As we look ahead, the future has never been brighter for the College of Business. I want to invite each of you to come visit us on campus, see our new spaces and interact with our amazing students, faculty and staff. I want to encourage each of you to continue your support of our students and programs as the momentum we have built is positively changing lives each day. Finally, I want to personally wish everyone a very Happy New Year and thank you for your friendship and support in 2023. The notes, conversations and encouragement I received meant more to me than I can properly articulate and they are something that I will remember forever. 2023 was my favorite year of my whole life, and being part of the amazing ISU College of Business family was a very big part of that.
• Two successful faculty searches for new colleagues who will join us this year
Thank you all for everything and Go Bengals!
• The largest single scholarship gift in College history • The opening of our awesome new spaces as part of the most significant renovation in College history • Welcoming an incredible new group of professors who have positively impacted our College in countless ways • The largest single year enrollment increase in the history of the College
• Numerous journal publications and grant awards which will increase the thought leadership and impact of our College for many years to come
SHANE HUNT, PH.D. Dean, College of Business Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing
Increased College of Business and University Enrollment Idaho State University welcomed its largest incoming class since 2014 in the Fall Semester, with nearly 26 percent more first-time undergraduate students choosing ISU than in Fall 2022. “These numbers mark a watershed at ISU. They represent the result of intentional strategies implemented over the last few years by the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff,” said President Kevin Satterlee. “This report is much more than numbers. It’s about changing the lives of more students through education.” Tenth-day total undergraduate degree-seeking enrollment for Fall 2023 was 7,257 students, up 6 percent from Fall 2022. New first-time undergraduate students (traditionally called “freshman”) enrollment was up 361 students, the largest increase in new first-time students since 2014. The total number of undergraduate degree seeking students also increased by 431, marking the largest year-over-year increase since 2010. Total fall enrollment was 9,933, up 1.9 percent from last fall, and total undergraduate enrollment was 7,782, up 3.5 percent from Fall 2022. This marked the third year in a row of fall semester enrollment increases. The College of Business also had record-breaking enrollment increases - an extraordinary 9.2 percent over last year. This is the largest singleyear increase for the College this century. “All of us in the ISU College of Business are thrilled about our significant enrollment increase this year. This increase reflects the incredible work of our professors and staff and the very bright future we have ahead,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt.
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From the Classroom to the Dunk Tank: College of Business Hosts a Variety of Student Engagement Activities Fall semester at the College of Business is full of student engagement and learning activities, ranging from the Back to Business BBQ at the beginning of the semester to the Sales Competition at the end. All of these events, plus Professional Development Month in September, connect students with their professors and peers, as well as professionals from the College’s expansive group of business partners.
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BACK TO BUSINESS Back to Business was back for its third year - with pie! The event, hosted by College of Business clubs and held during the University’s Bengal Welcome Week, is a way for the College’s clubs, faculty and staff to welcome back returning students and introduce themselves to new ones. Activities included lunch, club booths, yard games, a dunk tank and pie throwing - the last two specifically for students to dunk or pie a professor. “Some of the first ways I interacted with students on campus was participating in the dunk tank and Pie the Professor at the Back to Business BBQ,” said Assistant Professor of Marketing Haley Hardman. “I could tell the students loved having the opportunity to dunk their professors, and I had a blast bracing in anticipation with each throw! The atmosphere was filled with an incredible energy to kick off the semester. It was the perfect way to be welcomed into the Bengal family!”
BOISE ENTREPRENEUR WEEK
BILL STRATTON DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH SCHOLAR
At the beginning of October, College of Business and College of Science and Engineering students had the opportunity to attend Boise Entrepreneur Week, as well as tour a variety of businesses with locations in the Treasure Valley. All events offered an assortment of networking and professional development opportunities.
The Bill Stratton Distinguished Scholar Research Seminar Series provides students, and the community as a whole, with a variety of insights, networking and research collaboration opportunities within the business world. This semester’s speaker was Dr. Michael Ahearne, C.T. Bauer Professor of Marketing and Stagner Sales Excellence Institute Research Director.
“This year we were able to take 45 students, which was the most we’ve ever had. Idaho State also had the most representation of any University in the state,” said Assistant Marketing Professor and Executive Director of Professional Development and Sales Excellence John Ney. “It was a great two days.” “We got to tour three, high impact start-up companies and Micron,” said College of Business student and ASISU Student Body President Emma Watts. “Thank you to Micron Technology, Clēnera, Proud Source Water, and LeanLaw - Legal Billing Software for showing and inspiring me to work toward our future way of life!”
“It was an honor welcoming Dr. Mike Ahearne to campus as part of our Stratton Distinguished Research Scholar Series,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “Dr. Ahearne is the leading sales scholar in the world and his presentations were incredibly insightful for our students, professors, and business community.”
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EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE
SALES COMPETITION
The Executive in Residence program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of classes, meet one-onone with students, participate in panels, network with students and faculty, as well as hold a college-wide presentation. The Executive in Residence event 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 Chief Marketing Officer, Payments Leader and Advisor Melissa Lowry.
Held twice a year, the Sales Competition is an opportunity for students across the University to gain invaluable experience by diving into the principles of sales for a chance to win cash prizes. In the competition, teams of two students work together as a buyer and a seller to sell a product or service of their choice. Students are judged on a number of criteria designed around five major concepts, as well as communication and presentation skills. This semester’s competition was sponsored by Federated Insurance.
“Melissa was a fantastic speaker. Not only does she have incredible experience with well-known organizations, but she was able to really relate to the students and the experience they are having now. It was great to see students light up as they heard Melissa’s story,” said Director of Graduate Studies Kristine McCarty. “In particular, it was great for them to hear her story of how well her undergraduate coursework in her finance degree here prepared her for not just her interview but her early career in investment banking. It helps our students see that there are, truly, so many opportunities ahead of them as future graduates of Idaho State University.”
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Participating in the competition gives students a chance to hone their skills in oral and written communication, practice engagement and leadership, as well as working in teams - all major attributes sought by employers of any industry. This semester’s competition saw an increase in students from outside the College of Business, as well as several returning teams who utilized feedback they received last semester to come back even stronger. The College of Business thanks everyone who participated and this semester’s judges - Anthony Zerwig and Sal LoMagro from Federated Insurance, Dave Thompson from Sherwin-Williams, Kasi Nelson from Silverstar Telecom, Echo Marshall from Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Vance Nielsen from HUB International and Brandon Daw from Aflac.
Sixth Annual Professional Development Month Sets Record Attendance The College of Business places a strong emphasis on building a career culture among students through our unique Professional Development program. Part of the program includes Professional Development Month. Held each September, Professional Development Month is 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, career fairs and an accounting symposium. “We had a record setting year for student and employer attendance at our Career Fair,” said Assistant Marketing Professor and Executive Director of Professional Development and Sales Excellence John Ney. “Between the general
Career Fair and Meet the Firms, (which is focused on finance and accounting majors) we had over 50 different employers on campus! Thanks so much to our employers, students, faculty and staff who made it all happen.” Interested in recruiting for your business or organization at an upcoming Professional Development Month event or Career Fair? Contact John at johnney@isu.edu. Photos (clockwise): Students, faculty, staff and business partners attend etiquette and networking dinner, finance student Zachary Cox speaks with a business representative at career fair, healthcare administration student Mariana Santillan learns more about employment opportunities at career fair, KPMG Partner and Accounting Career Vision Symposium sponsor Mike Hayhurst talks with students during group discussions at the symposium.
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The inspiration and empowerment scholarships give students - in their own words. Idaho State University’s purpose is to help students find their ROAR - their passion, their mission, their fulfillment. We want students to elevate their careers, embrace the future and do more than they ever thought they could. Though faculty and staff from all across campus come together to help students accomplish these goals, there is still a question that
weighs heavily on the minds of many students - ‘How am I going to pay for this?’ Since 2021, the College of Business has seen an inspiring amount of growth and support from alumni and friends of the College. This support has resulted in a record number of private scholarships.
Over Homecoming week, donors who have established permanently endowed scholarships were invited to the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center to enjoy lunch and meet the recipient of their scholarship for the academic year. Attendees were also able to see Dean’s Excellence winner Emma Watts receive her award and hear from two student speakers, Nancy Gramm and Jacoda Whitworth, who shared how receiving scholarships has changed their lives. “I’m a single mother with a four and a half year old; my son and I are forever grateful for the generosity of strangers,” said Gramm. “If it wasn’t for scholarships I wouldn’t be graduating. Being able to share my success story and say thank you directly to my donors was a complete honor.”
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“It has always been our goal to demonstrate to donors the incredible impact that they are having on our students and our campus through philanthropy, and this luncheon was a tremendous example of how donors are changing the lives of our students in a very real way,” said Senior Director of Development Catherine Rider. “It was truly inspiring to hear the students share their stories of struggle and success, and to see their genuine appreciation and
to donors played on the front screen. “The quote slideshow was one of the things that really stood out to me,” said Healthcare Administration student Lydia Bishop. “I enjoyed reading how the scholarships have impacted students and finding a quote from my thank you letter. However, my favorite part of the luncheon was getting to take a picture with Dr. Shane Hunt. I received the Dr. Shane Hunt Scholarship that was endowed by Peter Kole, and I loved the opportunity to
announcement of the most significant gift for scholarships the College of Business has ever received. This multi-million dollar gift from Peter and Nancy Kole is being divided equally amongst 19 existing endowments and two spendable funds that the Koles had previously established across the University, including ten endowments in the College of Business.
excitement for the opportunity to thank the donors who funded their scholarships in person.”
take a picture with Shane. I will treasure this picture and the opportunity his scholarship has given me.”
While attendees ate lunch, quotes from thank you letters sent from students
Alongside the heartwarming results of current scholarships comes the
of the ISU College of Business and will help generations of our students pursue their educational dreams,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. (Continued on page 10)
“The most recent gift from Peter Kole is the largest scholarship gift in the history
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(Continued from page 9) “Every part of the College of Business is better because
of the extraordinary generosity of Peter and Nancy Kole, and we are all forever thankful to them.” Idaho State University is a melting pot of students from a variety of social, geographic, racial and economic backgrounds. For some, financial strain is the only thing keeping them from completing their degree. Others have faced unimaginable odds, and some have had to deal with trauma no one should ever experience. Still, these student persevere. Still, these students seek to find their ROAR, knowing they can rise above and go beyond the trials they are experiencing. It’s through scholarships that Idaho State University says “We see you, we value you and we know you can achieve anything.” Over 124 students were helped in 2023 thanks to College of Business scholarships alone. The adjacent page and front cover represent a small portion of the words of gratitude expressed in student thank you letters sent to donors.
Photos (page 9): From left to right - student attendees Lydia Bishop, Joseph Kempe, Emma Watts, Anthony Land, Derek Adams and Chiara Canon. (Page 10): Emma Watts receives the Dean’s Excellence Award from College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt, Nancy Gramm speaks about her life and University experiences during the Homecoming Kick-off Scholarship Luncheon. (Page 11): Top to bottom - Alumna and donor Tamela Gates May with scholarship recipient Halli Smith, College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt with student speaker and scholarship recipients Jacoda Whitworth and Nancy Gramm and Idaho State University Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros, Alumnus and donor Steve Skaggs with scholarship recipient Kenia Patch, Alumni and donors Gary and Susan Campbell with scholarship recipient Nicole Hulse.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION AND FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR STUDENTS LIKE ME TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION , BUT I’D ALSO LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO RESTORE FAITH IN MYSELF. DONORS LIKE YOU HELP US STUDENTS ACCOMPLISH OUR DREAMS AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL. THIS SCHOLARSHIP WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN MY EDUCATION AND HELP ME ACHIEVE MY GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO USING THIS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE, BUILD SKILLS, AND EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL HELP ME REACH MY FULL POTENTIAL. I WILL BE GRADUATING BECAUSE OF THIS SCHOLARSHIP. THANKS TO YOU, FINANCES WILL NOT BE HOLDING ME BACK FROM MY DREAMS OR MY CAREER GOALS. I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE IN MY FAMILY TO GRADUATE FROM UNIVERSITY AND I WILL BE GOING ON TO DO GREAT THINGS. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME AND SUPPORTING MY EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY. YOUR GENEROSITY AND BELIEF IN MY POTENTIAL ARE TRULY INSPIRING , AND I AM IMMENSELY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY, I WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN AN UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR DOING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SERVICE FOR FAMILIES LIKE MINE. I FEEL INSPIRED TO DO THE SAME THING ONE DAY BECAUSE THIS FEELING OF GRATITUDE I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS SOMETHING I WANT FOR A FUTURE STUDENT. THANK YOU FOR REASSURING ME THAT CHOOSING MYSELF WAS THE BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE MADE. THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS SUCH AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO REDUCE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF MY COLLEGE EDUCATION AND CONTINUE TO CHASE MY DREAMS. I’D LIKE TO PERSONALLY
Four College of Business Alumni Recognized at 2023 Homecoming Awards Each year, Idaho State University is recognizes exceptional individuals to honor at the Homecoming Awards. This tradition brings together the Bengal community to showcase pride and recognize the influential alumni and friends who have made a significant impact at ISU and their communities. The 2023 awards featured four College of Business alumni, the most of any College.
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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD - KENT ORAM
WILLIAM J. BARTZ AWARD TIM AND ELAINE MAY
YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD JESSE ARNOLDSON
Throughout his 38-year career Kent Oram has supported ISU, impacting countless students. He has enriched the University and cultivated an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation and progress within Southeast Idaho. Oram believes ISU has the power to shape the future. He was CEO of Idaho Central Credit Union for 15 years and received the Idaho Business Leader of the Year award in 2016.
Tim and Elaine May believe in inclusive education. As major donors to the INCLUDE project, they help provide affordable Dual Enrollment classes to students across Idaho. This program empowers individuals from diverse communities to prepare for postsecondary education or future careers. The Mays also support Bengal Athletics fostering a well-rounded student experience at ISU.
Jesse Arnoldson is a two-time graduate of ISU. As a partner and principal at the Idaho-based medical management firm MedMan, Arnoldson uses his knowledge and experiences to nurture the next generation of leaders. His dedication to students’ success fosters a legacy of excellence and empowerment within the Bengal community.
Learn and Grow with Customized Trainings from the ISU Leadership Center Investment in training and education programs for employees is essential. Not only does it help your organization attract top talent and increase retention, it helps your employees expand their skill set for future growth in the company. And perhaps most importantly, it keeps your organization moving forward with the ever-changing business environment. With all of this in mind, the Idaho State University Leadership Center was born. The Leadership Center creates training programs for businesses and organizations customized to meet their specific needs — from oneon-one coaching to addressing skill gaps to
improving leadership abilities and everything in-between. Our team works with you directly to craft a program that meets your needs. Topics include leadership development, negotiation skills, culture building, strategic development and more. Our team can craft trainings — single sessions or even multi-day trainings — that truly meet specific organizational needs and goals. Trainings and seminars are conducted on-site at the client’s location or at ISU campuses in Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Meridian. We also hold Zoom trainings for those with a remote or hybrid workforce. Customized training allows employees to
grow their skills, become confident in their leadership abilities and collaborate with their colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Costs for customized training programs are typically significantly less than sending your team to an existing leadership or industryspecific conference, with the added benefit that these trainings are created directly to address your organization’s needs in a location that is convenient for you. Could you or your organization benefit from an ISU Leadership training? Schedule a consultation with our team or learn more at isu.edu/cob/leadership-center.
Enabling Success for Sales Professionals Housed under the umbrella of the Leadership Center, the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence external sales trainings help companies and individuals achieve new levels of success. The Center had the pleasure of working with Consolidated Supply Co. in September. During a three day sales summit held on the Idaho State University Meridian Campus, the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence team work on coaching and development for Consolidated Co.’s sales teams, sales managers
and executive leadership in order to deepen customer engagement. “It was great working with Consolidated Co. They are an amazing family run, fourth generation company that operates in the Pacific Northwest in 21 different locations,” said Assistant Marketing Professor and Executive Director of Professional Development and Sales Excellence John Ney. “The training went really well and was well received. In fact, we received a standing ovation!”
Idaho Central Credit Union Establishes Endowment to Support Student Participation in Real-World Business Simulation Competition Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) continues their support of the Idaho State University College of Business with the establishment of the ICCU International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) Endowment. While ICCU has historically supported the College’s ICBSC team both financially and with coaching, this endowment ensures students will be able to continue participating in the competition in perpetuity. “ICCU has been partnering with Idaho State University [College of Business] on the ICBSC for many years. Every year, senior leaders from ICCU look forward to meeting with students, hearing their proposals, and providing feedback to them,” said Brenda Worrell, ICCU President and CEO. “We are always impressed by the caliber of students we interact with and the education they are getting at Idaho State University. This [endowment] provides the funding for the program to continue developing and supporting Idaho State University students for many years to come!” The ICBSC is a rigorous competition challenging top-level students from around the world to complete 12 quarters (three
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years) of simulated business decisions expedited over the course of a semester. Each team also submits a formal business plan and annual report. Students then travel to Anaheim for an intense 72-hour competition against their international peers, followed by a formal presentation to executive-level judges from companies throughout the western United States. Idaho State is the only university in the states of Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming to participate in the ICBSC and has consistently placed within first or second place. “We are so grateful for ICCU’s generosity in supporting our participation in the ICBSC. The success of students from the College of Business in this competition over the years demonstrates that the top students from our University can compete with anyone in the world,” said ICBSC
Advisor and ICCU Endowed Professor of Management Alex Bolinger. “Our students could not have had that success, however, without ICCU’s commitment to providing resources and valuable mentorship in support of our students. Thanks to this extraordinary gift from ICCU, our students will now have this game-changing educational opportunity well into the future.”
Photo: The Spring 2023 ICBSC team, winners of the “Best Presentation” award, with their advisors.
Two New Scholarship Endowments Established The Marc and Pauline Mueller Scholarship Endowment The Marc and Pauline Mueller Scholarship Endowment will support students who are enrolled in the Sales Certificate Program, and/or students who have a declared major in Management. “We are so thankful for the Muellers, the incredible example they are to our students, and their generosity in giving back to establish the Marc and Pauline Mueller Scholarship Endowment,” said College of Business Senior Director of Development Catherine Rider. “This endowment will provide essential scholarship support for students pursuing a degree in management or sales and will get them one step closer to graduating and starting a rewarding career!” Marc and Pauline met in the Pond Student Union Building in 1985. Marc, originally from Mission Viejo, CA, came to Idaho State University as a student athlete on the men’s tennis team and earned a degree in Management. Pauline, originally from Boise, ID, spent her freshman year at Seattle University before transferring to Idaho State University where she completed her degree in Dietetics. “We established this endowment as a way to show our appreciation for our education and experience at Idaho State,” said Marc and Pauline. “We wanted to pay it forward for the next generation of sales and management leaders who will get their start on our campus.”
Bobette Wilhelm Economic Endowment | Bobette Wilhelm Economic Scholarship Endowment This fall, the College of Business received the most significant gift in the history of the Economics program from the estate of Bobette (Bobbi) Wilhelm. Bobbi graduated from Idaho State University in 2002 with a degree in Economics and earned her master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho in 2004. Following the completion of her higher education, Bobbi spent time serving her community in numerous volunteer roles and held several important professional roles in Washington and Idaho throughout her career. Bobbi was tragically killed in a hit and run accident in March of 2020 while on a bike ride in Pocatello. While at Idaho State University, Bobbi was awarded the Outstanding Student Award for the College of Arts and Letters and was later recognized by Idaho State as the recipient of the Distinguished Young Alumni Award in 2013. Bobbi’s gift created two endowments within the College of Business, in addition to one new permanent endowment and a significant gift to an existing endowment within the University Honors program. “Bobbi was truly an inspiring person and humanitarian who valued the rights of every individual and gave back to her community in so many ways,” said College of Business Senior Director of Development Catherine Rider. “It is really remarkable that Bobbi had the foresight to include Idaho State in her estate plan at such a young age, and I know that the impact this gift will have on our students and programs will be transformational and serve as a testament to her legacy of service and making the world a better place.”
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Welcoming New Faculty TIM ANDERSON, MACC
HALEY HARDMAN, PH.D
Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting
Assistant Professor of Marketing
After a career in public accounting, Tim is fulfilling a lifelong dream of teaching. Tim earned his MAcc from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in taxation and his BBA in Accounting from Idaho State University. Tim’s career has included public accounting work at the national level and as an owner of a regional firm specializing in taxation, business mergers, and business succession planning.
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Before pursuing her Ph.D, Haley worked in contrasting retail environments. She experienced the fast-paced setting of Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City (popularized by TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress) and the more leisurely setting of a small boutique in Mississippi. Her interest in the relational aspect of marketing motivates her research. She particularly enjoys the psychology behind effective relationship building and hopes to garner a deeper understanding of the role it plays in retail strategy and branding. Haley collaborates with prominent brands, such as Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Zox, and Barnes & Noble among others. She enjoys teaching and strives to create a fun learning environment.
NIKOLE LAYTON, PH.D Clinical Assistant Professor of Management, Director of Bengal Solutions Nikole is currently a dedicated Ph.D Candidate in Business Administration at Oklahoma State University, specializing in strategic management while maintaining a keen interest in finance, healthcare, and marketing. Her current research focuses on organizational agility and its impact on competitive advantage in varying degrees of turbulent environments. In addition to her academic pursuits, Nikole brings a wealth of practical experience to her role. She has worked as a healthcare administrator, business consultant, bookkeeper, and HR manager. As the Director of Bengal Solutions, Nikole leads a team of ten graduate assistant students in providing business consulting services to local small businesses and government organizations. Nikole finds great satisfaction in the interactive aspects of her role, fostering growth and innovation in her students and the companies she collaborates with.
PAUL OBERMANN, PH.D Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Obermann teaches Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Modeling, and Economic Forecasting at the senior undergraduate level. He has also taught investments and advanced investments before joining Idaho State University. His research interests lie at the intersection of corporate finance and labor market outcomes. For example, Dr. Obermann investigates the career paths of top executives, determinants of turnover, and its implications on corporate performance. Dr. Obermann worked at the Economics and Policy Research Group at Louisiana State University and as a part-time consultant before obtaining his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama.
SONALI SALUNKHE, MD, PH.D, MPH Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration Dr. Salunkhe’s primary research interests include access to healthcare and health policy. Additionally, her research interests focus on health services research, maternal and child health, healthcare disparities, social determinants of health, healthcare economics, and spinal cord injury.
Recognizing Retiring Faculty COREY SCHOU, PH.D Dr. Schou , Professor of Computer Science and Info rm at i c s, has retired. He directed the Idaho State University Informatics Research Institute and is a widely published author. He was also the director of the National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC). He led the development of the college curricula, which underpins the national Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Systems Security (Cybersecurity) program.
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Festival of Trees: Celebrating the Season and Supporting the Community The College of Business, in conjunction with Presenting Sponsor Lookout Credit Union, once again partnered to host a local holiday favorite – the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees is a tradition that aims to capture the magic of the holidays while bringing the community together in support of local education and community needs. This year’s benefiting groups included the local Alzheimer’s Association, Idaho State University Scholarships, Make-a-Wish Idaho, the School District 25 Education Foundation and United Way of Southeast Idaho.
Suzette Porter. “It’s amazing to have the College of Business be a part of such a heartwarming event that brings the community together to help one another.”
The Festival, which ran November 15 - 18 at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center, started with the Grand Holiday Gala. This event is attended mainly by business and community members who sponsored elements of and events at the Festival. This year’s Make-AWish recipient Harper Walker was also in attendance with her parents. Harper made a speech during the Gala about her journey battling Ewing Osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, and how excited she is to be going on her Make-A-Wish trip with her family to Hawaii.
“The Festival as well as all of the events and prizes wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful sponsors,” said Suzette. “Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers and committee members who make this event successful.”
“It was so moving to hear Harper’s story of strength and perseverance through her battle with bone cancer,” said Festival Director
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In addition to the Grand Holiday Gala, the Festival also included Breakfast with Santa, two Children’s Royal Tea Parties, music, crafts, and a Gingerbread Competition. The People’s Choice winners of the Gingerbread Competition, Kayla and Becky, received $1,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice.
Interested in learning about sponsor and donor opportunities for this year’s event? Email Suzette at suzetteporter@isu.edu. Photos (top to bottom): A portion of the 60+ trees donated and displayed at the Festival, Portneuf Medical Center CEO Jordan Herget, Make-A-Wish Regional Director Julie Thomas, Make-A-Wish Recipient Harper Walker, Festival Director Suzette Porter and College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt at the Grand Holiday Gala.
A Message of Thanks Throughout my time in the College of Business it has been my practice in each edition of the Business Bulletin to include a message of thanks to our alumni and donors who give of their time, talent, and treasure to support our students, faculty, staff, and the future of our College. I have loved sharing these messages with you, because I believe they demonstrate so much of the amazing work we are able to accomplish in our College through the support of our dedicated alumni and friends. I am saddened to say that this message will be my last, as I have accepted a new position at a university on the East Coast in order to move closer to family in that area. For this message, I ask for your grace as I would like to share a personal message of thanks with all of you. As a proud Idaho State University alumnus, it has been my professional privilege and the joy of my career to have the opportunity to serve this amazing University and the College of Business as a front-line fundraiser. Throughout my time here, I have been able to meet so many amazing alumni who care deeply about our students. I have been blessed to hear their stories of struggle and success, and to witness the impact that their generosity has on our campus every single day. Working with the alumni, faculty, staff, and students in the College of Business and learning from their work and examples has made me a better professional, and a better human being. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to the many people who have made my experience here such a special time of my life that I will treasure forever. Thank you again, and Go Bengals!
CATHERINE RIDER Senior Director of Development catherinerider@isu.edu
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