Business Bulletin: Spring | Fall 2016

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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economic development

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

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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