S P R I N G | FA L L 2 0 1 6
EXPANDING OUR REACH
EDUCATION BASED
NEW FACES
NEW BUSINESS
ON EXPERIENCE
AND EXPERTISE
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE
PG. 4 - 9
PG. 14
PG. 19
contents
outstanding student
from the dean
T
icbsc team earns an impressive win students use storycorps app for interviews
hese are exciting times in the College of Business and I am very pleased to share that excitement with you in this issue of the Business Bulletin as the College expands its reach in multiple areas. We are excited to launch course offerings in Twin Falls, Idaho- a vibrant and rapidly growing
a history of garrett freightlines vita files more returns than expected virtual wall street participating in the
community- along with a new Master of Science in Health Informatics degree offered both in
cfa research challenge
Pocatello and in Meridian. In addition, for students coming to our campus in Pocatello, we
best paper award and ucis conference
are launching our first-ever College of Business Residential Community at Dyer Hall.
expanding our reach ann swanson: idaho women
The College has also been very fortunate to have several new outstanding faculty
of the year finalist
and staff members join us. These new faces come from across the country
bolinger is asisu faculty
and around the world and will contribute to the strength and depth
member of the year
of education our students receive. Speaking of our students- our
tocher selected as a 20 under 40 winner
undergraduate and graduate students continue to represent
welcoming new faculty and staff
themselves, and the College well in a variety of national
faculty research and highlights frank vandersloot shares
and international student competitions. I invite and
wisdom with students
encourage you to learn about these exciting
mba students impress
developments in these pages. If you ever
with professionalism
have a question, or concern, please
career fair draws higher attendance
don’t hesitate to contact me
kent oram named idaho business
at
ottathom@isu.edu
leader of the year
or
college of business
208.282.2601.
residential community
Tom
OTTAWAY, PH.D.
the
first
business
college
in
idaho
dean’s donor list
to
receive accreditation from the aacsb in 1978,
the college of business is rightfully known as
“one
9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
applied informatics team
dean, college of business
as
3 4 5 6 7 8
of the best business schools in the
world.” aacsb accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for
business schools worldwide. learn more by visiting aacsb.edu/accreditation
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outstanding student 2015 - 2016 is the best part of being in school,” she said.
Larson has also been a part of the CoB Marketing
Larson’s passion for involvement and a quality
Association for two years where she now serves
education is what has led her to being named the
as the President. She was also a co-author of the
2016 Outstanding Student Achievement Award
Images of America: Garrett Freightlines book
recipient for the College of Business.
researched and written in management professor
Larson is currently working on her Master of
Dr. Alex Bolinger’s class (pg.6).
Business Administration degree after graduating
Her numerous contributions have earned Larson
or College of Business student Jenna Larson,
with her undergraduate degree in 2015. With
wide recognition as a great and ambitious
a whole new outlook on education began
her involvement extending across the University,
student. Marketing professor Dr. Sandra Speck,
just after completing her junior year at Idaho
Larson has worked hard to pass her passion for
one of Larson’s biggest influences, nominated her
State University. Starting out, and nearly finishing
involvement and education onto others. After
for the award-- “I’ve never had a student in my
in a different major, Larson realized the path she
working as an ISU Ambassador for over two
23 years of being a university professor, both
was on wasn’t the right fit for her.
years, she quickly became known for her ambition
at Loyola University in Maryland and here, who
“It was really scary, but after visiting the College
and was recognized with the “Most Involved
so epitomized the ideal marketing student,” said
of Business, I knew right away that this was
Ambassador Award” in her first year.
Speck. “She performed better academically in my
where I wanted to be,” said Larson. At the end
“It really meant a lot to be recognized. I don’t do
class than any student I’ve ever taught, and I’ve
of her junior year, Larson switched to a major in
all of these things for the recognition- I just thought
taught thousands.”
marketing where she began anew with a fresh
I was doing what I love,” said Larson.
Overall, her hard work, dedication and unending
outlook on her education and a whole new
Later, she made her way to the College of
enthusiasm has made Larson a deserving recipient
excitement for school.
Technology where she has worked for three years
of the Outstanding Student Achievement Award.
On a mission to get the most out of her college
most recently as a full-time recruiter.
“This means everything to me. I can’t explain
career, Larson began seeking out every opportunity
“I love getting to work with students and helping
what an incredible feeling it is to be recognized
she could to get involved. “For me, being involved
them to get excited about school,” she said.
for doing what I love,” said Larson.
get more watch the extended video for this article on our site isu.edu/cob/bulletin
F
first place a refreshing win
For the first time, the ISU National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team was named the regional champion for a marketing plan the students put together for Snapple.
product, partnering with electrical engineering
For student and CEO of the project Russell Hill,
College
and
student senior Jacob Talley, to build a flashlight
the accomplishment and experience had a deeper
Letters and College of
equipped with ceramic plates, or “peltier devices”-
significance as well- “The trophies are a reflection
which power the light when touched due to the
of the quality of students and professors found at
temperature differential between the aluminum
the College of Business,” said Hill. “Even more
core and the temperature of the hand.
valuable [were] the experiences we had. The
During the competition, the “quarterly” decisions
competition enabled us the opportunity to apply
ran every 90 minutes over 48 hours and even
everything we have learned- and we have grown
included hurdles like an “earthquake,” that cut
because of it. Most importantly though, was my
production by 50 percent over one quarter.
privilege to work with an amazing team.”
of
Arts
A
fter an intensive competition in Anaheim, the
International
Collegiate
Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC)
team of MBA students returned with Overall Winner, Best Written Document (for their business plan and annual report) and Second Runner-Up for Overall Performance. In February, the students began competing with teams from around the world utilizing a computerized simulation to make weekly “quarterly”
decisions
icbsc team earns an impressive win
The team consisted of
Business students.
Calif.-
creating a culture
in
sales,
production,
marketing and finance aspects of a simulated business followed by submitting a full business plan and annual report. In addition, the team also devised a unique
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“[Overall,] I am most proud of a comment by one of the judges,” said assistant management professor Dr. Alex Bolinger, advisor to the team along with Dawn Konicek, an assistant professor of accounting. “[She said] that she appreciated the culture [our team] had created and theirs’ was the company she would like to work for if she were a prospective employee.” According to Bolinger, the judges were made up of executives from various corporations in the western U.S.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Jennifer Donaldson, Russell Hill, Justin Lloyd, Sakar Dahal, Erin Gitua and Chelsea Izatt.
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permanent insights
L
students use storycorps app for interviews ast semester, students enrolled in Dr. Alex Bolinger’s individual and organizational behavior course were assigned to interview two managers with the goal of collecting information about their experiences in business, information about day to day activities and leadership strategies. However, unlike ever before and by the creative and original design of the professor, students were assigned to upload their interviews using the StoryCorps app, which
allowed their work to be saved permanently to the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is a free smartphone app allowing anyone to share and record their wisdom for the use of future generations. All interviews conducted using the app are archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. “I think that the Library of Congress was
was helpful in that it raised the stakes for students
have done yourself.”
appreciative that our class thought of using
a little bit. There is a sense that what they did
Another
StoryCorps for a classroom project, which
has greater meaning than a typical class project
interviewed City of Chubbuck mayor Kevin
increases their inventory of oral histories during
because it has a certain permanence in the public
England and the City of Pocatello mayor Brian
this year’s program,” said Bolinger.
record,” said Bolinger. He added that it was also
Blad. “The assignment was a good experience in
According to the management professor, not
beneficial for students to have an opportunity to
listening to the community and according to both
many have used the StoryCorps app to record the
speak with leaders. “I think students benefited
mayors that is very important to becoming a good
wisdom of managers and leaders in the business
from having an opportunity and excuse to sit
leader,” said Wilkinson.
world. Joe Hughes, a student in the class said,
down and talk to managers who could potentially
Overall, Bolinger felt the project had a very
“The project excited the manager I interviewed;
serve as their mentors in the future.”
successful outcome. “I think the most impressive
he thought it was a great idea that real stories
For Hughes, the interview provided valuable
thing was the wide variety of managers in
were being told for students or professionals to
insights in management practices, “My major
different fields that my students interviewed. And,
learn from.”
take away from this project was to be a humble
I feel fortunate that the class drew students from a
Bolinger believes the project was not only
manager and to not micro-manage so much,”
variety of majors, from not only all of the business
beneficial because of its permanence, but also for
said the student. “The most important leadership
fields but also radiographic science, dietetics,
its value to students. “I think that setting up this
advice I gained was to lead by example- to expect
health care administration, sports management
project in conjunction with the Library of Congress
the very same out of employees that you would
and others.”
student
Crystal
White
Wilkinson,
images of america: a history of garrett freightlines
M
anagement professor Dr. Alex Bolinger
a museum was unlikely, something more feasible
hundreds of stories buried within the history of this
always seems to be on a constant
was to write a book. “[I thought,] we might
company that was integral in shaping Pocatello
search for new and inspiring ideas for
be able to find a way to make it a unique and
for so many years.” For Chambers, the company
real-world class projects. One of his most recent
beneficial experience for some of our top students
was a “real life story of the American dream.” In
ideas was inspired by a visit with his brother to
in the College of Business,” said Bolinger.
addition to this great experience, Chambers and
the original Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit,
In beginning the plans for the whole new course,
the other students of the class are now co-authors
the birthplace of Henry Ford’s first Model T cars.
he developed three major goals for the students:
of a published book. “That has actually already
For Bolinger, the inspiring, rustic warehouse was
1) To practice work in teams on an extensive,
been very helpful to several students in finding
a reminiscent depiction of the Garrett Freightlines
creative project. 2) To build research and writing
a job.” Bolinger said he knows of at least three
buildings in the Historic Warehouse District in
skills with an emphasis on synthesis. 3) To learn
students who used the class as a major discussion
Pocatello.
how Garret became an entreprenuerial success
topic during job interviews.
According to the professor, the 1913 company
story beyond financial gain.
The book officially publishes on July 11, 2016 and
not only represents the first motorized vehicle
Joining the class were 16 top students from
will be released by the leading publishing house
transport company in Pocatello and a unique and
around the University, who- utilizing Pixar’s
for local and regional historical publications in
distinguishing piece of the city’s history- but it also
model for creative processes- divided into four
the U.S., Arcadia Publishing in Charleston, S.C.
represents a piece of his own family’s history.
groups, each working on two chapters of the
as part of the publisher’s “Images of America”
“My grandfather Larry Allsberry, started working
book. Most of the research materials came from
series.
for [Garrett] as one of the first line drivers between
Bolinger’s grandfather’s collection and the Special
Next semester’s project is scheduled to publish on
Pocatello and Los Angeles in the late 1930s and
Collections section of the ISU Oboler Library.
May 17 and will focus on the history of Idaho
worked there for his entire career,” Bolinger
For
Vice
State University, in honor of the school’s 115-year
said his grandfather had worked his way up to
President and COO of ISU Credit Union (far right
anniversary. Anyone interested in sharing photos
company President by the 1970s.
photo), the value of what he learned was beyond
or stories for the next project, or anyone interested
After his visit, Bolinger realized- although the
expectation. “I came away with the feeling that we
in purchasing either book is welcome to contact
probability of the old buildings being turned into
had taken on something special-- that there were
Dr. Bolinger at boliale2@isu.edu.
student
Doug
Chambers,
Senior
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real-world classroom
above and beyond
vita files more returns than expected
faculty & staff
A
professional development
student organizations
economic development
s part of a capstone project, students in Dr. Neil Tocher’s applied business solutions course worked in groups to provide research and
consultation services to local businesses. This semester’s students received multiple compliments for their hard work.
“We are grateful for the professionalism of this trio.
get more
A favorite characteristic was
watch the extended video for this article on our site isu.edu/cob/bulletin
T
the flexibility. The deeper we
his year, the Volunteer Income Tax
with VITA take an IRS and ethics exam,
Assistance (VITA) program reached
in additon to a training course before
an all-time high of tax preparations,
becoming preparers.
according to accounting professor Dawn
Additionally,
Konicek. Over the course of two months,
typically score higher on exams in their
students involved completed over 250 tax
classes due to the applied education.
returns, compared to 189 and 210 in the
Senior accounting student and first year
previous years.
VITA preparer Tim Roth, said, “The program
The program offered free tax services
allows students the opportunity to interact
for
citizens
with real clients, create a professional
allowing
setting based on teamwork and work
undergraduate and graduate accounting
in a strong learning atmosphere.” Roth
students the opportunity to gain hands-on
believes he is better prepared to work in
experience preparing taxes.
an accounting firm after volunteering with
According to Konicek, students volunteering
the VITA program.
and
college
students,
low-income
senior
individuals,
students
participating
went into conversation, the more avenues I asked them to research. Without hesitation, they
adjusted
and
moved
forward, showing they clearly understood the scope of what business consultants do.”
Amanda Collins Outreach/Enrollment Director Health West Inc.
Azitha Lakkireddy and Briana Olson helped Health West find alternative funding options for their community health center.
- Joel Benson Member Benefits Manager Farm Bureau Federation
Students Maisie Trang, Brett Bingham and Alicia Connolly worked together completing extensive market research for the Farm Bureau Federation. Their research focused on the perception and utilization of the company’s Rewards Program and methods of increasing interest.
“Not only were the students incredibly professional, but they went so far beyond what our high expectations were. We will use their input and research to benefit those we serve- we are so grateful!”
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international competition stock picking virtual wall street
F
or
the
past
two
years,
participating in the cfa research challenge
Finance
Association members at Idaho State University have participated in a
stock picking competition running between November of the fall semester and April of the spring semester. The club uses MarketWatch,
a
financial
information
website providing business news, analysis and stock market data along with the Wall Street Journal website to assist them in learning about and analyzing market trends. Each student begins with $1 million of virtual money, which they may invest and trade as they see fit. At the close of the competition, members are ranked based on the amount of return on their investment. Winners receive $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. This year, the stock picking competition closed on April 7 and is expected to return for a third year in the fall semester. First place was awarded to Casey Kemmerer, second place to Gabriel Rivas and third place to Russell Hill.
I
n March 2015, students Jacob Hall, Alan
with hands-on experience as equity analysts.
Carlson, Gabriel Rivas and Colin Prestesater
“The CFA challenge provided me invaluable
worked with mentor Ryan Morris of Selkirk
experience with finance,” said Carlson. “It
Capital in Boise (far left) to analyze Micron as part
allowed me to put to use everything I have learned
of the Idaho Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
over the course of my finance degree and created
Research Challenge with Dr. Kenneth Khang,
connections amongst [my peers], professors and
professor of finance, working as their advisor.
CFA charter holders,” he said. “Micron’s equity
Each year at the international competition, teams
analysis was one of the most in-depth, time-
perform equity analysis on a company, writing a
consuming and difficult projects, but I’ve never
report and presenting their findings to a panel of
been more proud of a paper and presentation
judges.
than the one we all worked on.”
The CFA credential is the most respected and
“I know [the skills] I gained will increase my
recognized investment designation in the world,
marketability and competitiveness as [I apply for
participation in the Challenge provides students
jobs],” said Hall, another participating student.
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the best of the best S
students receive awards for best paper
tudents Andrew Lyman (far left) and
Association
Division
Travis Pattengale, (left photo, far right)
(NAMS),
along with Management professor Dr.
earned a second award
where
they
Jie McCardle (third from the left) returned from
for the best paper in the
the MBAA International Conference in Chicago
“Teaching
in April with two Best Paper awards with over
category.
800 in attendance. Lyman and Pattengale co-
“[Our students] came out highly
authored a paper titled The Quest for Nudge in
impressive and totally ‘wowed’
Organizational Behavior, with McCardle. One of
their audience,” said McCardle.
presented a paper in the conference and at the
the awards the paper earned was the McGraw-
“There were over 20 people in the room, and
Western Decision Science Institute (WDSI).
Hill/Irwin award representing the best paper from
a lot of enthusiastic discussions were centered
“Somelina’s performance at MBAA as well as the
each of the 12 track divisions participating in the
on our paper [which the students] handled with
WDSI-- were superb. [All the students] represented
conference. Lyman and Pattengale also presented
competence and wit.”
our college very well and made me very proud,”
the paper within the North American Management
Student Somelina Obiechina (far right photo) also
said McCardle.
Management”
specially selected A a prestigious conference sim
Dhakal,
Mohammed
computer
Althayidi,
research paper titled, Virtual Reality in Healthcare. Participants in the conference came from top
and
universities around the world including, CMU,
informatics
Singapore Management University, Marquette
science
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh.
University, CMU-Qatar and Ball State University.
Sankara Srinivasan’s health informatics class, were
In addition to being selected to attend the
In 2014, another of Srinivasan’s students,
selected to attend the prestigious Undergraduate
conference, Dhakal was also awarded a $500
Jameson Bastow was also selected to attend the
Conference on Information Systems (UCIS) held at
travel grant by the conference organizers for his
conference.
(pictured left to right)- both students in Dr.
I
daho State University is the state’s designated lead institution in health professions. For the College of Business, contributing to that
designation had, in the past, been achieved indirectly – by providing a business background to those students studying in the health care fields. Nearly a decade ago, in an effort to more directly impact the University’s leadership designation, the late computer information systems professor, Dr. Ken Trimmer, envisioned and developed the Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Information Systems Management (HISM). This new reach into the health care fields represented the beginning of a new path for the College. Later, at an AACSB (the accrediting body for colleges of business) workshop Dean Dr. Tom Ottaway heard discussion regarding the decreasing number of college-age students in the U.S. and the increasing competition for those students. “The consensus of the workshop was that there
would be three paths for colleges to stand out,”
According to informatics professor Dr. Bob
said Ottaway. “We could either be a low-cost
Houghton, “As a health informaticist, you would
provider, a ‘name institution’ or develop a niche.”
have the opportunity to handle a variety of projects
According to Ottaway, with the advent of free
within the realm of information technology as it
massively open online courses (MOOCs) in
applies to the medical field,” said Houghton. “For
business-- ‘low cost’ would approach zero.
example, this could include developing the most
Although ISU’s tuition represents some of the lowest
effective application for doctors and nurses to fill
in the nation, zero was not appealing. Similarly,
out patients’ medical information during medical
Ottaway said, while ISU’s graduates are just as well
exams, while still maintaining a high level of security.
prepared as those coming from name institution-
Or, as a research analyst, you may develop an
such as Harvard and Stanford- developing such
application that would determine possible future
name recognition would be a long, complex and
medical conditions of a patient based on his or her
expensive
past medical history,” Houghton added.
undertaking.
However,
developing
a niche in the administrative side of health care
As for the program itself, MSHI will require a total
would provide the perfect opportunity to not only
of 36 credit hours and is designed with the non-
gain traction among competing schools, but would
traditional student in mind- consisting of a mixture
also align the CoB with ISU’s health care mission.
of evening courses broadcast across the two
“Hence, the HISM degree began its evolution,”
campuses or taught in person.
said the chair of the Department of Informatics, Dr.
According to Parker, the new program has been
Kevin Parker. According to Parker, the curriculum
designed to not only compliment the undergraduate
for the program was revised, courses were added
degree but also work in conjunction with the
and three new Ph.D. professors specializing in the
School of Health Professions at ISU.
field were hired. “The College of Business had
“The program actually builds on existing courses
found its niche and the program that provided the
from the Health Care Administration program and
cornerstone on which to establish that new identity
the Master of Public Health program,” said Parker.
was health informatics,” said Parker.
“So, it will include courses in health law, bioethics
Now, following the evolution of this undergraduate
and US and global health systems.”
degree, the College of Business has taken a second
The program is also open to non-informatics
step in reaching a health care-niched business
majors. These students are simply required to
college by introducing the new Master of Science
complete five “prerequisite knowledge” courses
in Health Informatics (MSHI) graduate program to
including programming, software architecture
be offered in fall 2016 in Pocatello and Meridian.
and analysis and database design. According
to Parker, the additional courses will add two
consultation companies rather than employing
Systems Society (HIMSS). And, administrative
semesters for non-informatics majors taking about
internally. “Other companies poach talent from
positions range from $109,000 to $190,000. In
five semesters to complete compared to three
competitors or engage in bidding wars to lure IT
the Boise area, salaries are just over $91,000.
semesters for informatics-related majors.
people to their firms,” said Parker. “Demand for
With a fresh start beginning in 2016, the new
Additionally, the three new faculty members provide
health IT professionals continues to exceed supply.”
MSHI program will provide new opportunities
a great deal of experience and expertise to the new
Parker went on to say, the demand for more
to the Meridian and Pocatello communities
program. Dr. Sankara Srinivasan (pictured bottom
health informaticists can be attributed to both
right) came to the CoB specializing in mobile
the Health Technology for Economic and
health care applications and the use and impact
Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and a
of health informatics systems on the performance
DoD initiative. The HITECH Act was
of individuals, teams and organizations in the
established in 2009 to help
health profession. Dr. Karoly Bozan (pictured top
promote the use of health
right) specializes in electronic medical records
information technology to
with over a decade of experience working as a
address concerns such as
consultant with Accenture PLC implementing a
the privacy and security issues
large-scale ERP system. And, Dr. Nima Kordzadeh
facing health records. And, the $11
(pictured top left), is a specialist of consumer
billion DoD Healthcare Management
health informatics and privacy issues geared
System Modernization effort has been
toward improving patient care through health data
intended to help establish a more current and
analytics and bettering patient-centered online
efficient method of maintaining health records.
health applications.
Due to the expanding demand, salaries for
In addition, the program will fill a major gap
graduates have become quite competitive,
in available health informaticists. “The degree
with
the
addresses a critical shortage of workers with
over
$110,000
skills that span both Informatics and health,” said
median
Parker. “Some 67 percent of health care providers
$95,000,
are actually experiencing IT staff shortages. So,
the Health Information
health care providers, insurance companies and
Management
drug and device firms are having to compete with each other for talented IT personnel.” Parker said the shortage has become so severe, companies have began hiring health informatics
average wages
salary
in
2013
starting
according and
to
while
at
contributing
to
the
growing reach of the College of Business.
Less than two hours away, in the canyonlined city of Twin Falls, a new piece of the College of Business is beginning to take root on the College of
reaching with
also
Southern Idaho (CSI) campus. In fall 2016, the CoB will hold four in-person, evening courses at CSI. “Twin Falls is a vibrant and growing community and we look forward to contributing to the higher education needs of its citizens,” said Dean Dr. Tom Ottaway. Courses offered include, Information Systems and Problem Solving, Corporate Financial Management, Operations and Production Management and Managerial Accounting. For more information about the CoB’s expansion into Twin Falls and the courses available email cobadvis@isu.edu.
ann swanson A
idaho women of the year finalist nn Swanson, the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Idaho State University College of Business, was named a finalist in the Idaho Business Review’s annual Idaho Women of the Year program.
Now in its 11th year, Idaho Business Review’s
the past four years and director of the Region
of University Women’s “Start Smart” salary
Women of the Year honors women who are
V office since July of 2014. As the director, she
negotiation workshop, which was apart of this
shaping Idaho’s economic and community well-
oversees the SBDC’s mission to promote small
year’s Women’s Business Symposium.
being through outstanding leadership, mentoring
business growth in the region. She also has a
Katie Sewell, the SBDC State Director who
efforts and community involvement. The Women of the Year program is an excellent platform to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional female business leaders.
“I AM HONORED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY OF IDAHO WOMEN WHO ARE SO POSITIVELY IMPACTING THEIR COMMUNITIES.”
“I am honored to be included in the company of
nominated Swanson said, “Ann shares her creativity and expertise willingly and really delights in seeing success in the businesses she works with. Ann exemplifies a woman shaping Idaho’s economic and community well-being.”
Idaho women who are so positively impacting
deep commitment to supporting and promoting
Swanson traveled to the Boise Centre for the
their communities,” said Swanson.
the economic contributions of women. Swanson
awards gala on February 22.
Swanson has been a consultant for the SBDC for
is a facilitator for the American Association
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faculty & staff
professional development
student organizations
economic development
student recognized
bolinger is asisu faculty member of the year
D
r. Alex Bolinger has been with the College
(ASISU) Faculty Member of the Year.
As
of Business for five years teaching courses
“This award is particularly meaningful to me
selected program,
in organizational behavior, negotiation
because it is voted on by students. Our students
the award speaks
and strategic management in the management
at ISU are the reason that we, as faculty, get to
highly of the quality of education professors like
program. Throughout his time here, Bolinger has
pursue this profession,” said Bolinger.
Bolinger are providing students.
shown significant interest in providing a hands-
Each year, ASISU sends out an email to all fee-
“I have been given the opportunity to take risks in
on and engaging learning environment for his
paying students in search of nominations for a
the classroom to make management education as
students. It is with great pride that the College of
teacher of the year. Then, based on the quality of
relevant and fun as possible and it is a tribute to
Business congratulates Bolinger on being named
nominations, a selection committee reviews and
our students that they are willing to put in the work
the Associated Students of Idaho State University’s
selects a deserving recipient of the award.
to make those efforts successful,” said Bolinger.
tocher selected as a
A
20
under
40
a
student-
winner
ssociate professor of management Dr. Neil Tocher
such a strong group of high achieving people. The award is
was named one of the winners of the Idaho State
something I will always treasure,” said the professor.
Journal’s second annual “20 Under 40” award.
Tocher earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in management
In deciding a winner for the award criteria such as a strong
from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting
community, work and social involvement were considered.
from Gonzaga University. He is also part of the Academy of
“Both the nomination and being chosen as one of the 20
Management, Southern Management Association, Society
overachievers under 40 was a tremendous honor. Pocatello
for Case Research, the Bannock Civitans, the Pocatello Elk’s
is a terrific community with many fine [and involved] people.
Lodge and the Pocatello Camp Fire Association.
I was very humbled to be honored and associated with
feature story
real-world classroom
14 |
faculty & staff
welcoming
new faculty & staff
A
s the College of Business continues to expand and grow- fresh faces and varying expertise enrich the CoB’s
professional development
student organizations
economic development
daniel ames, ph.d.
tyler burch, ph.d.
accounting department chair
assistant professor
Ames’ research focuses on fraud, ethics, private corporations and the quality of accounting reports. His teaching interests are primarily in financial accounting. Ames earned his degree in accounting from BYU, his M.A. from Duke and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. As a former professor at Illinois State University, he was named the McGladrey Outstanding Professor of the Year.
of management
After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2015, Burch has returned to his hometown to teach as a management professor. Burch’s research interests include the antecedents and outcomes of employee turnover and retention as well as how work and family roles jointly influence one another.
initiatives to foster and serve new and current students.
marcus burger, ph.d.
dave bagley
Most recently, seven new faculty members have
clinical assistant professor
assistant professor
joined the CoB in four departments. Each new
of accounting
of accounting
faculty member offers unique backgrounds, professional
experience
and
previous
professorships at other universities. Additionally, the College has brought on several new staff members. With a new Director of Bengal Solutions, the graduate student program will continue to grow and serve the area’s surrounding business community and the University. A new Director of Undergraduate Studies has also been hired as a full-time recruiter and advisor, creating a main contact for all prospective and current business students. A full-time Director of Marketing was also hired to manage recruitment, retention and development efforts through various marketing strategies, resources and materials.
Prior to joining the CoB faculty, Bagley was a partner at the local Racine Olsen law firm in Pocatelloworking as council for the Unversity. Bagley’s expertise is in tax and estate planningproviding valuable insight in courses covering current accounting issues and the legal environment of accounting. He has also been integral in the VITA and Beta Alpha Psi programs.
iris buder, ph.d. assistant professor of economics
Originally from Germany, but born in Brazil, Buder has lived throughout the world. She began her studies at Auburn Univeristy in German International Trade and Economics. Returning to her love for the western U.S., Buder began teaching at the University of Utah and Westminster College while pursuing her Ph.D. in Economics at U of U before coming to ISU upon graduating.
Burger joined the CoB from the University of Utah where he completed his Ph.D. in 2012 and studied business administration with an emphasis in accounting. Prior to his studies, Burger was a senior application analyst in the accounting department at J.C. Penney & Co. Inc. His research focuses on how accounting informs valuation, and the affect market participants have on stock prices.
dan cravens, ph.d. director of bengal solutions
Cravens began his studies at Quincy University in sociology, later earning an M.A. in Government from Regent University, a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Argosy University. Prior to joining the CoB, Cravens served as the Idaho Department of Labor’s Regional Economist for southeast Idaho.
feature story
real-world classroom
15 |
faculty & staff
professional development
student organizations
economic development
faculty research jonathan holmes
kristine mccarty
clinical assistant professor
director of
of informatics
undergraduate studies
Holmes is a graduate of ISU, receiving his BBA in computer information systems in 2008 and an MBA in 2011. For 10 years, Holmes led a team developing federally funded research projects focusing on Internet-driven, multi-tier web applications emphasizing on research and data repositories. He also served as an adjunct professor, teaching programming and systems architecture.
McCarty earned an Honors B.A. in anthropology with a minor in marketing in 2014 from ISU. While studying, she worked as an advisor and recruiter for the University Honors Program among other student service positions and as an MBA student, she served as an undergraduate recruiter. In her new position, McCarty plans and attends recruiting events and serves as a point of contact and advisor for College of Business students.
and highlights neil tocher, ph.d. “the
ropes to skip and the
ropes to know” ninth edition
This textbook deals with the issues, unwritten rules and the functionality of culture within organizations. chicago business press ritti, levy, tocher
chicagobusinesspress.com/ropes.html
karoly bozan, ph.d. influences of social forces on
health i.t. use behavior of the elderly
daniel urban, ph.d. (abd) visiting professor of economics
As an Oregon native, Urban attended Portland State University where he earned is B.S. in Economics. There, he was introduced to heterodox economics. This introduction influenced his decision to attend the University of Missouri- Kansas City for graduate school where he pursued a new interest in alternative approaches. Currently, Urban is working on completing his doctoral dissertation which focuses on generating alternative national accounting aggregates based on labor inputs. Prior to the CoB, he taught at UMKC and Willamette University in Oregon.
kelsey west director of marketing & communications
As a student at ISU, West worked as a graphic design intern in the CoB while earning her B.A. in mass communication and a minor in business. Upon graduation in 2014, she joined the Idaho State Journal as a digital marketing specialist. Now, returning to the College of Business, West has been working to implement new marketing campaigns, strategies and materials to assist recruitment, retention and development efforts.
This study investigated and aimed at improving the understanding of social forces incluencing the use of patient portals among the elderly. The study found that users follow providers’ advice and don’t follow the bandwagon effect.
goo.gl/kFGjev
robert tokle, ph.d. & teri peterson, ed.d. determinants of credit union net worth following the financial crisis
Using a national data set, this paper examines the relationship between credit union attributes with the change in their net-worth ratios in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. midwest business adminstration association conference
a gift
in memory of a mentor The Bill Phillips Endowment was founded and funded nearly 20 years ago by Gary Campbell, a former student of the late Dr. Bill Phillips, a successful businessman and former finance chair.
wells fargo speaker series
frank vandersloot shares wisdom with students
“The goal [of the fund] is to perpetuate a forever funding source to assist [students with career development,]” said Campbell, whose contributions now solely benefit the Professional Development program. “I’m one of the ISU Finance majors who absolutely benefitted from Dr. Phillips’ time in the College,” said Campbell. “Unquestionably,
products- 90 percent of which are produced in
VanderSloot implied as a student, there is no better
career remains the direct result of his outreach,
Idaho. The company is also an employer of 119
time than the present to take advantage of the four
input and influence.”
ISU alumni.
factors through a series of good decisions.
During his talk, VanderSloot honed in on the keys
“Take what you are doing right now seriously, if
he Professional Development (PD) program
to having a great life, and how, regardless of
you want to have a great life,” said VanderSloot.
at the College of Business is largely
origin, most people have a similar goal: to live
He suggested students be happy, apply themselves
supported through generous contributions
happily. The idea of shaping a great life was one
and to truly study everything they do in work and
made by Wells Fargo. One of the events made
of the founding contributions to the company’s
school- to become immersed in what they are
possible through these donations is the Wells Fargo
mission, which is to “Enhance the lives of those
doing. Additionally, he urged internships and to
Speaker Series, allowing the College to bring in
we touch by helping people reach their goals.”
“be the best you can be.”
influential business people from around the state
According to VanderSloot, those goals can
“This is an exciting time to be alive,” said
to share advice and expertise with students.This
be reached through four major factors: ‘good
VanderSloot. “There have been billions of years
year, the CoB hosted successful Idaho CEO and
health,’ ‘friends, family’ and ‘resources.’ He
and people before us and likely after us. But, this
founder of Melaleuca, Frank VanderSloot. Over
defined wealth as the ability and opportunity to
is our time, right now,” said VanderSloot.
the last 31 years, his company has reached an
do something in order to accomplish a goal. The
Before the presentation, Wells Fargo also awarded
annual revenue of $1 billion, producing personal
fourth factor was ‘to live within the bounds of
the PD program $20,000 for next year’s series
care products, nutritional items and cleaning
what we ourselves believe to be right or wrong.’
and student events.
the very cornerstone of who I was during my
T
feature story
real-world classroom
faculty & staff
career culture recognized mba students impress with professionalism
E
ach year the Intermountain MBA Consortium
Zions Bancorporation, Overstock.com, Mountain
holds a networking event for MBA students.
America Credit Union, Melaleuca and several
This year, students attended the event,
other local and national employers. The event
held at the Davis Conference Center in Layton,
served MBA students interested in internships,
Utah- from the University of Utah, Utah State
jobs or those simply taking the opportunity to
University, Utah Valley University, Weber State
build a network of corporate contacts. The event
University and Idaho State University. As part
was designed to create a resource for students
of the event, the Intermountain MBA Consortium
looking to land lucrative careers after graduation.
hosted a Corporate Partner Networking Night
For MBA and MAcc student, Jennifer Donaldson,
to facilitate networking between MBA students
the networking event proved to be extremely
and
partner
beneficial. “I had an excellent experience at the
corporations. Included in those partnerships were
MBA consortium. I went in with the goal of refining
businesses such as Target, Union Pacific, Adobe,
my networking skills and left with an executive
representatives
from
over
40
career fair draws higher attendance
T
17 |
professional development
student organizations
economic development
internship at Target this summer.” Donaldson said because this was not her first professional
networking
event,
she
already
possessed some of the necessary skills to genuinely sell her abilities to the recruiters. “I would recommend all students take advantage of as many events like this as possible, as there is something to be learned or improved every time,” she said. According to Professional Development Director, John Ney, all of the College of Business students were very prepared for the event, in fact even more so than some of the other schools. “Our students were highly complimented on being the most professionally dressed and prepared. We were also one of the most well represented schools in attendance,” said Ney.
Smith said she attributes the growing success of the fair to successful partnerships with the colleges, programs, faculty and staff. “We work
he Career Center’s Spring Career Fair marked record attendance
extensively to educate students on the importance of networking within their
this year with 71 different employers represented and 610 students
field of study. The event is a great place to do just that.”
participating, according to Coordinator, Tara Ridgeway Smith.
Looking ahead, the Career Center hopes to inform more students of the event
“I’m proud of the attendance at the last career fair,” said Smith. “Months
and how to prepare for it. “I hear of success stories from both employers and
of work went into advertising, planning and coordinating the fair so it was
students. Several employers will say, ‘I came back this year because I found
rewarding to see the event be so successful,” she said- adding that over the
my best employee here.’ And students will comment on our survey that they
past two years, the Career Center has sold out on employer tables.
actually received their position from the career fair we held,” said Smith.
kent oram, ceo
named idaho business leader of the year
get more
watch the extended video for this article on our site isu.edu/cob/bulletin
T
he Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY)
he grew to the position. After attending Ricks
has always been about honoring the work
College, he began pursuing a law degree, where
of an Idaho businessperson in his or her job
he soon realized the path he had chosen was not
and the community. Throughout the years, the
right for him.
honor has become well known and represents
“If you don’t feel like you have found your home,
a thorough and significant process taken out
you need to do something different,” said Oram
completely by the work of students in the Alpha
who after attending a class on computing had
Kappa Psi fraternity.
found his home. “High school is like owning
Student and chair of the event, Kyle Bodily
property, the first years of college are like drawing
(pictured bottom right) said that the planning of
the plans for a structure and the last years of
the annual award begins early in the fall semester
college are like erecting that building- you might
when the club sends out requests for nominations
as well build the right building instead of wishing
throughout the state of Idaho seeking leaders who have contributed a great deal of service to their
you had when it’s too late,” he advised.
community and business.
Oram began his career with ICCU in 1984 after
“IBLOY is about finding a leader that exemplifies Alpha Kappa Psi’s four core values of brotherhood,
having worked for a potato farmer during his
unity, integrity and service,” said Bodily. For the group, this year that person was Kent Oram (top photo,
years at ISU. In 2007, the credit union promoted
fifth from the left), CEO of Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU).
Oram to CEO where he soon found a whole new
“Kent Oram was chosen for many reasons,” said Bodily. “As we looked at what he was able to do at
love for his career. “It’s the best job in the world,
Idaho Central and how they have grown, while maintaining an employee-based outlook and giving
I love the stress, the challenge, the failures and
back to the community and ISU- we found that he really represented what we were looking for.”
the successes,” said Oram. “Together with my
Oram accepted his award with great appreciation at the event in March- sharing the story of how
teammates, I am building something special.”
upon you, embrace it. If you think you have
an estimated 500 in five to six years, Oram
embraced it, then redouble your efforts and
said most of the company’s employees have
embrace it some more. Ask for opinions from
come from ISU, followed by BYU Idaho and
everyone, everywhere,” he said. “Today
Boise State University. “I believe that is one
is the day to prepare that change.” Oram
of the biggest contributions we make and
said they use the phrase, “Features tell and
one that we get in return,” said Oram.
benefits sell. Rely less on the features and
Oram concluded his acceptance with a bit
descriptions and more on the benefits of
of advice to his Alma Mater, “change is
earning an education at ISU.”
N
TH
E
JO
I
With 220 employees in Bannock County and
I
the
n an effort
Housing at ISU, stressed the importance
to
further
of residential communities in improving
encourage
retention and student success, “Students who
T
he
informatics
and
Informatics-related projects for the College of Business and the area’s business community. The team is known as
the
Bengal
Solutions
Applied Informatics Team. Partnering with the Center for
Entrepreneurship
and
Economic
camaraderie
have higher success rates than their peers,
(CEED)
and community
are more engaged with the University and
Solutions, the program will
the College of
are more likely to stay connected after they
allow students to develop
Business seeks to instill in its students, the CoB
graduate,” Thompson said.
technology
solutions
has created a new residential community for
Dyer Hall is a three-story building with 56
businesses
and
College of Business students at Dyer Hall.
beds. The main floor includes five common
Dyer will become an on-campus housing unit
rooms for students which the COB and
exclusively for business students, providing
University Housing intend to renovate.
the opportunity to grow and thrive together while at ISU. Faculty and advisors will hold office hours in Dyer, as well as organize activities, guest speakers and professional development events. Craig Thompson, Director of University
science
students and experienced faculty to assist with
participate in residential college programs
residen�ial communi�y
computer
department recently launched a team of
of
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
sense
applied informatics team
Development and
Bengal
for
various
departments in the University. As an introductory project, the team has greatly assisted with the on-going project of updating the College of Business website to help create a more user-friendly and current representation of the CoB (isu.edu/cob).
LBA 004 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8020 Pocatello, ID 83209-8020 isu.edu/cob
gifts
dean’s donor list
The College of Business extends our gratitude to everyone who helps to support us. Listed are the donors of gifts $250 or more.
julie boyle
julie cristobal
kenneth heikes
peter kole
william nye
david smith
wells fargo foundation
arthur brooks
james cuddihy
rolynne hendricks
jesse leib
thomas ottaway
helen smith
idaho central credit union
elliot abrams
harry bruestle
jacquelyn davidson
donald hendrickson
rodney lind
dale phillips
sandra speck
mdu resources foundation
roger akers
donald burdick
deborah dobbe
james hendrickson
tony lovgren
scott phillips
chelon stanzel
moss adams foundation
sandra allen
michael byrne
phil & ruth eastman
nancy lovgren
gary pitkin
michael stoddard
cooper norman
marilyn allen
james byrne
kelly hirning
kenneth maestas
lela pumphrey
william stratton
assoc. of gov. accounts-
linda armstrong
c. william byrne
brenda l. emmanuel
david hill daniel hodgkiss
victor ramey
jeffrey street
idaho centennial chapter
joseph byrne
robert flandro
william (skip) howe
steven meier
william armstrong
lealan miller
robert reed
michael sweeney
the oregon community foundation
tremayne arnold
greg byrne
terri gazdik
ken jantz
catherine miller
stevens theobald
idaho power company
scott baldwin
gary campbell
richard giesbrecht
robert johnson
t. kent mills
delbert ririe samuel roberts
kristi thiel
eugene c. & jody thomas family
robert beasley
eldon carlson
laura good
grace jones
robert mink
larry roberts
lewis ulrey
limited partnership
kevin bell
connie
jon goode
kent jones
donna molinelli
michael ruettgers
alan van orden
platte valley accounting
james billings
christofferson
james greve
steven keen
anne ruggiero
steven weatherspoon
bechtel group foundation
ryan bills
trisa clemons
terry hales
marilyn kent-byrne
denis & pamela moodie
kris wright
mcananey and associates pllc
paris cole
tammy halstead
george kidd
m. bruce nelson
kristal searle
larry bird
ryan shaffer
james young
plum creek foundation
ron & patty bolinger
sharon collins
michael hayhurst
jennifer klein
sharman niemi
martha sherman
kpmg foundation
alexander bolinger
robert colvin
william kobus
frederick niswander
steven skaggs
k.c. felt
n. charles hedemark
kelsey west | writer | design westkels@isu.edu | 208.282.3108 editor
contributors:
magazine production:
kayla carter
krystal scott
dr. ken khang
dr. sankara srinivasan
dr. kevin parker
ann swanson
kristine mccarty