Business Bulletin: Winter 2020

WINTER 2020

Welcoming a new dean Pg. 7

ALUMNA MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF IN TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY Pg. 11

HEARING FROM AN IDAHO TECH LEADER Pg. 12

WINTER 2020

New opportunities ahead A s we enter

a new decade, the College of

our students and provide them with an excellent

Business stands on a solid foundation of talent

education. The dean’s search committee did an

and opportunity. Last year we added another

outstanding job throughout the recruiting and

undergraduate

our

hiring process. Our Leadership Board also provided

students, and the College met its budgetary

steadfast support in this time of transition, and

targets. Our students continue to perform well

participated in the search process. I offer them all

at the competitions and activities in which they

my sincere gratitude.

are engaged and our Professional Development

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as

program continues to thrive.

acting dean for the College of Business, and I

advisor

to

better

serve

03

REMOVING BARRIERS

04

WINNING IDEAS

We also successfully concluded our national

could not have asked for a better group of people

05

REACHING FOR THE TOP

search for a new dean. In June, Shane Hunt,

to work with. While the College faces challenges

06

BUILDING A PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Ph.D. will assume leadership of the College. Hunt

that are common throughout higher education, it

07

WELCOMING A NEW DEAN

brings to the role his experience as dean of the

also has opportunity to grow and meet the evolving

College of Business at Arkansas State University

needs of our community and I am confident that

10

IN MEMORY OF DAVID HILL, SR.

and product manager and business development

the College is up to the task.

11

ALUMNA MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF

manager at a Fortune 500 company. Please join

This issue of the Business Bulletin is dedicated

12

AN IDAHO TECH LEADER

me in welcoming him to Idaho State University.

to featuring our new dean and a number of

The College’s success over the past year can be

exemplary alumni. These Bengal graduates have

14

FACULTY NEWS & RETIREES

attributed to many people. The faculty, staff and

achieved roaring success and we are excited to

15

TEACHING IN UZBEKISTAN

Executive Committee worked diligently to serve

see what they accomplish next.

16

AN APPRECIATION FOR EDUCATION

JOANNE TOKLE, PH.D. Acting Dean, College of Business

feature

| 3

Removing barriers T he Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

program

line with competing schools, and we believe we will

was established nearly seven years ago. Since that

see increased interest from high-achieving students,”

time, admission to the program has required the

McCarty explained.

GRE or GMAT exams. The test score is weighed

An entrance exam is still required for the other

alongside the students’ grade point average (GPA)

two graduate programs in the College, however.

and other materials to determine their likelihood of

“It’s important for us to admit students who can be

success. Recently, the College decided to waive the

successful in our graduate programs.” McCarty said.

GRE/GMAT requirement for MAcc applicants with an

Admitting a student who may not be successful

undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.

could result in wasted time and funds, whereas

Director of Graduate Studies Kristine McCarty noted

the entrance exams help determine an applicant’s

that although the exam is a good way to gauge a

likelihood to succeed in a program. This is especially

student’s aptitude for graduate school, “this change

true for broader programs like the Master of Business

allows applicants to spend more time focusing on

Administration (MBA) where coursework is not

preparation for the Certified Public Accountants

focused on one specific content area, like it is with

(CPA) exam, rather than an entrance exam. Adding

the MAcc. McCarty said.

another test into the mix causes some undue stress,”

“For the MAcc program, the greatest predictor of

said McCarty.

success for an applicant is their performance in their

“Students are excited and relieved to hear about this

prior accounting coursework. A 3.5 GPA certainly

change,” she said, adding that the change will reduce

demonstrates success in that area.”

the financial burden on students who would have to

The hurdle of taking the exam in the other programs

pay around $250 to take the GMAT.

demonstrates students’ commitment. “It’s a richer

Removing the entrance exam is becoming common

experience for all students when everyone is

for MAcc programs. “This change puts us more in

committed,” said McCarty.

REMEMBERING A GREAT STUDENT In the fall of 2018, the College of Business family was devastated to learn that Zeke Uribe, a recent accounting graduate with a bright future, had tragically passed away.

Uribe was an inspiration to those who knew him, and it is our wish to honor his memory by establishing a scholarship endowment in his name for first generation students majoring in accounting. Please help us reach our goal of $25,000, visit isu.edu/give/COB to make your gift to the “Zeke Uribe Scholarship Fund”.

4 |

real world learning

Winning ideas This December,

the College of Business held its annual U.S. Bank

Pitch Off event where 23 teams of hopeful entrepreneurs presented their product and service ideas to panels of judges from throughout the community. These teams had a chance to win a share of $10,000 in cash prizes sponsored by U.S. Bank. The event served as a practice for students applying for the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge (IEC) in Boise where they

Photo (Left): U.S. Bank Vice President Tracy Hoart, Tony Torres and his son, Joanne Tokle, College of Business acting dean. Photo (right): Tracy Hoart, Hugo Rayo, Will Cannon, Kerry Casperson, Jared Barrott, Joanne Tokle.

will compete to win a portion of $100,000, if selected. This year, there were

students. The team consisted of Hugo Rayo, Will Cannon, Kerry Casperson

two runners-up who won $500 each, one second place winning team who

and Jared Barrott with product “H2 Therapeutics” which is a continuous

won $1,000 and two first place winning teams who won $2,000. One team

positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) machine that delivers more

also won a Best Support Material Award with a prize of $250. The team

enriched oxygen, making it easier for users to sleep. The other first-place

winning second place was “BedWedge” consisting of College of Business

winners were College of Business Master of Healthcare Administration

students, Michael Magee and Dylan Orr. Their product was a bike rack that

student, Tony Torres, and his wife Kelsi Torres, with their idea “Sharp Sense,”

fits into the bed of a truck to allow for more room. One of the first-place

which is a medically-centered, sensor device used to send out an alert

winning teams was a team of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration

when hazardous waste containers, filled with needles, reach their capacity.

IDAHO’S PART IN WORLD WAR II

and writing captions to turn into a book published by Arcadia Publishing.

By: Sophia Perry, Management Student

“Idaho in World War II” is full of photos and stories about Idahoans and

The

Collaborative

their contributions to the war effort, even so far away from the front lines.

Creativity class taught by Alex Bolinger,

Student Kathryn Rose often noted how humbled she became throughout

Ph.D. have taken the idea of a ‘group

this class, as she learned what these people had to suffer through. As one

project’ to a whole new level. This class,

of the members of the class, I can say that I learned so much about what

comprised of just four students, spent

it means to truly be an American, in every sense of the word. Look for the

their semester gathering historic photos

book in print summer 2020.

students

in

the

Photo: (Left to right) Dalene Hunter, Kathryn Rose, Sophia Perry, Ashley French

real world learning

| 5

Reaching for the top Student

Tony

Torres

was

awarded

the

prestigious

opportunity to join the University of Kansas Health System (UKHS) administrative fellowship program where he was one of three candidates selected from over 70 applicants. As part of the fellowship, Torres will join a leadership training program for UKHS where he will be immersed in learning the financial, strategic and clinical operations of the business, eventually being assigned to a managerial position within UKHS.

In applying for the position, Torres, a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) student, was up against

grade in order to work and help provide for the rest of their families.

applicants from top-rated MHA programs in the country. “Typically, the

Torres worked hard to seek out a fellowship opportunity that would allow

UKHS program selects two recipients. However, due to highly competitive

him to step into an executive leadership role after earning his degrees.

candidates, three were chosen this year,” he said.

Throughout his education, Torres said he has been actively seeking out

Torres, a graduate of Brigham Young University – Idaho, attributes his

opportunities “to network and find successful mentors. I was proactive during

success to his “innate passion for providing access to healthcare for

my education and training to have meaningful experiences in healthcare.

others.” This passion stemmed from a health condition that caused his

My experiences have exposed me to current healthcare challenges and my

father’s passing at a young age. “I remember feeling helpless watching my

HCA residency allowed me to learn solutions to some of these issues.”

dad battle his illness,” said Torres whose parents emigrated from Mexico.

“I believe we should all aim high. Although any leadership role is an

His strong work ethic was also inspired by his parents’ sacrifices. “[My

honorable one, if we dream of becoming executives then we should take

parents regularly reminded us] of the great opportunity we were given to

every proactive opportunity to get there from the beginning.”

pursue an education,” Torres said. His parents had left school by the sixth

Torres starts this summer upon graduation with his dual graduate degrees.

6 |

real world learning

Building a peer mentorship program College is

one of the first major adult steps

hosted activities for the program.

many of us will take in our lives. “Many of our

During the fall semester, Smith’s Graduate

students are moving away from the only place

Assistant,

they have ever lived, finding themselves in a new

implement a beta version of the program.

environment without any friends or family,” said

However, Nava said they were faced with some

College of Business Director of Undergraduate

challenges. “It was difficult getting mentees to

Studies Tara Smith. According to her research,

overcome the negative stigma behind ‘needing

these circumstances commonly lead to struggles

help’ as well as keeping mentors motivated to

like social isolation and unclear expectations for

participate.” Both Smith and Nava agreed that

ICBSC HONORED BY ATHLETICS

new freshmen, resulting in lowering retention

taking steps in building awareness of the program

Last September, the College of Business’s International

rates, graduation rates, grade point averages and

before students start their first semester, and even

Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) team

increasing incidences of academic probation.

communicating with parents about the program

was recognized by the Idaho State University Athletics

To help new students, Smith devised the plan

may

Program during half-time at the football game against

of adding a peer mentorship program to the

programs have made a huge impact on student

Portland State. This recognition was to celebrate the

College’s initiatives where student mentees will

success at other institutions,” said Smith who

team’s success at the ICBSC earlier in the year where

be paired with student mentors at new student

feels like the test was a great opportunity to

students won first place in two categories. “When

orientation. “I hope the relationship creates a

find out what would encourage students to

we learned of their accomplishment, we wanted to

deeper sense of belonging and eases anxiety

participate. “Other schools have the benefit of

give them a ‘high five,’” said Athletic Director Pauline

of the unknown, knowing they have a fellow

offering scholarships and other incentives to a

Thiros. “We admired their great performance, and we

student to turn to who has been in their shoes,”

select group of mentors, but for us, I think by

wanted to help broadcast their accomplishment.” The

said Smith. Mentors would be encouraged to

building our awareness and adjusting the timing

team was presented with a football helmet signed by

regularly meet with their mentees throughout

of our implementation and promotion- then we

Thiros and Head Football Coach Rob Phenecie.

the semester in addition to attending College-

can make a strong start for the program this fall.”

Photos: Last year’s ICBSC winning team and the signed helmet they were awarded by the Athletics Department.

be

Vanesa

Fontes

beneficial.

Nava,

“Successful

began

to

mentorship

DR. SHANE HUNT

Welcoming a new dean “I am a

first-generation college student and know

first-hand the impact that great professors had on

“

my life,” said incoming College of Business dean, Shane Hunt, Ph.D. For Hunt, studentcentered faculty and staff is a quality that really stood out to him during his visit to campus. “I think the Idaho

State University College of Business is one of the

most impressive places I have ever visited. When I [spoke with students], they each told me that

their favorite part about [the College] was the incredible professors who genuinely cared about them and prepared them for success.” Shane attained his Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma and his Ph.D. in marketing from Oklahoma State University. “My eight years working in the private sector for a Fortune 500 company and a small business as a pricing analyst, product manager and business

I’m a first-generation college student and know first-hand the impact great professors had on my life.

8 |

welcoming a new dean

development manager reinforced the fact that what I learned from my

including “raising funds to increase the number of endowed chairs and

best professors in the classroom helped me be more successful in my

professorships so that we can always recruit and retain the best faculty in

job.” As a leader in higher education and a professor, Hunt said he has

the classroom.” He also included the development of centers of excellence

strived to provide a similar impact on each of his students over the past

that match programs, faculty research interests and job areas in high

12 years he has spent in academia.

“

demand. He would also like to increase internship offerings, mentorships

In assuming the position of College of Business dean this June, Hunt has great enthusiasm in continuing this legacy in the College and building upon the impact the College has had

on students. Hunt said he has two overarching

goals as he takes on his new role, beginning with reducing the cost of an education for business students. “Through fundraising [I would like to]

dramatically increase the number of endowed scholarships that benefit our students,” said Hunt who was able to more than double the number

of

privately

funded

scholarships

during his three years as dean at the Arkansas

and Professional Development programs that employ community partnerships “to help build confident, talented

I would like to dramatically increase the number of endowed scholarships that benefit our students.

business leaders for the next generation.”

As a former dean, Hunt has already successfully implemented many of these initiatives during his tenure at ASU’s College of Business. In addition

to

increasing

scholarships,

Hunt

tripled the number of endowed professorships for business faculty and launched the A-State Women’s Business Leadership Center, as well as securing the four largest scholarship gifts in the history of ASU’s College of Business. Hunt is confident he can bring the same value to

State University (ASU) College of Business. “I saw first-hand the positive

Idaho State, “With the incredible team we have in place here in the Idaho

impact that had in [students’] ability to succeed and graduate.”

State College of Business, I think we can do all of this and much, much

Hunt’s second goal revolves around growing the transformational

more in the years ahead.”

opportunities the College has to offer by “increasing the return on

On top of increasing benefits to students, Hunt would like to focus

investment for every student that is part of the Idaho State College of

attention on building relationships and visiting with College alumni

Business.” Hunt said this can be accomplished in a number of ways,

and supporters. “[I want to] make sure we are preparing our students

with the skills, knowledge and abilities to be successful

duo accomplished their goal nine

as they enter the job market, build careers, become

years later. “We loved the experience

entrepreneurs and ultimately outstanding ethical leaders

as sports fans, but more importantly I

in the Idaho business community and for organizations

loved the time he and I spent together

throughout the world.”

and the memories it created for us.”

Although Hunt’s term won’t officially begin full-time

Wanting to share a similar experience

until the end of the spring semester, allowing his son to

with his daughter, Hunt and Sarah

finish out his last high school semester in Arkansas, Hunt

were inspired by a visit to Yellowstone National

plans to make several campus visits to attend meetings,

Park and so established the even loftier goal

participate in the University budgeting process and

of visiting all 62 National Parks before she

attend student recruitment events. In the fall, he plans

graduates in 2025. So far, they have marked

to begin teaching a marketing course and continue

40 off of their list. “These have been some of

that practice each semester. “I love to teach and help

our most cherished adventures as a family.”

students; I think it is important that our College never

Overall, Hunt and his family are excited to

loses sight of our most important mission which is to

join the College. “We are thrilled to become

provide a great education to our students.”

part of the Pocatello community and all of

Outside of his career, Hunt is a true family man. Married

the great things happening throughout the

for 20 years, Hunt and his wife Jenifer have two children,

region. It is incredibly clear that our best

Andrew (17) and Sarah (12). “When Andrew was little, we

days as a University, College of Business and

developed a shared love of baseball. I thought it would

community are ahead of us and I am thrilled

be an incredible experience if he and I set a goal to see

to get to be part of it as dean. I am so excited

games at all 30 Major League Baseball Stadiums before

to share our College of Business story and

he graduated high school.” Starting their pursuit in 2008

help students from all backgrounds achieve

when Andrew was just six years old, the father and son

their professional dreams.”

10 |

featured alumni

In memory of David Hill, Sr. 1939 - 2019 By: Dave Hill Jr.

Born in

Springfield Missouri, Dave Hill Sr. attended Marquette

High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. before heading west to Idaho to visit his Grandfather “Poppy” in Pocatello. Hill loved fly fishing and hiking so he spent his first day at Idaho State University in the forest ranger program. Though he quickly reoriented his studies to business and economics. Hill credited his Economics 101 class with Fritz Hoffman (aka Corky) for igniting his passion for education and more specifically business management.

Legend has it that Hill was voted “College Campus Dream Man” and was

experiences, Hill would be quick to credit the Army’s training and people-

recognized as the biggest man on campus at 6’4” 230lbs. Nonetheless,

first leadership lessons that he carried into his business life.

Hill loved sports and was a track star at Idaho State throwing shot put and

After leaving the Army, he started a career in sales and soon came to the

discus.

cardboard box industry, where he would devote the next 50 years. Staying

A natural leader, Hill joined the Army after attending ROTC classes as a

close to Idaho, Hill was hired by Boise Cascade first as a Salesperson and

second lieutenant and after basic training went to Germany where his

then worked his way up to General Manager of multiple plants. In 1981,

division was assigned to guard two Nazi Generals at the famous Spandau

Hill founded The BoxMaker, a sheet plant in the Seattle area which grew

Prison. After four years of service, Hill was ready for civilian life, but the

steadily over 38 years under his watch with over 200 employees, seven

Army had other plans as they informed him he would be among the first

branch offices and an innovative approach to digital printing.

troops sent to Vietnam. Stationed in Pleiku and promoted to Captain, Hill

Hill also made it a priority to give back and was proud of the endowment

had 50 troops under his responsibility and saw plenty of action throughout

he established at ISU. He wanted these funds to help future business people

his tour, earning both a Bronze Star and Air Medal. When talking about his

empower themselves with an education they can take into their future.

featured alumni

| 11

Alumna makes a name for herself in technology industry Over the

course of 32 years from global-

Originally from San Mateo, California, May

know what path I would take; none of us did. We

leading cybersecurity companies like Symantec,

chose to make her way closer to the Midwest in

just put one foot in front of the other, got our

to McAfee, HP and IBM- 1984 College of Business

pursuing her education, landing at Idaho State.

degrees and pioneered our way through.”

graduate, Tamela Gates May made a name

“I was self-funding my college [and was] only

As a junior, May was becoming worn down by the

for herself in the technology industry. Making

17 when I arrived on campus. It was challenging

burden of balancing an education and finances

numerous top influencer lists for the premier

to take on the responsibility of putting myself

on her own. “I found out about a scholarship

publication

Magazine

through school.” As a student, May said it wasn’t

named her “Channel Chief” in 2019, a “Woman

just her time in the classroom that had an impact

of the Channel” in 2015 and one of the “Top 100

on her. “I think the emotional intelligence I

Women in the Channel” in 2009. Now recently

honed while surviving putting myself through

retired, May spent most of her career leading

school impacted who I am significantly.” May

critical business teams, but what lead her to such

also found two great roommates, Cynthia Tibbs

a successful career was no stroke of luck.

and Elizabeth Roberts who also went on to lead

“Working my way up was challenging as a rare

successful careers- Tibbs as an entrepreneur in

female in a typically male-dominated industry,”

health and wellness and Roberts in the mortgage

said May. “Being willing to outwork others, taking

industry. “None of us were the type to hitch our

any ball thrown at me while consistently over-

wagon to someone else’s star. We were focused

performing and delivering excellence, helped me

on breaking our own trail.” May added that,

break through that glass ceiling.” May said once

surrounding herself with people who share that

she broke through, she no longer had to look for

“inner-grit was critical” to her success. Still, May

opportunities, “companies came to me.” May’s

was unsure of her path. “In the late 70s, early

tenacity is a trait she took with her throughout

80s when I was at Idaho State, women were just

her education at Idaho State University.

starting to pour into business schools. I didn’t

in

technology,

CRN

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE...

12 |

featured alumni

An Idaho tech leader

TAMELA GATES MAY CONTINUED... [which I] ended up being selected for. That was

college experience had on her life. “I visited Idaho

the shot in the arm I needed to keep going. It

State in November for the first time in over 30

was so impactful that I have never forgotten it.”

years.” During her visit, May established the Tami

May’s

local

Gates Scholarship Endowment Fund for Fearless

classifieds newspaper, the Thrifty Nickel, where

Pursuit of Personal Success, a scholarship aimed

she worked during school and after earning

at assisting students in their junior or senior

her degree. “When I moved to Boston, that

years that are struggling financially, much like

experience helped me to get a job in advertising

May was. “[I wanted to] give them the same

for a magazine focused on the technology

encouragement I received to continue on.” May

industry, which eventually led me to working

also sought to honor the many professors that

with cybersecurity manufacturers advising them

she said helped her chase her own success.

on their overall marketing strategy.”

During her visit back to campus, May was faced

As her career progressed, May realized her ability

with a lot of emotion. “What kept running through

H earing from

to not only get through difficult situations, but to

my mind as I traversed the campus paths I had

(CEO) of a tech company that recently

lead highly talented teams. “Honestly, the most

crossed so many times in decades past, was a bit

received one of the state’s largest private

personally fulfilling accomplishment was having

of a poem I authored from the emotion of the

equity investments ever, warrants some

several individuals seek out the opportunity

visit, ‘For a time it was ours, now it is theirs and

intimidation. But, as Paris Cole introduced

to work for me,” May said that as she moved

the tomorrows of ISU will go on forever.’” It is

himself to the room of accounting and

from company to company, there were several

scholarships like the one May received, like the

business students at this year’s Accounting

individuals that followed. “To me, that is a strong

one she established, that keep so many Idaho

Career Vision Symposium, it was evident

indicator of whether or not you are a respected,

State students going or make it possible for them

that Cole is a down-to-earth, fellow Bengal.

viable and effective leader.”

to earn an education. And the impact of that

“I first want to share my background with

In concluding her career, May found herself

education is profound.

you,” said Cole, pointing to some basic

career

actually

began

at

the

reflecting on the impact her education and the

the Chief Executive Officer

facts on the screen. “I grew up in Caldwell,

featured alumni

| 13

Idaho. I don’t have anything unique about my

Over the last 23 years, Truckstop.com has

“Who we are and what we are is more important

background, nothing extraordinary about my

managed to be profitable and grow continuously.

than what we do.” Cole admitted that he is an

life,” he shrugged. “The reason I show you this

“This is something that really distinguishes us

introvert. As a student, the idea of walking up

first, is because I want you to see that it doesn’t

from other companies,” said Cole. “We survived

to a stranger at a career fair gave him anxiety.

matter where you grew up or where you came

the ‘.com bubble,’ we survived the Great

“But, being active and just being there is what

from, there’s a lot ahead of you and you make of

Recession and despite this year being tough on

got me noticed,” he said. “I didn’t have to be

it what you want.”

transportation, we are still growing.” And, in April

an extrovert.” Cole noted that three of the four

Cole graduated from the College of Business

of 2019 the majority of the company’s shares

companies he has worked for in his career have

with his Bachelor of Business Administration

were purchased by ICONIQ Capital.

been positions gained through relationships he

in Accounting in 2000. Nearly 20 years later,

“I can’t name too many names, but ICONIQ is

has built by simply being present.

Cole has worked his way up to being the Chief

an investment firm composed of major figures

Over his career, Cole said he has also found the

Financial Officer (CFO) and, currently, the CEO

in technology and other areas. Some of the

value of patience. “Good things happen when

of Truckstop.com.

firm’s board of directors includes Facebook

you don’t push the issue,” he said. “I had a very

“We jokingly call ourselves the ‘E-Harmony’ of

Co-Founders:

Dustin

humbling experience back in 2008. I was working

transportation.” According to Cole, Truckstop.

Moskovitz; CEO of Twitter and Square, Jack

for a commercial real estate company and due

com pioneered the concept of online freight

Dorsey; co-founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman;

to the onset of the recession, the company

matching. “Basically, we are a subscription-

and co-founder and former CEO of Yahoo!,

went bankrupt.” Cole said for the first time in his

based service that matches carriers with freight.”

Jerry Yang.”

professional life, he had found himself without

Truckstop.com was founded in 1995 and is

“When I started at ISU, I had no idea I would be

a job. “I left the area and was able to find a

headquartered in New Plymouth, Idaho, a small

involved with individuals like this,” Cole laughed.

position working in a role that I had already been

town of just over 1,500 people. “We employ 540

“It would have scared me to death.” Cole, in spite

promoted from.” But Cole said he realized there

partners,” said Cole referring to his company’s

of misgivings, has found that the most important

would be setbacks in life and he had to go with

employees as “partners” noting that they work

thing in his professional growth has been to

the flow and just five years later he was working

‘with’ him as opposed to working ‘for’ him.

always remember who he is.

as the CFO at Truckstop.

Mark

Zuckerberg

and

14 |

facult y & staff updates

Retirees

FACULTY NEWS & UPDATES ALEX BOLINGER, PH.D.

Deb Gerber

Gerber was part of the Idaho State

The Associate Professor of Management

UNIVERSITY BUSINESS OFFICER

experience for almost 20 years and has

was elected to be the Communications

spent 11 of those years serving the College of Business. Gerber graduated

Director of the Western Academy of

from Idaho State with two degrees in accounting and marketing. Her plans

Management (WAM). WAM is a regional

for retirement are to tend to her husband and to travel. This upcoming

branch of the international Academy of Management, which is the largest academic organization for

year, she has planned a trip to Italy. “I will miss the people I worked with

management scholars in the world.

the most. The College of Business has been very kind to me,” she said.

BURCH & BOLINGER Management professors Tyler Burch, Ph.D. and Alex Bolinger, Ph.D. published

Gail Hunt

Hunt has been with the College of Business

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

since 2014 and has become a staple in life at

an article in Management Teaching

the College. Hunt says that when she retires, she plans to “do a little

Review

activity

volunteer work and a little more of all the fun things in life.” Hunt also

that they use to teach the principles

says that she will miss the students the most. “I will miss their enthusiasm

about

an

in-class

of delegation and empowerment. The activity involves

as they make their way into new and exciting opportunities and I will

designing a pen holder using MegaBloks.

miss seeing them grow in their abilities, professionalism, self-confidence KARL GEISLER, PH.D. The “Hate

economics Crimes

professor’s

and

paper,

Minority-Owned

Businesses” was published in the Review of Black Political Economy. Geisler found that hate crimes in a county reduce the number of minority-owned businesses there.

MCCARDLE & SPECK Marketing professor Sandra Speck, Ph.D.

and social consciousness. I am constantly amazed and deeply proud of the students we have in the College of Business.”

Michele O’Brien-Rose ACCOUNTING PROFESSOR

When O’Brien-Rose retires this spring, she will have been here for seven years. Upon retiring, she plans on helping her husband with a new business he’d like to start and volunteer more for Junior Achievement as well as

and former professor Jie McCardle,

possibly substituting for K-12. Her piece of advice for students is “When

Ph.D.’s paper “A Comparative Study of

you are out there job-hunting, search for something you’re passionate

Social Comparison, Materialism, and Subjective Well-being in the U.S., China,

about doing. If you’re not loving what you do and looking forward to being there every day – consider

Croatia, and India” was accepted for December publication

whether it’s time to do something else. Life is too short to be working at something that does not

in the Journal of Business Diversity.

bring you joy and fulfillment.”

facult y & staff updates

| 15

Teaching in Uzbekistan L ast fall,

College of Business Informatics professor and interim associate

TUIT. Houghton said his experience was “magnificent, the hospitality of the

dean, Bob Houghton, Ph.D. visited Uzbekistan for six weeks under the

Uzbek people is some of the best in the world.” He had done a lot of reading

Fulbright Specialist program. Houghton was assigned to help Tashkent

about the country and found that while it was rebuilt by the Soviet Union,

University of Information Technology (TUIT) by teaching a master course

the country emulates Western culture, particularly in their choice of vehicle

as well as helping the staff reassess and evaluate their curriculum. He also

and dress. After his visit and his experience teaching at TUIT, Houghton

helped conduct research into the nation’s internet, what it looks like and

found that the Uzbek students had great respect for the education available

issues that Uzbek companies face because of this.

in the U.S. “The amount of respect that a student who graduates from Idaho

Houghton heard about the program through his friendship with Australian

State has is monumental. The education that a student receives at Idaho

scholar, Bill Davies. Davies suggested that he apply to the program.

State is truly world class. Students should know that the quality and impact

Houghton is one of the first recipients of the Fulbright Specialist designation

of the faculty, leaders and overall educational experience is among the best

to be assigned to Uzbekistan as well as the only specialist to be assigned to

in the world.”

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An appreciation for education It

is an incredible experience to hear an

I am continually amazed by what we are able to

For

alumni’s story of how Idaho State University

accomplish as a College through the support of

opportunities, to make a gift or to share your

changed their life. As the new Development

our alumni and friends. As you contemplate your

ISU story, please contact me at (208) 282-4608

Director for the College of Business, I have

goals for this year, I encourage you to reflect on

| ridecat2@isu.edu | or visit isu.edu/cob/give.

had the great privilege of spending the last six

your time here and to consider how you might

Thank you for helping the next generation of

months meeting with many of our graduates and

give back. Whether you choose to give back by

Bengals find their, “ROAR!”

donors and listening as they share their stories

volunteering your time, sharing your talents,

with me. A resounding, common theme among

or providing financial support for our students,

these stories is a deep appreciation for the quality

faculty or programs, you can make a difference

of education they received at Idaho State and a

this year.

more

information

about

desire to pay it forward.

CATHERINE RIDER Development Director

involvement