Business Bulletin: Spring 2023

TAKING STOCK

Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab and Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence become an integral part of an inspirational semester at the College of Business

Letter from the Dean

As we wrap up an incredible Spring semester, I wanted to write and say thank you for what you all have made possible for our students, College and community. This semester was filled with highlights, ranging from our 2nd Annual Circle of Excellence to the largest sales competition in Idaho State University history, from our students’ outstanding performance in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition to the opening of our world-class Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab and Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence spaces. This semester highlighted the greatness of our Idaho State University College of Business students, faculty, staff, programs and alumni, and our future has never been brighter.

I want to congratulate all of our Idaho State University College of Business graduates from the Class of 2023. I also want to thank every member of our faculty and staff and alumni who have all been part of our students’ journey to graduation this Spring. Many of our graduates this year started college in regular times, then had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and often a host of personal and economic challenges, but because of their hard work and everyone’s

collective efforts, they graduated with brighter futures ahead than many of them can even imagine. Thank you all for everything you did in and out of the classroom to make this possible for our students.

This ends my 16th year as a Professor and it is my favorite of my entire career. Thank you for your friendship, support and inspiration; I feel blessed every day to be part of the Idaho State University College of Business family. Congratulations to our graduates, thank you all for everything you do, and Go Bengals!

SHANE HUNT, PH.D. Dean, College of Business

Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing

Bengals Visit Boise for Leadership and Development Events

Early in the spring semester, College of Business undergraduate and graduate students were offered opportunites to expand their networks and professional skills with events in Boise, ID. Current and future club leaders from the College attended a leadership retreat, which included completing a service project and hearing from a variety of industry professionals. A couple of weeks later, graduate students attended the first annual Graduate Associate of Business Students (GABS) Leadership Symposium, which included a variety of speakers and graduate-student-specific development opportunies.

“[GABS] brought together students from the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian campuses. They were able to network and develop relationships with one another and with alumni,” said College of Business Director of Graduate Studies Kristine McCarty. “They heard from three speakers (including alum Mike Hayhurst), and they concluded the day with a tour at Boise’s CLM Marketing and Advertising. This event was a fantastic opportunity for our graduate students to continue to develop and grow as leaders.”

“Having the opportunity to take part in these events was invaluable,” said graduate student Taylor Cusack. “Not

only was I able to make new connections and collaborate with my peers in new ways, but I also learned important lessons from these experiences. For example, no matter how much effort you put into planning, your plans will change, and you must be able to adapt quickly. Most importantly, in my opinion, camaraderie is the key to generating trust, honesty, and lasting connections no matter where you are or what you are doing. ”

Photos (left to right): Student Leadership Retreat attendees outside of Micron following their visit, GABS Leadership attendees.

Two New Scholarship Endowments Established

GARY D. AND SUSAN G. CAMPBELL WALK-ON ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

This new scholarship endowment, established by Gary and Susan Campbell in honor of Steve Minor, Jim Brik, and Leo McKillip, will provide support to any Idaho State University walk-on athlete in good academic standing. “It’s my hope that this scholarship will financially assist walk-on, diamond-in-the-rough athletes with opportunities to participate, learn, grow, prosper and give back to their communities,” said Gary Campbell.

“This gift from the Campbells is especially meaningful,” said Pauline Thiros, Director of Athletics at Idaho State University. “We invest in our walk-on student athletes in the same manner as every student athlete on a scholarship, and they contribute at high levels to our programs. We could not be successful if not for students who take a leap of faith to become Bengals. I want them to know that as they grow and excel, there is a mechanism which allows our department the means to reward their effort. [This will be] a special way to inspire and support student-athletes who choose Idaho State as the place where they can achieve their aspirations. As a former walk-on, this resonates deeply with me, and Bengal Athletics could not be more appreciative of this investment.”

MICHAEL MATHER SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

The Michael Mather Scholarship Endowment will benefit junior- or senior-level students majoring in accounting who have a GPA of 3.0 and above and are Idaho residents. Originally from Boise, Mather spent four and a half years in Pocatello attending Idaho State University as an accounting student, and three years in Seattle working for the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. In between his studies at Idaho State, he played basketball and varsity tennis and joined the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

After graduation, Mather was hired by Ernst & Ernst, a CPA firm in Boise, and obtained his CPA license to have a career in financial management, where he would spend the next six years working as a CPA. After that, he spent many years working at various companies, with his last place of employment at Boise State University as the Director of Finance for Advancement.

“Having seen the positive effect some financial help can have for students while working in advancement, I just thought this was a very positive thing that I would do,” said Mather. “I know that the costs of higher education are so high now as compared to the time I got my degree,” he said. “I am a strong believer that the time and effort put into getting a degree is the best and most productive thing a person can do for themself. A little help in getting their degree will cut down on worries and stress about having to work more and study less.”

College of Business Student and Alumnus Recognized for Their Achievements

Though they may be at different points in their professional journey, Tamela Gates May and Zane Webb share something in common: their drive to achieve. Recognized for this drive over graduation weekend, Gates May received the Professional Achievement Award for the College of Business, while Webb received the Outstanding Student Achievement Award earlier in the semester.

“I am honored to be the 2023 recipient of the College of Business Professional Achievement Award,” said Gates May. My hope is that all business students at Idaho State University will have the confidence to set their sights on any company they are interested in pursuing and will walk very tall knowing that they’ve received excellent preparation to compete and excel within a variety of corporate cultures. Our alumni can be found within the walls of many impressive companies, both large and small, locally and across the globe. I started my career in Pocatello at the Thrifty Nickel and went on to work in key leadership roles at some of the world’s largest, best of breed companies in the technology sector.”

“Since coming to Idaho State University, every major milestone has been achieved intentionally. Much fewer of those milestones would have been achieved had it not been for the support of the amazing Bengal community,” said Webb. “Everything from financial support from our alumni, which gave me the opportunity to spend more time building my experience, to the generosity of faculty, staff, alumni and mentors sharing their guidance. All of those little steps have led to a career in private equity to where I am grateful to represent our amazing university.”

“The Idaho State University College of Business provides all of us with an excellent foundation from which to spring forth,” concluded Gates May.

ICBSC Team Wins Best Presentation in the “Most Competitive Division in Memory”

The International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) is a rigorous competition based on an extensive threemonth computerized business simulation in which student teams compete against schools from around the world. This semester, Idaho State University College of Business students competed in a division with teams from California and the United Kingdom. Over the course of the competition, students make five years (20 quarters) of simulated decisions, create a strategic business plan, generate an annual report and conclude with a presentation to a team of judges drawn from corporations throughout Southern California.

In what the event organizers uniformly described as the most competitive, closest division in memory, the Idaho State University team brought home the trophy for Best Presentation. This marks the eighth consecutive year each of the Idaho State University teams have brought home an award.

“As a graduate student, I’ve learned a lot about the theoretical aspects of business,” said Ritesh Yadav, ICBSC team member

and MBA student. “However, nothing compares to the hands-on experience of being in an executive role and making key decisions for a business. This opportunity truly highlighted the importance of collaboration with all teams and departments, which we wouldn’t have had an opportunity to witness. ICBSC was an opportunity for me not just to use what I learned in class, but to build a path for our business using the knowledge we had. It gave us an opportunity to make mistakes and move forward as a collective and not as an individual.”

“[This competition] pushed me out of my comfort zone and subsequently caused me to develop and enhance a broad array of business and leadership skills,” said Orla O’Connor, ICBSC team member and MBA student.

Alex

the ICBSC team, give special thanks to Brenda Worrell and her executive team at Idaho Central Credit Union for sponsoring Idaho State University’s participation in the competition, and for generously giving their time to mentor the students.

Yadav (Chief Analytics Officer), Nick Mingo (Chief Finance Officer) and Mykala Stockett (Chief Marketing Officer).

Bolinger and Dawn Konicek, co-advisors to

Photo: Members of the Spring 2023 ICBSC team with their business simulation titles (pictured left to right with their co-advisors Professor Dawn Konicek (left) and Professor Alex Bolinger (right): Emma Watts (Chief Executive Officer), Orla O’Connor (Chief Human Resource Officer), Lynnea Dale (Chief Operations Officer), Ritesh

SBDC Invites Attendees to “Flip the Script” at Annual Women’s Business Symposium

For the past 10 years, the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has invited women from across southern Idaho to learn, network and grow at the annual Women’s Business Symposium. Hosted by the Pocatello (Region 5) SBDC, the event has been a sell-out for the past several years, this year being no exception. “It’s an exhilarating event to produce and attend,” said Ann Swanson, Region 5 SBDC Director. “With over 200 women each year, it is rewarding to watch local business women learn and connect.”

The theme of this year’s event was “Flip the Script”, inviting participants to look at their lives and careers from a new perspective.

The theme also represented a “flip” in the normal event schedule with the addition of a student pitch competition. With the help of the Idaho State University College of Business, entrepreneurs from Idaho State University and University of Idaho competed for $15,000 in prizes. The first prize winner was Claire Smedley with the John Smedley School of Music.

opportunities the SBDC offers. “The Women’s Symposium was fantastic! It flowed so well and the breakouts were great,” said Carin Tatom, event attendee and Pocatello Chubbuck Chamber Event Coordinator. “I was so glad my sister was able to be there. It gave her some good ideas for her new company – especially funding options. It was a great day!”

In addition to being able to vote on the winners of the pitch competition, attendees spent the day in workshops based on their interests and career type. There was also a strong networking aspect, with plenty of time to brainstorm and connect with other attendees, as well as learn about the no-cost consulting

Next year’s event has been set for April 11th at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center in Fort Hall, ID. Interested in attending or learning about sponsorship opportunities? Contact Ann at swanann@ isu.edu, or (208) 282-4402.

Executive in Residence and Dr. Bill Stratton

Distinguished Scholar Research Seminar Speaker

The College of Business Executive in Residence program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of classes, meet one-on-one 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 Kent Oram, retired CEO of Idaho Central Credit Union.

“Kent’s discussions with students help remind our Business Bengals that they can go anywhere and do anything with a degree from the College of Business. Further, it’s a good reminder that the information and skills they’re learning in the classroom really do apply after graduation! Kent’s story of his life and career is an inspiration to our students,” said Kristine McCarty, College of Business Director of Graduate Studies.

privilege for our Idaho State University students to get to interact with and learn from him during the Executive in Residence program,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt. “Kent's lessons on business and leadership are things that will benefit our students throughout their professional careers."

In addition to the Executive in Residence Program, 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 Anthony Klotz of the University College of London, who predicted and coined the term “the Great Resignation”. While in Pocatello, Klotz also taught a masterclass for the College of Business course, “Future of Leadership”.

“We were thrilled to host Dr. Anthony Klotz as part our Dr. Bill Stratton Distinguished Scholar Research Series. His presentation to our ISU students and members of the community provided countless insights on the Future of Leadership,” said Hunt.

"Kent Oram is one of the best CEOs of the 21st century, and it was an incredible

Kent Oram Anthony Klotz

Honoring Vision and Celebrating Success: Idaho Business Leader of the Year

Idaho, the land of stunning landscapes and thriving industries, is home to exceptional individuals who drive the state’s economic growth and foster innovation. Each year, the prestigious Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) business organization recognizes one outstanding business leader who has made significant contributions to Idaho’s

business landscape. Influential figures from the business community, distinguished guests, and aspiring entrepreneurs gather annually to celebrate the Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY), an individual whose vision, leadership, and accomplishments have set them apart in their communities. For the 63rd

year, AKPsi honorably awarded Amy Kawahara Rhoads, President and CEO of Citizens Community Bank (CCB) as the 2023 Idaho Business Leader of the Year. Rhoads’ contributions have been paving the business landscape not only for her company, but for Idaho citizens. (Continued on page 10)

A Seat for Everyone

Next time you’re on the Idaho State University campus, make sure to stop by the Business Administration building to say hello, but also to take a seat on our new bench! Thanks to a generous donation from alumna and friend of the College of Business Tamela Gates May, the bench was dedicated to signify that the College of Business has a place for every student seeking to brighten their future through higher education.

“My intention in donating the bench was to not only aesthetically enhance the portico area with a warm, business-like welcome, but to underline the fact that there is a seat for everyone here within these walls,” said Gates May. Whether you are a young,

17-year-old freshman like I was, a nontraditional student, a graduate student or a student from another major, there is absolutely a place for you here to learn, collaborate with others and find your own unique path.”

“We are so incredibly grateful to Tamela for donating this beautiful bench, and for what it now symbolizes on our campus,” said Senior Director of Development Catherine Rider.

“Her message of ‘A Seat for Everyone’ will resonate with generations of students and alumni who have found their path, their ‘ROAR’, and their Bengal family at Idaho State University. Thank you Tamela for this amazing gift!”

(Continued from page 9) AKPsi collaborates closely with the College of Business to honor these exceptional individuals every year. Their shared commitment to promoting excellence, integrity and growth within the business community makes this award an esteemed recognition among industry peers. Held at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, the event serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the recipient and to inspire others to strive for greatness.

Rhoads has fundamentally impacted every individual that has been led by her and all organizations she has been a part of are better because of her knowledge. She is the first female President of Citizens Community Bank while simultaneously being the first to achieve such a position without a college degree. Rhoads was originally enrolled in Boise State College, but attended Lincoln School of Business, receiving an Executive Secretary certificate at the top of her class.

Leader of the Year award is not only a testament to the recipient’s exceptional accomplishments, but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across the state. By recognizing their achievements, we encourage the next generation to strive for excellence, pursue innovation, and contribute to Idaho’s thriving business landscapes.

Rhoads has had experience in what seems like nearly every corner of the banking world. She started her journey as a Credit Tech Clerk at the Bank of Idaho, and then managed to climb the ranks to Branch Manager at First Interstate Bank, all in under 20 years of her career.

In 1997, Rhoads was asked to be a part of the upbringing of a de novo bank. She worked as Branch Administrator until 2000, helping build the bank from the ground up. She then became Senior Vice President until 2015 when she was officially promoted to President and CEO of Citizens Community Bank.

From the start of her career with CCB in 1997 to her retirement in July 2023,

With the goal of offering beneficial opportunities for students, Rhoads coordinated the effort with the Idaho State University College of Business and Idaho State University Foundation to create the first endowment to fund financial literacy courses. The CCB management team, Rhoads and College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt have used their passion for improving their communities to bring financial awareness to their students before entering the job market. Dedicated to creating a positive impact beyond the CCB boardroom, Rhoads has invested time to be a part of more than ten organizations that support Idaho communities such as Pocatello Housing Authority, Bannock Development Corporation, Historic Downtown Pocatello and United Way.

To be honored with the Idaho Business

Have someone in mind? Email Lydia at lydiabishop@isu.edu for information on how to submit nominations for the 64th Idaho Business Leader of the Year.

Photo: Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee, 63rd Idaho Business Leader of the Year Amy Rhoads, Alpha Kappa Psi President Rylee Priest, College of Business Dean Dr. Shane Hunt.

Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab and Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence become an integral part of an inspirational semester at the College of Business

On April 20th, the College of Business held a dedication ceremony for two transformative spaces over a year in the making: the Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab and Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence. Considered by College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt to be “the most significant upgrade to the College of Business building in its 50-year history,” both rooms, made possible by the Michael C. Ruettgers Endowment, offer state-of-the-art learning spaces. Features include a 40’ stock ticker in the finance lab showing only publicly traded companies Idaho State University College of Business graduates have worked

for, as well as a networking area and sales role-play recording studio in the sales center.

“Everything we do is to better support and create new opportunities for our Bengals,” said Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee. “When we receive gifts like this that improve our mission and enhance the academic experience for our students, we better prepare them for success in their futures and in their lives.”

“My help was the smallest piece,” said Ruettgers. “Help from President Satterlee, Dr. Shane Hunt and all the others that worked on it are what’s made the difference. I know by doing this now instead of sometime later, it will have more impact. Do it now, and we’ll help more people.”

In addition to traditional classes, the spaces will also be home to certificate programs open to all Idaho State University students reguardless of major, as well as a professional

Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab

selling masterclass for the public. “Our mission is to elevate salespeople to the role of trusted advisor so they are welcomed into any living room or boardroom,” said College of Business Executive Professor Kent Malinowski. “Whether they’re selling hardware, firmware, software, haircare, or healthcare, from advertising to mergers and acquisitions, this course [will have] something for everyone.”

While classes and programs will prepare students and professionals alike to move forward in their careers, Satterlee pointed out the spaces represent much more than that. “These spaces aren’t about financial markets or transactions and goods. They’re about helping us fulfill our mission of making students’ lives better through education by showing them how to invest in themselves,” said Satterlee.

The College of Business thanks Ruettgers for making this extraordinary gift possible. “We are thrilled that these stateof-the-art spaces will have a transformative impact on

our Idaho State University College of Business programs and generations of future Bengal students,” said Hunt.

Management Greg Murphy inside the Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab, Vice President for University Advancement Cathy Wooton, Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee, Mike Ruettgers, Dean Dr. Shane Hunt and Senior Director of Development Catherine Rider cut the ribbon

Photos (left to right): Graduate students Audrey Moerer and Abby Brown seated in the networking area of the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence, Mike Ruettgers speaks during the Orin C. Smith Global Finance Lab and Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence Dedication Ceremony, Clinical Assistant Professor Brody Fitch, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Accounting Justin Wood and Professor of

at the dedication ceremony.

Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence

First Annual Financial Literacy Week

During the first week of April, students and community members were invited to the College of Business’ first annual Financial Literacy Week. The event, sponsored by Wells Fargo, included a panel discussion with local finance experts, games and a variety of speakers, including Keynote Speaker, College of Business alumnus and Private Wealth Advisor for Ameriprise Financial, Ken Franklin.

“Learning about financial literacy provides one with the necessary knowledge to plan, manage and make financial decisions. Having been afforded this opportunity to reach out to students is truly remarkable,” said Iris Buder, College of Business Chair of Economics and Finance and Professor of Economics.

In addition to all the activities being free to attend, attendees also had the opportunity to win several cash awards at each event, with a $500 award at the end of the final event.

“Financial Literacy Week was a wonderful opportunity for students to recognize the importance and urgency of empowering themselves and taking control of their personal financial well-being,” said Chris Chatwin, Clinical Professor of Finance.

The College of Business thanks Franklin and Wells Fargo, as well as panel experts Mark Petersen with Snake River Law, Lisa Adams with Rockwood Stone Wealth Management, Dawn Konicek with the College of Business, Aaron Moore with State Farm Insurance and Gary Clay with Citizens Community Bank.

Photos (clockwise): Financial experts panel, Spring 2023 sales competition teams, Isaac Watteyne and Shaelee Palmer present their sales pitch scene, First place winners Jenna Haskell and Telson Barth with Shane Hunt, John Ney and Brandon Daw, Most Creative winners Brenna Walther and Gracie Funk with Shane Hunt, Clinical Professor of Finance Chris Chatwin and Financial Management Association students run a finance trivia booth, Keynote speaker Ken Franklin.

Record-Breaking Sales Competition

Held twice a year, the Sales Competition, sponsored by Aflac, is an opportunity for any student in 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.

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 year’s spring semester competition had a record-breaking 18 teams compete.

“[This] was one of the best events I’ve been able to be a part of. Great enthusiasm. Great contest. Very well done,” said Paul Fuller, Sales Competition Judge and Head of Revenue for Membrain.com.

In addition to Fuller, the College of Business thanks the judges who spent a full day assisting with the competition - Vance Nielsen with Farm Bureau Insurance Company, Kasi Nelson with Silver Star Communications, Jeff Tanner with Old Dominion University, Anthony Zerwig with Federated Insurance and Brandon Daw with Aflac.

Second Annual Circle of Excellence Honors High Achieving Students, Faculty and Staff

The College of Business hosted over 125 students, alumni and business professionals at this year’s Circle of Excellence. The event honors and celebrates the successes of top-tier students at each class level. Students were chosen based on grade point average, faculty nominations and club leadership.

“Students put an abundance of time into completing assignments, going to class, taking exams and more,” said Tara Smith, Director of Undergraduate Studies. “This was our opportunity to say, ‘we see you, we value your work ethic, and we want to thank you for showing up for yourself and us time after time.’”

Students were provided the opportunity to network before sitting down to an elegant dinner, where they listened to inspiring words from Hunt and Lookout Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Doug Chambers.

“I think the Circle of Excellence creates a welcoming environment for students to talk to faculty members and other important guests,” said business undergraduate student Remi Hedges. “Maintaining good grades can be really difficult and requires hard work throughout the entire semester. To be invited to an event and celebrated for it has really given me the motivation to keep maintaining these grades.”

This year, celebrations were also extended to faculty and staff to give recognition for the hard work they put in teaching and helping students. Faculty and staff awards were as follows: Outstanding Teacher - Dr. Alex Rose; Outstanding Researcher - Dr. Kenneth Khang; Outstanding Service - Dr. Dawn Konicek; and Staff Excellence - Ashley Larson.

In addition to college-level awards, Associate Professor of Management Dr. Tyler Burch was recognized for receiving one of 15 university-wide Outstanding Faculty Member awards, as well as winning the University’s Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.

“Dr. Tyler Burch is a truly outstanding Professor in every way. Every part of Idaho State University is better because of Tyler’s extraordinary teaching, and I am thrilled that he received this award and much deserved recognition,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt.

Photos (left to right): Marketing and Management Student Zach Garvin networks with Assistant Professor of Accounting Dr. Chris Pearson, Circle of Excellence 2023, Students Grace Wright and Priscilla Hibbert (left) network with Emily Gertch and Danielle Sullivan (right) during social hour, Outstanding Faculty Member and Distinguished Teacher of the Year Dr. Tyler Burch.

The Dancing Dean: Dr. Shane Hunt Competes in Local Fundraising Competition

College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Dr. Shane Hunt and his dancing partner, MBA and MAcc student Lynnea Dale, took the stage in April with other prominent community members to help raise funds for veteran services.

The event, Dancing with the Pocatello Stars, has been running for several years, and raises funds for a different non-profit every year. In addition to competing through their dance routines, the teams also compete to raise the most money. Hunt and Dale received second place for most money raised.

“I loved participating in Dancing with the Pocatello Stars and raising money for veterans in our community. I had never danced before and was definitely scared, but my dance partner Lynnea and our coach Alice were outstanding and made it a really great experience for me and my family,” said Hunt.

“It was really a fun experience for me - I’ve done the competition twice now, and this time was so much more fun because I learned from my first experience. [Shane] brought so much excitement and enthusiasm the whole way through. I love to tell people to try new things, and now I’d add that it’s worth it to try new things more than once, because you’ll learn something new every time. And in the process of trying new things, if you can have someone as positive and enthusiastic as Shane Hunt by your side, you’re bound to come out the other side even happier,” said Dale.

Recognizing Retiring and Emeritus Faculty

The Spring 2023 semester marked the final one for Dr. Bob Picard, Nelson Family Endowed Professor of Accounting, who has now retired. For his outstanding service to Idaho State University, Business Administration Room 503 will henceforth be known as The Bob Picard Classroom. “Thank you for the unbelievable honor of a named classroom,” said Picard. “I will always be a proud Bengal and an enthusiastic supporter of the College of Business and Idaho State University Accounting.”

Dr. Kevin Parker, Professor of Information Systems, has retired after 24 years at Idaho State University. During his career, Parker contibuted to the growth, development and expansion of many projects and programs, including a multi-college STEM department. He was also named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year by Associated Students at Idaho State University in 2011 and recognized by Idaho State University as Outstanding Master Teacher in both 2011 and 2012.

Dr. Cathy Peppers, Senior Lecturer in English, has retired. Though she finished her career at the College of Arts and Letters, graduates will never forget her class or the lessons she taught them during her time at the College of Business. Kirk Lepshenske, a former College of Business student, spoke at Pepper’s retirement, reflecting on her lessons and advice to pursue his product idea, which was recently featured on Shark Tank. “Without Dr. Pepper’s class, I would most likely have never pursued my idea for this product at all. I achieved something very few people will ever even attempt, [and] I did it with the encouragement of a wonderful teacher, mentor, and general fantastic person!”

Dr. Sheelwant (Sheel) Pawar, retired College of Business Management Professor, has passed away. Pawar worked at the College of Business for 38 years. His passion for teaching touched thousands of lives over the course of his career. Those wishing to make a donation in Dr. Pawar’s memory can make a gift to the Sheel Pawar Scholarship Endowment by contacting the ISU Foundation at (208) 2823470, or by emailing Catherine Rider at catherinerider@isu.edu.

The College of Business also recognizes the following emeritus faculty:

Jeff Brookman | Tracy Farnsworth

Teri Peterson | Sandra Smith

Thank you for your service and dedication to Idaho State University!

There is nothing quite like the spring semester at Idaho State University, and this spring was truly one to remember! Between the historic snowfall Pocatello received over the last few months and the transformational renovations we have celebrated in our building this spring, our hearts (and reservoirs) are full.

Thanks to the support of alumni and donors like you, the College of Business continues to see amazing growth in scholarship aid for our students, continued expansion and success in our programs, and the first major renovations to our building since it opened over 50 years ago. In addition, our students are witnessing firsthand the impact of

philanthropy on our campus and in their own educational journeys.

The example you set by paying it forward has an immediate positive impact, as well as a lasting impact on future generations of Bengals who will be inspired to give back because of their experiences now. Your gift of any size demonstrates not only your appreciation for your past experience and education at Idaho State, but an investment in our future.

Because of your support, there are more opportunities every day for our students. Because of your support, our future is brighter than ever. Thank you so much, and Go Bengals!

CATHERINE RIDER Senior Director of Development catherinerider@isu.edu