Idaho State University Team Receives International Title at Business Simulation Competition
Letter from the Dean
It has been an incredible Spring semester in the ISU College of Business. From a record enrollment increase, to student achievements, to faculty research success this semester and this issue of the Business Bulletin have been filled with amazing achievements. A few weeks ago we celebrated the Class of 2024 during graduation and of all the dozens of graduations I have attended as a student, Professor and Dean, this was by far my favorite. That is because our son Andrew graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from Idaho State University. I cannot tell you how proud I am of Andrew and how thankful I am as a first generation college graduate to now be the parent of a second generation college graduate.
I am so proud that my son graduated from the ISU College of Business, so thankful for the incredible faculty and staff who educated and mentored him, and I am so excited about the very bright future we have ahead. I hope everyone has a great summer and we can’t wait to see you all in the fall. Thank you all for everything you make possible for our students and Go Bengals!
SHANE HUNT, PH.D. Dean, College of Business
Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing
I also want to share some thoughts on the ISU College of Business from a parents perspective. When I came to Pocatello four years ago I knew this was a special place, but my pride and excitement then pales in comparison to what I feel today. To hear your own son come home or call you to tell you how much he likes his Corporate Finance class, or how much he learned at Financial Literacy Week, or how valuable the Leading in Organizations class is for his future, makes my heart as a Dean and Dad burst with pride. I say to every student who is considering coming to the ISU College of Business that if I did not truly believe this is the best Business School in America I would not have let my own son come here. Andrew had an extraordinarily positive experience at ISU and his education has led to a great job opportunity in marketing that he has started and is thriving in.
Two New Scholarship Endowments Established
COOPER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
The Cooper Family Scholarship Endowment, established by Idaho State University alumnus Todd Cooper, will provide support to College of Business students with a major in Finance with preference for single parents.
Cooper established the endowment to honor himself, his sister and his dad who all graduated from the College of Business.
“Our family has seen first-hand the difference a college degree can make in a person’s life,” said Cooper. “My educational journey in the College of Business did not always travel in a straight line, but certain people and events were key to helping me reach the finish line. My hope is this endowment will play a small part in helping current and future students complete their own unique educational journey.”
FESTIVAL OF TREES SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Support from the 2023 Festival of Trees allowed $25,000 to be added to the College of Business Festival of Trees Scholarship fund, which allowed for the scholarship to become permanently endowed. Students will now benefit from the scholarship in perpetuity, regardless of whether additional money is added to the scholarship fund.
“All of us in the College of Business are thrilled we are able to permanently endow a new scholarship from the Festival of Trees that will benefit our students forever,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “The Festival of Trees is an incredible holiday tradition in our community, and we are very excited to support several local charities as well as permanently endow this scholarship for our ISU business students thanks to the generous support of our sponsors led by Lookout Credit Union.”
Professional development and learning opportunities outside of the classroom are abundant for College of Business students, but it doesn’t stop there.
While there are in-house opportunities like Executive in Residence, College of Business faculty and students alike also participate in and put on a variety of events for those outside of the College - sharing their knowledge and Bengal pride with the community and across the state.
LEADERSHIP RETREAT
Early in the spring semester, College of Business undergraduate and graduate students in club leadership roles were offered opportunities to expand their networks and professional skills in Boise, ID. Events included completing a service project, hearing from a variety of industry professionals and participating in escape rooms.
FINANCE SIMULATION
In March, the College of Business hosted middle schoolers from the Pocatello Community Charter School for a probability / finance simulation with faculty members from the accounting, finance and management departments. The simulation introduced students to the College of Business and showed them real-world math applications.
WELCOME BACK SKI NIGHT
The spring semester starts with a winter welcome - for the third year, Welcome Back Ski night offered College of Business students the opportunity to hit the slopes at Pebble Creek free of charge. The event allows students to catch up with friends and faculty and prepare for the semester ahead.
“It was wonderful having so many engaged and eager middle schoolers on campus,” said Clinical Professor of Management Julie Frischmann. “Their enthusiasm was contagious. We look forward to hosting this event annually and inviting all local middle schoolers. The future is bright.“
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
Continuing their longstanding tradition, College of Business students and faculty offered students and community members in need the opportunity to get their taxes filed for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). From late January to mid-March, the team filed over 400 returns. Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting Tim Anderson, who lead the program this year, stated, “It’s a great way for students to learn and give back to the community at the same time.”
FIFTH GRADE
VISIT DAY
The semester wrapped up with the College of Business hosting nearly 100 local fifth graders for a campus visit. We hope there were some future Bengals in the mix!
PERSONAL BRANDING WITH ISU SOCCER
During a series of four classes, marketing professors John Ney and Dr. Haley Hardman worked with the ISU soccer team on team development and why personal branding is important.
“When Head Soccer Coach Dustin Downey contacted us, we were delighted,” said Hardman. "Not only was it inspiring to see a coach who strives to set his players up for success on and off the field, but it was also exciting to put a spin on personal branding for name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. It was a blast collaborating and bridging gaps within the Bengal family!”
EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE
The College of Business Executive in Residence (EIR) program invites successful alumni to visit campus and present to a variety of classes and groups, meet one-onone with students and network with students and faculty. The events are opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable connections with highlevel leaders in a variety of business fields and learn about their rise to success. This semester’s EIR was Jessica Yeats, Principal Data Scientist for NVIDIA’s Autonomous Driving Unit.
“From the moment she set foot on campus, Dr. Yeats’ intent was truly to connect with the students and give them guidance with regards to their future plans and careers,” said Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Iris Buder. “Her presentations not only provided a thorough background of the steps she took along her journey through college, and after, to get to the point where she is today, but also provided very concrete advice and recommendations for students who are about to graduate and looking ahead in their careers. She advised them, for example, how to set up their LinkedIn profile, what soft and hard skills to focus on, and also provided recommendations about the importance of networking and building a community in and outside of work. She was also very approachable and relatable, and thus was easily able to connect with our students.”
What Does the Future Look Like for Idaho’s Economy?
Faculty and Industry Experts Weigh in During Inagural Symposium
February brought industry leaders, business owners, students and community members to campus for the first annual Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium.
Held at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center, the event covered the economic outlook of the state’s key industries - healthcare, finance and retail. Idaho’s overall outlook was also be discussed, with an emphasis on personal income forecasts, population growth, tax revenue forecasts, state expenditures and workforce development. The event concluded with keynote speaker Becky Potts from the Salt Lake City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco presenting “How the Federal Reserve Works for You.”
“Economics impacts virtually every aspect of our lives and is the backbone of our society,” said Idaho State University Associate Professor of Economics Iris Buder. “This symposium helped shed light on critical economic indicators and sector-specific outlooks and forecasts. It not only showcased the importance of the study of economics, but also provide a crucial forum for stakeholders, industry leaders and students to learn key insights on the state of the Idaho economy: past, present, and future.”
The first ever Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium more than exceeded our expectations,” said Associate Professor of Economics Karl Geisler. “We brought local
business and community leaders a better idea of where Idaho’s economy is heading by highlighting some of the economic research underway at Idaho State University. Finishing the event with the keynote presentation from Becky Potts was icing on the cake. As we look toward next year’s event, we plan to build on the momentum we started this year and expand the breadth and depth of information we bring to the public.“
Next year’s event is set for January 24. To RSVP early, or to discuss partnership and speaking opportunities, contact Iris Buder at irisbuder@isu.edu.
Second Annual Financial Literacy Week Educates and Awards $5,000 to Students
Held annually during the first week of April, Financial Literacy Week, sponsored by Wells Fargo, aims to educate students across campus about finances in everyday life. Events included a panel discussion with local finance experts, trivia night, movie night and a variety of speakers. This year’s keynote speaker was Brian Berrett, Chief Financial Officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, who presented on understanding and taking responsibility for your own finances.
“Our goals for the week were not just educate individuals about money matters and the importance of financial literacy, but also to make the journey towards understanding financial literacy enjoyable,” said Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics Iris Buder. “By incorporating fun and engaging approaches into our week of events, we aimed to break down barriers and make financial concepts accessible to all.”
“I’m a first-generation student learning [about] financial literacy for the first time,” said College of Business student Annely Magallanes. “Witnessing
the positive impact [planning] will have on my life was very motivating. Throughout the week I gained the confidence to take steps to start making smart financial choices now. I am confident that with the knowledge and support I gained from professors and Financial Literacy Week I’ll be on the right track to a successful personal financial journey.”
“We are incredibly thankful to Wells Fargo for making our 2024 Financial Literacy Week possible for our students and community,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “All of us in the ISU College of Business are committed to preparing our students and people throughout our community with the personal finance tools to help them achieve their dreams. We were thrilled to partner with Wells Fargo in this effort.”
Closing the Deal
State-Wide Competition added to Growing Sales Education Opportunities
While the ISU Sales Competition continued to thrive, Executive Director of the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence
John Ney set his sites on - and succeeded - in adding a statelevel sales competition to the College of Business’s event calendar.
The inagural State of Idaho Sales Competition was held March 28 and 29, with students from Boise State, BYU-I, Idaho State and University of Idaho in attendance.
The two day event started with a networking and speed selling event and ended with the official competition. Nine businesses - Federated Insurance, Idaho
Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the ISU Spring Sales Competition!
First Place - Zach Jewkes and Dane Buck
Second Place - Charles Okuoyibo and Amenze Erhunmwunse
Third Place - Brooke Taylor and Ben Winterroth
Best Buyer - Brooke Taylor
Thank you to the judges and volunteers who help make this event a success every semester.
Central Credit Union, MSB, Sherwin-Williams, Aflac, Calypso, Consolidated Supply Co., Fastenal and Stukent - participated. Their contributions also allowed for over $1,500 to be given away to competition winners.
The catalyst for organizing the event came from SherwinWilliams District Manager Neal Sullivan. After learning about the ISU Sales Competition, he suggested reaching out to
the other schools. After some networking and a few chance encounters, all of the schools were in.
“All of [the professors and judges] were excited and supportive from the beginning,” said Ney. “The best part about these competitions is watching students develop and improve their soft skills and confidence in communication.”
“Adventure is Worthwhile in Itself”
Sold Out Crowd and Big Cash Prizes at Women’s Business Symposium
Held for the eleventh year, the Women’s Business Symposium, hosted by the Pocatello (Region 5) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), invited women from across the state to learn, network and grow together. 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 women, as well as learn about the no-cost small business consulting offered by the SBDC.
“The SBDC has produced this event for over a decade, and we are proud to have new and returning attendees each year,” said Ann Swanson, Southeast Idaho SBDC Director.
This year’s theme was “Up, Up, and Away!”, a nod to Amelia Earheart and the idea of taking on new things in life. In addition to sponsor swag and raffle prizes, attendees received a sticker with one of Earheart’s famous quotes - Adventure is Worthwhile in Itself - as a continued reminder of the event’s themes.
Dr. Jeff Street, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, expanded the pitch-off for it’s second year by coordinating with universities across the west to bring in young women to pitch their business ideas. Attendees voted to award nearly
$20,000 in prize money. This year’s competition was named the Katherine Akers Pitch-Off, sponsored by Roger Akers and named in honor of his mother.
“The Katherine Akers PitchOff competition was a huge success,” said College of Business Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty. ”Not only did we get to witness a group of incredible female student entrepreneurs pitch their well-prepared, wellresearched business ideas to a group of over 200 women in business, we also were able to watch them win funds to help get their business off the ground.
Thanks to Roger, Carole, and their family, these students had a life changing experience and have a head start on bringing their business to life.”
Next year’s event has been set for April 10 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) 2824402.
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY TEAM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL TITLE AT BUSINESS SIMULATION COMPETITION
The Idaho State University International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) team swept the field at this year’s competition, bringing home three trophies, including Best Overall Performance, Best Presentation, and Runner Up for Best Documents.
This brings Idaho State University’s ICBSC trophy count to 19 trophies in nine years of competing.
“The team was incredibly smart and worked well together,” said ICBSC Advisor and Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Endowed Professor of Management Dr. Alex Bolinger. “The results of this and previous years show our students can consistently compete with anyone in the country and around the world.”
ICBSC is a rigorous competition challenging top-level students from around the world to complete 12 quarters (three years) of simulated business decisions expedited over the course of a semester, in addition to submitting a formal business plan and annual report. Students then travel to Anaheim, California for an intense
72-hour competition against their peers, followed by a formal presentation to executivelevel judges from companies throughout the western United States.
Competing in ICBSC has been a top highlight of my university experience.
“Competing in ICBSC has been a top highlight of my university experience, and I am very grateful to have been able to participate and represent Idaho State University and the College of Business,” said Master of Accountancy (MAcc) student Lexie Thurgood, who was the Chief Operations Officer on the team. “This competition really is as close as a student can get to understanding what running business entails without any real-life risk attached. It was
exciting to use the strategies and theories we had discussed within our courses in a business simulation of this scale and see them pan out in such a positive way.”
“The team and I would like to thank the College of Business faculty and staff that offered advice and continued encouragement throughout this process,” said Bolinger. “We would also like to extend a special thanks to Brenda Worrell and the entire executive team at ICCU for their commitment to this program. Without their generous support, this incredible learning opportunity for our students would not be possible.”
A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
ISU ICBSC teams have taken at least one trophy home since ISU began competing in the competition in 2016. These results show Bengals can consistently compete with anyone in the country and around the world.
Best Written Documents
Written Documents
What’s Next?
After completing his program this summer, Barnes will be taking his CPA and CMA exams while working for Five Star Property Management in Pocatello. In 2025 he’ll be starting his career with Moss Adams LLP in Eugene, Oregon, as Tax Staff.
“ICBSC was the most intense, but most rewarding thing I have done in college. I will be working in a lot of teams moving forward in my career with accounting. ICBSC has helped me to understand how to work with others, which will be beneficial for my career.”
After completing her program this summer, Juarez will be relocating to Seattle, Washington to begin a new journey with Deloitte, joining their audit practice.
“ICBSC is something I will carry with me into my career. It taught me effective decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills. It [also] taught me how to look at the big picture while enjoying the journey.”
Luker will be attending the University of Massachusetts to pursue a PhD in Management. He plans to become a professor.
“ICBSC gave me great insight into different ways to teach students. In my future career as a professor, I would love to do something as impactful as ICBSC for my students.”
Maccabee will be continuing to pursue her Master of Accountancy.
“I believe that from participating in ICBSC, I have developed not only a good understanding of the interconnecting aspects of the different departments within a business, but I have enhanced my presentation and overall leadership skills that will prepare me as I continue my education.”
After completing her program this summer, Thurgood will be joining Ernst and Young (EY) in their Salt Lake City, Utah office as an assurance staff member.
“ICBSC taught me the value of having a strong team and being in a position where you are surrounded by intelligent and kind people who want to succeed. Moving forward, I hope to place myself in similar team dynamics and emulate the experience I had with this team.“
Josh Luker, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Rob Barnes, MAcc
Chief Fin ancial Officer
Isabel Juarez, MAcc
Chief Analytics Officer
Lexie Thurgood, MAcc
Chief Operations Officer
Lara Maccabee, MAcc
Chief Marketing Officer
Outstanding Leadership and Transformative Impact
CEO and President of Lookout Credit Union Doug Chambers
Recognized as 64th Idaho Business Leader of the Year
Doug Chambers, CEO and President of Lookout Credit Union, has been recognized as the 64th Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY).
The award annually recognizes an Idaho business leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and professional ethics while contributing significant support to community, civic, and education activities. Awarded by Idaho State University
Alpha Kappa Psi Professional
Development Fraternity since 1959, previous honorees have included a congressman, former governors, entrepreneurs, and leaders of some of Idaho’s largest companies. The recognition program is the longest-standing one of its kind in Idaho.
Chambers was chosen as this year’s winner for his outstanding leadership and transformative impact on Lookout Credit Union and the community. A seasoned professional with 18
years in the industry, Chambers assumed the role of CEO in 2019, leading Lookout Credit Union to unprecedented success. Armed with an MBA from Idaho State University and National Certified Business Lender credentials, Doug has been a driving force behind Lookout’s achievements.
Under his leadership, Lookout Credit Union has been consistently recognized as one of the best credit unions to work for in the nation for six years. The
credit union has garnered over 60 Credit Union Diamond Awards, the 2022 Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber Member of the Year Award, and numerous local and national accolades.
Alpha Kappa Psi, along with the College of Business and other members of the community, celebrated Chambers at an award dinner held at Idaho State University’s Stephen Performing Arts Center in March.
“Every part of our community is better because of Doug’s extraordinary leadership,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “We were thrilled to honor his great work at Lookout Credit Union and throughout our state.”
HONORING EXCELLENCE
Across the University and the nation, College of Business alumni, students, faculty and staff are going above and beyond to make a difference. Several of these outstanding individuals were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions at events throughout the semester. “The ISU College of Business is one of the best business schools in the country because of our incredible professors, staff, students and alumni,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “We are very thankful to have so many members of the College of Business family doing extraordinary things in their businesses, communities and classrooms across the state and throughout the country.”
KADE BORGHOLTHAUS
Student Employee of the Year
As a tutor and ISU Ambassador, business major Borgholthaus’ infectiously upbeat and positive personality inspires both peers and tutees to perform at their best. Students benefit not only from his expertise, but also witness a role model embodying dedication, resilience, and a passion for education. In nurturing these qualities, Borgholthaus plays a pivotal role in shaping aspiring minds for a brighter future.
DON BURDICK
Professional Achievement Award Winner
Idaho State University’s annual Professional Achievement Awards recognize some of the most influential alumni for their valuable and distinguished contributions to Idaho State, their profession and their community. This year’s winner from the College of Business was accounting alumnus Don Burdick. Burdick held several high positions before retiring, the most recent of which was Senior Vice President of eCommerce and Travel for Costco.
DAWN KONICEK
Distinguished Faculty Award Winner - Outstanding Service
Konicek was the lead coordinator for the ISU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for 12 years and has been involved with the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition for the past nine years. In addition to VITA, she has conducted several tax seminars and has helped Afghanistan refugees, convicts, nursing home residents and immobile elderly people with their taxes. Overall, her love for her profession is not about the technicalities of taxes but the ability to help and serve the community.
For the third year, the College of Business hosted Circle of Excellence - an event honoring and celebrating the success of top-tier students, faculty and staff. Students were chosen based on grade point average, faculty nominations and club leadership. In addition to each student receiving individual recognition, three faculty and one staff member (listed below) where individually recognized for their exemplary work.
CLAUDIA ALLEN Staff Excellence
Allen has done a variety of amazing work for the College of Business and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) over the past nine years. She has been responsible for saving local businesses thousands of dollars in bookkeeping costs and IRS penalties. Every semester, she teaches Quickbooks for Continuing Education and Workforce Training and has helped bring in high-impact clients to the SBDC. Her work supports and contributes to the College’s community outreach.
CHRIS CHATWIN Outstanding Teacher
Chatwin consistently teaches the most students every semester while also receiving some of the highest student evaluations. Many students have said they have decided to become business majors because of what they learned and the experience they had in Chatwin’s general education business course.
ALEX BOLINGER
Outstanding Researcher
Bolinger consistently publishes research at the highest level in his field. He is known for being a strong mentor for students, assisting many in becoming published research authors before they graduate. He often goes above and beyond to assist graduate students with research that helps them get into esteemed PhD programs. The most recent of these was MBA student Josh Luker, who was accepted into his program at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
KRISTEN THOMPSON Outstanding Service
Thompson volunteers and assists with a variety of community projects, including educational projects with School District 25. She was also instrumental in the development of the online Master of Accountancy program that launched this semester. This included implementing and partnering with Becker, a global leader in CPA Exam prep.
Expanding Our Understanding Academic Year Marks
Largest Number of ‘A’ Level Journal
Publications by College of Business Faculty in History
The 2023-2024 academic year marked the largest number of ‘A’ level journal publications by College of Business faculty in the history of the college. Journal tier publication measures are based on criteria such as acceptance rate and citation weight within the field. An example of a high ranking journal is the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, where Assistant Professor of Finance Paul Obermann’s research on the role of connections in division manager careers was published. Acceptance into this journal is especially significant given how early Obermann is in his career.
Obermann’s research looks at CEOs of S&P 1500 firms with multiple segments/ divisions and how their social connections to their division managers affect labor market outcomes and job performance. In particular, division managers who share a social connection with the CEO are less likely to be dismissed and more likely to be promoted even after controlling for performance.
Other research published in top-tier journals include Associate Professor of Accounting Justin Wood’s research on the influence of
uncertainty on financial reporting behavior and Assistant Professors of Accounting Erik Boyle, Christopher Pearson and Kristen Thompson’s research on how well ChatGTP can answer accounting assessment questions.
“One of the core pillars of the ISU College of Business is producing world-class, relevant research that benefits our stakeholders and advances our economy,” said College of
Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “We are very proud of the outstanding research contributions of our faculty during this past year and excited for great things ahead.”
To read summaries and full publications of all of the research done by College of Business faculty this academic year, visit isu.edu/cob/ faculty--staff/published-faculty-research.
Published Research from College of Business Faculty
2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
Protecting Your Friends: The Role of Connections in Division Manager Careers
Paul Obermann, Assistant Professor of Finance | Co-Authors: Charles J. Hadlock, Jing Huang and Joshua R. Pierce | Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis | March 2024
How Do Auditors’ Use of Industry Norms Differentially Impact Management Evaluations of Audit Quality Under Principles-based and Rules-based Accounting Standards?
Erik Boyle, Assistant Professor of Accounting | Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation | January 2024
Teaching in and for the Hinterlands: a Commentary
Alex Rose, Associate Professor of Marketing | Taylor & Francis Group | February 2024
Disparities in Mortality Between Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Regions of Kentucky
Sonali S. Salunkhe, Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration | Co-Authors: Sahal Alzahrani and Beatrice Ugiliweneza | Journal of Appalachian Health | December 2023
The ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence Chatbot: How Well Does It Answer Accounting Assessment Questions?
Erik Boyle, Assistant Professor of Accounting | Christopher Pearson, Assistant Professor of Accounting | Kristen Thompson, Assistant Professor of Accounting | Co-Authors: David A. Wood, Muskan P. Achhpilia, Mollie T. Adams, Sanaz Aghazadeh, Elizabeth D. Almer, and multiple additional authors | PDXScholar | November 2023
Socioeconomic Status and Health Disparities: Utilizing a Composite Index Across Health Datasets
Iris Buder, Associate Dean, MHA Program Director, Associate Professor of Economics | Co-Authors: Jacob Jennings, Dae Hyun Kim and Norman Waitzman | Forum for Social Economics | August 2023
The Influence of Uncertainty on Financial Reporting Behavior: The Case of P&C Insurers
Justin Wood, Department Chair, Associate Professor of Accounting | Co-Authors: Daniel Ames, Brent Lao, Jomo Sankara | Journal of Business Finance & Accounting | August 2023
Does Rocky Mountain Credit Union Competition Still Affect Commercial Bank Interest Rates?
Robert Tokle, Professor of Accounting | Co-Authors: Thomas M. Fullerton, Bryce Jones, Steven L. Fullerton | Journal of Regional Economics | February 2023
Cyber Terrorism Cases and Stock Market Valuation Effects
Erik Boyle, Assistant Professor of Accounting | Co-Authors: Katherine Taken Smith, Lawrence Murphy Smith, Marcus Burger | Information and Computer Security | January 2023
What Would Joanne Do?
Recognizing and Thanking Retiring
Professor Joanne Tokle for 36 Years at Idaho State University
Joanne Tokle has worn many hats during her time at Idaho State University, including Professor, MBA Academic Director, Associate Dean for the College of Business, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs and Acting Dean for the College of Business. After 36 years of exemplary work and noted professionalism, Tokle has retired.
“I have never worked with a better, more professional colleague than my friend Dr. Tokle,” said College of Business Dean and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing Shane Hunt. “The Idaho State University College of Business is forever better in every way because of her teaching, research, service and leadership.”
A first-generation college student whose academic journey started in a one room school house in Wisconsin, Tokle went on to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison and then University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Idaho State University Professor of Economics Bob Tokle. After finishing his degree, Bob moved to Idaho to begin his job at Idaho State. Joanne followed after finishing
hers. They’ve both been at Idaho State University ever since, adding two children, Katie and John, and numerous national park and international trips along the way.
“In my career, I have not known anyone who is so consistently as professional, competent, and compassionate as Joanne,” said Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty. “When I think about the kind of leader or professional I want to be, I always think of her. In my first position here, she helped me so much by answering questions and providing resources. As I gained my footing a bit, before I would call her with a question, I would just ask ‘what would Joanne do?’. I still ask myself that sometimes when I encounter a challenge. I know I’m not the only one who is grateful to Joanne for her years of mentorship and friendship.”
The College of Business thanks Joanne for her years of dedication and service to Idaho State University and its students.
Welcoming Philanthropic Advisor Kristine
McCarty
Hello College of Business Alumni and Friends!
My name is Kristine McCarty, and I have recently stepped into the role of Philanthropic Advisor (Director of Development) for the College of Business. I am truly looking forward to working with our incredible alumni and donors who support us in creating opportunities for our business students!
As I’m starting my new journey in this role, I’ve been reflecting on the beginning of my time at ISU. I moved to Idaho when I was very young, and shortly after, my mom enrolled me in the Early Learning Center at ISU. That was a tough time in her life as she navigated being a single parent trying to make ends meet. But that time had an enormous positive impact on my life. I remember standing at the chainlink fence in the ELC playground watching students passing by on their way to class, reading a textbook in the shade of a tree in the PSUB lot, and climbing Red Hill. I wanted to be just like them one day.
Years later, I made the choice to attend Idaho State University, and I am grateful for that decision every single day. In addition
to the formal education I received here, I was also instantly surrounded by friends, staff, and faculty who helped me learn and grow. I had access to scholarships that allowed me to spend more time studying and less time working. I had faculty and staff willing to offer their advice and mentorship. As a first-generation college student, the community and financial support were essential to my success. I earned two degrees here (HBA in Anthropology, 2014; MBA, 2017). I did multiple on-campus internships, held a graduate assistant position, worked in undergraduate student recruitment and advising, and most recently served as the Director of Graduate Studies.
My life has been changed completely by my time as a student and a staff member, and it is so different than anything my mom experienced or could have imagined for me. Mine is one of thousands of success stories of students whose lives were changed thanks to opportunities at ISU.
This issue of the Business Bulletin has highlighted students and faculty doing incredible research, students competing against schools from around the nation
(and winning!), and our newest alumni embarking on their careers. None of these great stories would be possible without the support of our alumni and donors. Thank you for your generosity, for sharing your time and expertise with our students, and for continuing to demonstrate what it means to be a Bengal.
I look forward to getting to know you –enjoy your summer, and Go Bengals!
KRISTINE MCCARTY College of Business Philanthropic Advisor kristinemccarty@isu.edu
College of Business
921 South 8th Ave., Stop 8020
Pocatello, ID 83209-8020 ABA005
Less than 200 schools in the world hold accreditation in both accounting & business. We’re one of them.
Help Bengals find their ROAR. Your contribution will allow students to elevate their careers, embrace the future and do more than they ever thought they could. Contact Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty at (208) 282-4608 for more information.
YOUR EAR TO THE
WORLD OF BUSINESS
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