MICHAEL E. STEPHENS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
Networking A publication of the Michael E. Stephens College of Business
Year in Review—2008-2009
UM BUSINESS
MICHAEL E. STEPHENS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Developing future business leaders
SCOB
Message From the Dean
Interesting times demand courage by William T. Rupp
These are “interesting” times. The tendency in interesting times is to resist the change that is moving – destroying the old and creating the new. While resisting and holding on to the present provides comfort, the constant waves beat against the norms we so desperately want to hold to. It is not easy to give up on the ideals, the dreams, and the hopes we have cherished. Even thinking of change creates uncertainty and anxiety. Somewhere in the mix, fear enters and begins the erosion of the bulkheads we lean against in troubled times. Interesting times rarely are easy times, but the character they expose reveals our core. Normally this magazine lets you know of all the good things happening in the SCOB and at UM, and this magazine will be no different; only you will sense a different tone. Just yesterday, July 24, 2009, one of our own, Marvin Narz, a distinguished colleague, lost his battle with a heart condition and slipped into eternity. He will be missed. He touched the lives of thousands of students with his unrelenting style that demanded excellence. Many times over the last six years, students would make appointments with me to talk about Professor Narz’s style. In most of the cases they were embarrassed because they went to class unprepared, and he was not tolerant of unpreparedness. It was in these moments that I could explain the reason he did this – it was because he cared. He cared because he was putting his stamp of approval or disapproval on the student’s intellect, study habits, communication skills, and character. To earn Professor Narz’s stamp meant he respected you and believed you were ready for the rough and tumble world of business. He did it because teaching was his high calling. I will miss you, Marvin. The rest of this column, written through tear-filled eyes, is a challenge to faculty and students of the SCOB. Do not let down. Do not give up. Do not roll over. Do not let the circumstances dictate your response. You have been prepared by the best, people who care, and who will not make your way easy. So, prepare and be ready to give an answer, show up ready and grounded in fact, and articulate your findings eloquently and with passion and conviction. Then you and I will be ready for interesting times that demand courage and belief in your core. Thanks Marvin. I am better for knowing you. Now let’s get to it.
Networking Dean William T. Rupp
Faculty/Staff Nancy Bell, Michele Bunn, J. A. Connell, Harold C. Hamilton, Roderick MacPherson, Jimmy W. Martin, Nathan E. McMinn, Alexander I. Mechitov, Helen Moshkovich, Brian Motii, Richard G. Rovelstad, Tom J. Sanders, Kathryn H. Dee, Meg P. Pepper and Corey Stewart.
Editor J. Corey Stewart
Design Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt
Photography Steven Hallman, Anna McFall, Alexander I. Mechitov, Matt Orton, Meg P. Pepper and J. Corey Stewart
Contributors Nancy Bell, Michele Bunn, Diane KennedyJackson, David Palmer, William T. Rupp, Tom J. Sanders and Cynthia Shackelford “Networking” is a magazine published for alumni, faculty and friends of the Michael E. Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo. Please send address changes, news and suggestions to: NETWORKING • Stephens COB University of Montevallo • Station 6540 • Montevallo, AL 35115 Phone: (205) 665-6524 • Fax: (205) 665-6560 E-mail: scob@montevallo.edu
In this Issue Year in Review
A look back at the academic year in the SCOB
Faculty & Staff
Remembering Dr. Marvin Narz Staff and faculty bios
4 6
Sanders research at Cornell
10
Academics
14
Alumni
18
Students
24
Faculty Feature: Dr. Michele Bunn
Students examine Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve Distance learning, UM going global Moonlighting in Montevallo Alumni Spotlight: DeWayne Peevy Homecoming 2009 Class Notes Senior research Student Spotlight Graduates
On the Cover
Soon-to-be graduates of the Michael E. Stephens College of Business process behind the SCOB gonfalon at May 2009 commencement ceremonies held on the lawn of Flowerhill, the president’s home.
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Networking
Year-in-Review 2008-2009
A look back at the academic year in the Stephens College of Business AUGUST 2008 August 7 August 8 August 11 August 20 August 22
Stephens College of Business and SCOB Advisory Board hosted the Senior Dinner. Commencement with 17 SCOB Graduates (See page 26) University Strategic Planning Retreat, Alabama 4-H Center, Columbiana, AL SCOB Faculty Workshop Valarie McCay joined the SCOB team as the Accreditation and Assessment Assistant. (See page 7) Kathy Dee joined the SCOB team as the Director of Accreditation. (See page 7)
SEPTEMBER 2008 September 1
Meg Pepper began in her current position of Senior Departmental Secretary and celebrated her fifth year as a SCOB team member. (See page 7) September 16 Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino held on-campus interviews. September 19 Carr, Riggs & Ingram held on-campus interviews. September 23 SCOB and the UM Counseling and Career Center hosted a business panel for SCOB students. The panel, which consisted of Brooke Culpepper of Student Life and SCOB alumni Brian Bateh ’98, Mark Bolton ’89, Jason Epstein ’96, and DeAnna Smith ’99, discussed career planning, time management, and graduate school options.
Oct. 9
OCTOBER 2008 October 6
Corey Stewart joined the SCOB team as the Technical Assistant.
October 9
University of Montevallo’s 112th Founders’ Day Dedication of the James Wylie Shepherd Observatory
October 14
Phi Chi Theta hosted guest speaker Dr. Mike DeBow of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and the Ludwig von Mises Institute. The presentation, entitled “Financial System Meltdown—Fact or Fiction,” addressed the history and events that led up to the current financial situation. Dr. Nancy Bell’s Business and Society Class (MG 308) visited the Ebenezer Swamp. (See pages 14-15)
October 28
Oct. 9
Oct. 9 Oct. 28
(See page 7)
(See page 7)
NOVEMBER 2008 November 12 2008 University Scholar Presentation by Dr. Helen Moshkovich entitled “Real Estate Market Value: A Multi Criteria Approach.” November 13 Elite Night
DECEMBER 2008 December 6
Dr. Nancy Bell’s Business and Society Class (MG 308) helped at the Privet Pull at Ebenezer Swamp. (See pages 14-15) December 11 Stephens College of Business and SCOB Advisory Board hosted the Senior Dinner. December 12 Commencement with 29 SCOB Graduates (See page 26)
Nov. 12
JANUARY 2009 January 20
Nine SCOB students were named in the Gulf South Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll: Adele Jackson, Management; Lauren Markle, Management; Michaela Moertzsch, Management; Daniel Pelletier, Marketing; Milan Pualic, Marketing; Michael Riggle, Accounting; James Steer, Marketing; Jim Witherow, MIS; and Rachel Wotitzky, Management.
Nov. 13
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FEBRUARY 2009
Feb. 24
February 9-10 Dr. William Rupp visited the College of Business Administration at Abilene Christian University for an AACSB peer review. February 11-14 College Night and Homecoming Activities February 14 SCOB hosted its annual Business at the Ballgame reception during the College Night basketball games. (See page 19) February 24 SCOB in association with the Office of International Services hosted the International Lecture Series featuring the Honorable Martin Rickard, the British Consul General in Atlanta, who presented “Challenges and Opportunities for the International Economy.” February 27 SCOB in association with the Office of International Services hosted the International Lecture Series featuring the Honorable Dr. Lutz Hermann Görgens, the German Consul General in Atlanta, who presented a lecture about U.S.-German trade relations.
MARCH 2009 March 5 March 25 Feb. 27
March 31
UM students participate in Higher Education Day. SGA president, Cedric Norman, gives speech on the importance of higher education. (See page 25) Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned self-help author and speaker, visited UM and gave an impromptu discussion for faculty and staff. Dr. Gary Rovelstad’s Cost Accounting II class (AC 426) visited the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, Alabama.
APRIL 2009 April 1 April 17 April 22 Mar. 5 Mar. 31
Undergraduate Research Day. Ashley Phillips, senior finance major, with Dr. J.A. Connell, presented “A Risk/Return Comparison Between the Dow Jones Islamic Index and the Wilshire 500 Index.” (See page 24) SCOB began testing Polycom Telepresence Equipment. (See page 16) Honors Day Beta Gamma Sigma Initiation. Eight SCOB students were inducted into the international honor society.
MAY 2009 May 7 May 8
Stephens College of Business and SCOB Advisory Board hosted the Senior Dinner Commencement with 29 SCOB graduates (See page 27)
JUNE 2009 June 1 June 30
Dr. William Rupp celebrated six years as Dean of the SCOB Work on the Stephens College of Business Global Classroom was completed. (See page 16)
JULY 2009 July 8-9 Apr. 22
July 9
July 24
Corey Stewart, SCOB Technical Assistant, attended the Polycom VSX Technical Training Course at the Polycom Learning Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (See page 16) Steven Hallman, senior management major, with his mentor, Dr. Harold Hamilton, presented “Politico-Economic Bias Mapped to MyersBriggs Temperaments: How Type Factors Influence Policy Beliefs” at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Program. Steven was awarded the Best Overall Research Project. (See page 24) The University lost professor, mentor and friend Dr. Marvin Narz. (See page 6)
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Networking
The College of Business remembers
Dr.
Marvin Narz
Marvin Narz, (1936-2009) Associate Professor J.D., Brooklyn Law School; L.L.M., University of Alabama, C.P.A.
Colleague, friend, teacher, and mentor, Marvin Narz, SCOB associate professor of accounting, died on Friday, July 24, 2009, following apparent complications from open-heart surgery. Narz joined the University of Montevallo faculty in 1978. An attorney and a CPA, Narz taught primarily in the areas of taxation and business law. One of his former students stated, “Dr. Narz was the hardest professor I’ve ever taken, and I learned so much from him. His methods were original and very successful. He was more than willing to help students with life and not just education.” Another student said, “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow under the wing of Professor Narz. I will not soon forget the life lessons, the moments of absolute hilarity, or that warm feeling of knowing when I had made him proud. I hope he knew just how proud we were to have known him. UM will never be the same without him, and I will never be the same because of him.” A colleague of Narz, Dr. Brian Motii, remarked, “Marvin was very enthusiastic about his students and was willing to go out of his way to offer them help and support. He had a kind heart and would never hesitate to offer his true and unconditional advice.” Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Narz earned the B.B.A. from the Bernard M. Baruch College at the City University of New York, the juris doctor from Brooklyn Law School and the M.L. (master’s degree in law) from the University of Alabama. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Julia, daughter Natalia of New York City, and a large extended family of students and colleagues.
Marvin, we will miss you.
Marvin Narz Memorial Fund To carry Narz’s dedication to students into the future, a memorial fund in his memory has been established through the University of Montevallo Foundation. Memorials can be made by check or money order and sent to the Foundation at: University of Montevallo Foundation, Station 6220, Montevallo, AL 35115. Please designate in memory of Marvin Narz. Memorials can be made via credit card on the University’s website at https://www.montevallo.edu/alumni/giftform.shtm. Please designate “restricted” and include “Marvin Narz” in the comments box. For more information, contact a Foundation representative at 205-665-6220.
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Mergers & Acquisitions The Stephens College of Business staff
Kathy Dee, Director of Accreditation Kathy Dee earned a Master of Science in Business from the Mississippi University for Women and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Mississippi State University. She began working as an adjunct instructor of Management Information Systems with the Stephens College of Business in January 2008 and was permanently employed in her current position in August of the same year. As Director of Accreditation, Kathy is responsible for ensuring that the SCOB maintains AACSB accreditation. In addition, she continues to teach MIS classes.
Valarie McCay, P.M.P., Accreditation & Assessment Assistant Valarie McCay, a certified Project Management Professional, joined the Stephens College of Business in August 2008 as the Accreditation and Assessment Assistant where she assists the Director of Accreditation by project managing the 2005-2009 AACSB accreditation process. Currently, Valarie is completing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management in the SCOB.
Meg Pepper, Administrative Assistant to the Dean Meg Pepper earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama. She joined the Stephens College of Business in September 2004 as a Senior Departmental Secretary where she managed the Computer Lab. In August 2008, Meg accepted her current position of Administrative Assistant to the Dean where she ensures that the Dean’s Office runs smoothly and efficiently by overseeing the staff, managing the budgets, and communicating with faculty and students.
J. Corey Stewart, Technical Assistant Corey Stewart, a Management Information Systems graduate from the Stephens College of Business, joined the SCOB in October 2008 after having worked in the University of Montevallo Physical Plant. He earned his Bachelor of Art in English from Montevallo in May 2009. As Technical Assistant, he manages the Computer Lab, maintains the equipment, assists students, and serves as the editor of the Networking publication.
The Stephens College of Business Staff checks out the observatory Kathy Dee (left), director of accreditation for the Stephens College, and Meg Pepper, administrative assistant to the dean, experience the wonder of the dome at UM’s James Wylie Shepherd Observatory, which was dedicated at Founders’ Day 2008. The 112th Founders’ Day was held Oct. 9.
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Networking
Executives
The faculty of the Stephens College of Business
Nancy S. Bell, Professor
Ph.D., Business Administration, University of Georgia, Insurance and Risk Management, C.L.U.
Michele D. Bunn, Associate Professor
Ph. D., Business Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Marketing
J. A. Connell, Assistant Professor
D.B.A., Louisiana Tech University, Finance
Harold C. Hamilton, Associate Professor
D.B.A., Louisiana Tech University, Strategic Management
Roderick MacPherson, Associate Professor
D.B.A., Mississippi State University, Economics, Marketing Minor
Jimmy W. Martin, Professor
Ph.D., Business Administration, University of Alabama, Accounting, C.P.A.
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Nathan E. McMinn, Assistant Professor
M.B.A., Management Information Systems, Western Carolina University
Alexander I. Mechitov, Professor
Ph.D., Management Information Systems, Institute for Systems Analysis of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Helen Moshkovich, Associate Professor
Ph. D., Management Information Systems, Institute for Systems Analysis of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Bahman Brian Motii, Associate Professor Ph.D., Economics, University of Oklahoma
R. Gary Rovelstad, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Business Administration, University of Alabama, Accounting, C.P.A.
William T. Rupp, Professor and Dean
Ph.D., Business Administration, University of Georgia, Strategic Management
Tom J. Sanders, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Strategic Management
Research
10 Networking
Sanders researches early history of personnel administration
Dr. Tom J. Sanders of the SCOB faculty spent two weeks during the summer of 2008 doing research in the Cornell University archives in Ithaca, N.Y. on a seminal figure in the early history of personnel administration in the U.S. Sanders received a UM Faculty Research and Development grant to fund the research project. This grant made possible his visit to the Kheel Archive Center in the Carruthers Library of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell – one of the leading archival collections on the development of human resources management and labor relations in the U.S. In 2007, Sanders was doing research at the Library of Congress on Ordway Tead, a little known, but very important figure in the early history of personnel administration. During this research, Sanders discovered Tead’s papers were deposited in the Cornell archives by his family after his death in 1973. Subsequent investigation revealed that there were eighteen boxes of papers deposited in the archives spanning the period from the late 1890s when Tead was in school to the early 1970s when he fully retired. These papers consisted of professional correspondence, manuscripts, speeches, journal articles, along with copies of most of his published writings from approximately 1915 to the late 1960s. Amazingly, Tead’s papers had only been accessed a half dozen times to look for individual items over the decades in the archives. Sanders is the only scholar who has reviewed all of the Tead papers and now has the most complete inventory of these materials available and has been asked to serve as the archives expert on these papers. Sanders is using the thousands of pages of materials he obtained from the archives and the Library of Congress and the scores of Tead’s books he has collected to write a series of papers on Tead’s contributions to the emergence of personnel administration and the development of labor relations in the U.S. His first paper, titled “Pragmatic Idealist: Ordway Tead and the Emergence of Personnel Administration,” will be presented later this year at a professional conference, and he has
several other papers planned as part of this project. Connection at Cornell While Dr. Sanders was reviewing the Tead papers, he discovered a connection to the University of Montevallo. From the late 1930s to the early 1950s Ordway Tead was chairman of the board of the City Colleges of New York (CCNY) – the multi-campus college and university system operated by the City of New York. In the late 1940s, Oliver Cromwell Carmichael, former president of Alabama College (now UM) and namesake of the UM library, was chairman of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Dr. Carmichael left Alabama College to become Dean of the Graduate School and subsequently Chancellor of Vanderbilt University from 1935 to 1946. Carmichael then became head of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in New York City. While in this position he was appointed to the SUNY board. The Tead papers indicate that he and Carmichael worked together closely to shape higher education policy in New York and were an effective team in lobbying the state legislature to implement their policies. In their respective roles as Board Chairs of the largest public university’s in the State of New York and in the U.S., both men were
A Montevallo Connection
Tead, circa 1920s
Carmichael, circa 1940s
The Tead papers indicate that he and Oliver Cromwell Carmichael, former president of Alabama College (now UM), worked together closely to shape higher education policy in New York and were an effective team in lobbying the state legislature to implement their policies.
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recognized as national authorities on higher education policy and administration. Carmichael returned to Alabama in the early 1950s to become president of the University of Alabama until 1956. He subsequently served as an educational consultant and wrote widely on educational philosophy and policy. “Moveo et proficio” - Who Was Ordway Tead? Ordway Tead was born in Massachusetts in 1891. His father was a congregational minister, and his mother was a pioneer in religious education for children. He was raised in a very literate household that nourished his substantial intellectual proclivities. Tead graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Amherst College in 1912 and was appointed an Amherst Fellow at Boston’s South End House, the first settlement house founded in the city by social pioneer Robert Archey Woods. Tead’s work with Woods was a seminal experience in his life as he came to know the misery and exploitation of recently arrived immigrants from Europe who worked in the factories and businesses in the city. This social service apprenticeship led to his appointment to the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Committee, chaired by Robert G. Valentine, the next seminal influence on his life. Valentine was a prominent former federal official, social reformer, and prolific author who created the concept of a “Labor Relations Counselor” (consultant) to employers. Valentine was an early critic of the abuses of scientific management and an advocate for human relations practices in industry that promoted fair treatment of workers through adoption of progressive personnel administration practices by companies. Valentine worked to install personnel departments in many companies through his consulting work. Tead joined Valentine’s consulting practice and continued it after Valentine’s untimely death in 1916. Tead began teaching one of the first college courses in personnel administration at Columbia University during World War I as part of the war effort and continued teaching this subject on a part-time basis for most of the next 40 years. In 1920, Tead and a colleague, Henry Metcalf, published Personnel Administration: Its Principles and Practices, the first such college text in the country based on materials from his college course. This was actually Tead’s
third book of more than two dozen books and scores of scholarly and professional articles he would write over the next fifty years. Also in 1920, Tead entered the publishing industry and helped create the business publishing market before retiring in the early 1960s as a vice president and board member of Harper Brothers. Throughout his long career Tead was a tireless advocate of progressive personnel practices, labor-management cooperation, empowerment of workers, and higher education. In a 1973 eulogy, a friend noted that the driving quest of Tead’s life and work was to build a society where every person would have an opportunity to realize his or her full potential. The body of work reflected in his papers affirms Tead’s motto: “Moveo et proficio – I move and I get things done.” Why was Tead Important? Ordway Tead was one of the early leaders of the human relations movement in the U.S. He was profoundly influenced by his work with recent immigrants at South End House with R.A. Woods, where he saw the devastating human consequences of industrialization and realized that these were not sustainable in a democratic society. But it was R.G. Valentine who showed Tead how to proactively improve workers’ lives and company performance simultaneously through installing progressive personnel practices that treated workers as human beings and not as mere cogs in an industrial machine. Tead took this experience and outlook into the classroom as a teacher, broadcast it widely as a prolific author and highly sought-after speaker, and as a publisher creating a new market for business publications. Much of what we know in human resources management today can be traced back to Tead’s progressive ideas. Studying Tead’s work is important to the evolution of human resources management as we move into a post-industrial economy dominated by knowledgeable workers where many of our current practices no longer work well. By studying how Tead and his contemporaries created our current HR practices in the industrial era, perhaps we can learn lessons from history that will help us adapt to the challenges of our post-industrial world.
Faculty Michele Feature
Bunn Dr. Michele Bunn
Degree(s) received, time and place: B.A. in Tourism Planning and Development, 1975 from Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business, School of Hospitality Business; M.B.A. in Organizational Behavior, 1977 from Michigan State University, Eli Broad Graduate School of Management; Ph.D. in Marketing, 1987 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School Your home: Hoover, Alabama Your hometown: Paramus, New Jersey How long have you taught at UM? 3 years What do you enjoy most about teaching at UM? The students at the University of Montevallo come from diverse backgrounds and vary widely in their skill sets. I believe it is important that we recognize this diversity – in both backgrounds and skills – and I seek to develop each student as an individual through the enhancement of the set of skills I call “transferrable skills” (business research, communication skills, and lifelong learning). I enjoy getting to know personally the students in the College of Business. It’s great to see the students grow and mature into business professionals over their junior and senior years. What is the most frequent question asked by your students? What can I do to find a job? What is the last book you read, and who is the author? The Golden Straw (1993), by Catherine Cookson What awards/honors have you received? Is there a most-significant honor? If so, please tell us about it. Lilly Teaching Fellow, State University of New York at Buffalo, Eli Lilly Endowment — This is the one that was most significant to me. I received financial support and recognition for my teaching materials. But, more importantly, I was able to travel along with professors from across the country. I learned about how professors in other disciplines teach, what we have in common and where there are differences. There was more in common than anyone would have expected. Other notable awards include: Faculty Excellence Award for Outstanding Teaching and Commitment to the MBA Program, The University of Alabama. Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, Richard D. Irwin Foundation Share your hobbies and favorite pastimes. I like to watch some TV, but it is mostly the news channels, documentaries, or the home and garden channel. I really don’t like to sit and do nothing. My idea of relaxing is to be doing something. I enjoy creating and making
things in my spare time. This includes sewing, flower arranging, photography, painting, and sometimes woodworking. I also enjoy walking, doing yoga, and reading books (especially historical fiction set in 19th century England). I am active in my church community. I chair the communications committee and am the editor of the monthly newsletter, but I also volunteer for hands-on ministries (like soup kitchen). What is your favorite food to eat and/or cook? With my Italian heritage and background, I mostly cook Italian dishes – sauces, pastas and green vegetables (like rappini, escarole and others like that). I enjoy authentic foods from across the world (Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean). My favorite food of all times is eggplant. What is the best advice you have received? The best advice I ever received was to focus on the task at hard. Put your head down and do your best on whatever task or job you are facing. Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow (you can worry another time). Do you have a favorite motto? If so, what is it? “Be well and do good work.” This is a variation of the saying by Garrison Keillor (author, storyteller and radio personality). His saying is “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” What is your favorite memory of your UM experience? My favorite memory-to-date is the first Founders’ Day ceremony in which I participated. It was my first semester of teaching at UM and it was my first taste of the true spirit of UM. It was a beautiful day, the faculty and the students were all decked out and there was a buzz of energy. It was all very exciting and new to me. If you have any other questions and answers that you would like to share, please feel free to list them. There is nothing above about my research and involvement with the business community. I think this is important because it is what keeps me lively and interesting in the classroom. My research focuses on how technologies are brought to market in the business-to-business sector. I look in particular at how different stakeholder groups (buyers, suppliers, and government agencies) interact with one another to identify a market need, develop the technology and bring it to market. The context of the research is emergency response for traffic management. If someone has a crash, there are many technologies used to locate the crash and respond with the needed assistance. These technologies are shared by various stakeholder agencies (police, fire, transportation department). Suppliers need to understand these different stakeholders and how they interact with one another in order to be able to develop and sell the technology.
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Faculty Endeavors Presentations Nancy Bell, J.A. Connell, Harold C. Hamilton, B. Brian Motii and Tom J. Sanders, “Millennials’ Views on What Makes
an Effective Professor,” Society for Business, 2008 Annual Conference, Industry and Economics, Sandestin, Fla.
A lexander M echitov and Helen M. Moshkovich, “IT
Offshore Outsourcing: a Russian Outlook,” Annual Meeting of Decision Science Institute (DSI), Baltimore, Md.
Nathan L. McM inn and Tom J. Sanders, “Mutual
Embeddedness in Innovation Adoption: A Model and Application,” Academic Business World International 2008 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tenn.
Tom J. Sanders, S. Robert Hernandez and Thomas L. Powers,
“Environmental Influences on Adoption of the Nurse Magnet Concept: Policy and Managerial Implications,” Academy of Management 2008 Annual Meeting, Anaheim, Calif.
Tom J. Sanders and Thomas L. Powers, “A Factor Analytic
Examination of the Environmental and Organizational Influence Constructs,” Society for the Advancement of Management 2008 Annual Conference, Arlington, Va.
Tom J. Sanders, “The Questions We Ask: Assessment and
Assurance of Learning at AACSB Accredited Business Schools,” Academy of Management 2008 Annual Meeting, Anaheim, Calif.
A lexander M echitov, Helen M. Moshkovich and D.L. Olson,
“Fuzzy Sets in Data Mining,” Chapter in book, Data Mining Methods and Applications, 2008, Auerbach Publications, 239-254.
A lexander M echitov, Helen M. Moshkovich and William T. Rupp, “Risk Factors in IT Offshore Outsourcing, Business Journal for Entrepreneurs,” 2008, 2, 67-76.
Helen M. Moshkovich and Jaidrea Ford, “Are College Students Ready For Mobile Commerce?,” Business Journal for Entrepreneurs, 2008, 3, 142-153
Tom J. Sanders, Book Review: The Future of Management by
Gary Hamel, Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 13, 2, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, 2008, 3
Tom J. Sanders, Book Review: Why the Best and the Brightest
Leave the Workplace and How You Can Help Them Stay by Frieda Kapour Klein, Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 13, 3, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, 2008, 3
Tom J. Sanders, Book Review: Service Learning in Higher Education -
Critical Issues and Directions by Dan W. Butin, Journal of Human Resources Education, 2, 4, Sorrell College of Business, Troy University, 2008, 3
Grants
Tom J. Sanders,”Human Resources Management - From the Top
A lexander M echitov, University of Montevallo Research & Special
Tom J. Sanders, “Organization and Management Theory: A Review
Tom J. Sanders, University of Montevallo Research & Special
and Synthesis of the Literature,” Samford University Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Birmingham, Ala.
Projects Grant for research in the Ordway Tead papers at the Kheel Archives at Carruthers Library of the School of Labor Relations at Cornell University in Ithica, NY, $1,200
Publications
Awards
Down and From the Bottom Up - Strategic and Operational Perspectives,” Alabama Respiratory Management Society, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Nancy Bell, J.A. Connell, Harold C. Hamilton, B. Brian B. Motii and Tom J. Sanders, “Millennials’ Views on What Makes an Effective Professor,” Insights to a Changing World, 2008, 1, 78-89.
Nancy Bell, Harold C. Hamilton and Nathan E. McM inn,
“Attracting and Leading a New Generation of Business Professionals,” Leadership & Organizational Management Journal, 2008, 2, 21-39.
Nancy B ell, Roderick S. M acPherson and B. B rian Motii, “The Decision to Launch an MBA Program: The Case of the
Projects Grant for research on TODIM Decision Analysis Method at the IBMEC Business School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, $1,500
Nancy Bell, Who’s Who in Finance and Business 2008-2009, Marquis Who’s Who, professional contributions
Nancy Bell, Who’s Who of American Women, Marquis Who’s Who, professional contributions
Nancy Bell, Who’s Who in the World, Marquis Who’s Who, professional contributions
Nathan McM inn, Outstanding Commitment to Teaching,
University of Montevallo,” Global Education Journal, 2008, 3, 41-50.
University of Montevallo
Nancy Bell, Jimmy W. M artin and R ichard G. Rovelstad, “Professional Preferences and Expectations of Future CPAs, Insights
Helen M. Moshkovich, University Scholar, University of Montevallo
to a Changing World,” 2008, 3, 78-92.
Nancy Bell, Nathan E. McMinn and Tom J. Sanders, “Innovation Adoption and Strategic Adaptation: A Mutual Embeddedness Model and Application,” Business Journal for Entrepreneurs, 2008, 4, 15.
Tom J. Sanders, Best Presentation Award, Academic Business
World International Conference, Conference Presentation - “Mutual Embeddedness in Innovation Adoption: A Model and Application”
Tom J. Sanders, Outstanding Reviewer Award, Southern
Management Association 2009 Conference, Quality of Peer Reviews for Conference Papers
Ebenezer Swamp 14 Networking
Exploring outside of the classroom Dr. Bell takes students to the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve
Dr. Nancy Bell’s Business and Society classes (MG 308) have visited the University of Montevallo’s Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve as part of their study of ecology and sustainable development. The swamp also provides rich learning opportunities for biology, art, photography and creative writing students. The swamp is located on Spring Creek, approximately six miles northeast of the University. The swamp increases biodiversity in our area, provides a wetland that retains water to protect Montevallo from flooding and provides countless research and learning opportunities. Ebenezer Swamp consists of 60 acres of wooded wetlands and is home to numerous species of fungi, plants, and animals. Students and other visitors enter the heart of the swamp by walking along a 675-foot boardwalk. The university plans to add an additional 1,000 feet of boardwalk and plaques identifying plants and animal habitats for visitors. Visitors can quickly recognize the dominant animal life form at Ebenezer Swamp, the beaver. The numerous beaver dams along Spring Creek have a pronounced effect on the ecology of the preserve. Other animal inhabitants include the American Woodcock, Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Timber Rattlesnake, Water Moccasin, Copperhead, Raccoon, Opossum, and various species of freshwater clams. The forest is dominated for the most part by Tupelo Gum, with occasional Red Maple, Loblolly Pine, Sweet Bay, Tulip Tree, and Sycamore. The preserve is also home to numerous herbaceous plant species, including three species of orchids and a rare species of cone-flower. Ebenezer Swamp is used for teaching and research purposes. The University of Montevallo is creating the Ebenezer Swamp Wetlands Interpretive and Research Center (ESWIRC) to focus greater research on wetland ecology and to increase educational opportunities for university, high school and middle school students from across the state of Alabama. Spring Creek and Ebenezer Swamp form a portion of the headwaters for the ecologically diverse and environmentally sensitive Cahaba River Watershed. The Cahaba is the longest remaining freeflowing river, has more species of fish per mile than any river in North America, and is one of eight river biodiversity hotspots in the U.S. For more information please feel free to contact Dr. Nancy Bell at 205-665-6533, or the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the University of Montevallo at 205-665-6463.
Members of the Business and Society class (MG 308) listen as Mike Hardig (standing, right), associate professor of biology, explains current research activities at UM’s Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve. Taught by Professor Nancy Bell, the MG 308 class visited the swamp as part of their study of ecology and sustainable development.
Networking 15
Global Going
Distance learning could change the way the Stephens College of Business “does business,” Dean William Rupp says. Rupp, dean of the Stephens College of Business (SCOB) at the University of Montevallo (UM), stated that the institution will soon offer distance learning via telepresence technology to Jefferson State Community College at the Chilton County campus beginning in August 2010. Telepresence refers to technology that allows users to interact with each other using two-way audio and video feeds while sharing multimedia applications, such as PowerPoint presentations, over networks. For the students, the telepresence classroom is similar to watching your professor on television—but, being able to ask questions and comment on the lectures. Preparation for a distance learning degree completion program began in January when Rupp started negotiations with Jefferson State Community College administrators. The 2+2 Program, as it is titled, will allow students at Jefferson State to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management from UM without having to leave the Jefferson State campus in Clanton, Ala. “We want to be the first liberal arts school of business to use telepresence technologies to deliver our courses,” Rupp commented. Renovations began in May in Morgan Hall, room 203, to transform the classroom into the Global Classroom. The room received a facelift with new wall colors and sound panels. The walls were painted two shades of green, a color that research has shown enhances education, and sound panels were installed to improve the acoustics in the room. The major renovation project was the expansion of the room—it was expanded beyond the walls of Morgan Hall by the power of innovation. Equipped with telepresence technology, the Global Classroom is the first of its kind at UM: a learning space designed to enhance education locally and designed to deliver a high-quality, liberal arts distance education. The main component of the renovation is a Polycom VSX 8000 telepresence system, which consists of two digital video cameras, two overhead microphones and a codec, or computer that encodes and decodes digital signals. In addition, three 42-inch
flat-panel televisions, a digital video recorder and a surround-sound system were added to the room. A pilot telepresence course began in August. Tom Sanders, professor of management, and his students are the pioneers of this technology in the Principles of Management and Organization Theory course. Sanders divides the class, teaching one group in the Global Classroom and sending the other group to a class in the same building to test the technology. “Our pilot with the telepresence technology has been exceptionally successful to date, in my opinion. I have been surprised by how user-friendly the equipment is to operate and how seamless it is to deliver classroom content at a distance. I have also been surprised at how insightful our students have been concerning the potential benefits of this technology and their flexibility in adapting to its use,” Sanders said. Although there are some limitations with this technology, such as test delivery and one-on-one face time with the professor, many students may prefer this method to many distance-learning courses. Deanna Blackerby, a junior accounting major in the pilot course, commented “It is not the same as being in the actual room with the instructor, but it is better than an online course where no contact with the instructor is received.” Another student, Jesse Squires, a senior management major, said, “I find the teleconference classroom highly effective. The greatest advantage is growing class sizes and reaching more people.” One of the major challenges with the telepresence delivery, according to Sanders, is the “difficulty in letting go of yesterday” and adapting to new ways to teach students. Instructors have to modify traditional methods, such as using PowerPoint presentations instead of writing on a chalkboard. In addition, the faculty member has to be both producer and professor. “Technology-enabled learning is a clear trend for the future. We can either learn how to use it or we can be left behind as our technologically enabled students connect with other educational institutions that better meet their needs,” Sanders concluded.
Networking 17
Moonlighting in
Montevallo Evening degree program in management
Moonlighting — the term is synonymous with holding a second job outside of normal business hours — but beginning in Fall 2010, the term will mean completing your bachelor of business administration degree at night at the University of Montevallo. The Stephens College of Business will begin offering an evening degree completion program in management. The program, which is open to new and existing students, allows individuals who have completed an associate’s degree or who have completed all of the general education requirements to pursue a B.B.A. in Management in the evenings. In the fall semester of 2009, the SCOB began incrementally implementing the evening program by offering several business core courses in an evening rotation. The full business
course rotation, which includes business core courses, management courses and business elective courses, will begin in Fall 2010. Efforts to work with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts to schedule evening general elective courses are currently under way. The concept for the program has been well received, and progress is being made in including these general electives in the evening program. Development of the evening program by the Stephens College is a response to a need expressed by students from Shelby County and beyond. Students have indicated that the program will offer them the flexibility they require for completing their degrees in a timely manner. The evening degree completion program is ideal for working professionals, parents, and nontraditional students.
DeWayne Peevy 18 Networking
Alumni Spotlight
Alfred DeWayne Peevy
Year graduated from UM and degree received: Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting, 1996 Your home: Lexington, Kentucky Your hometown: Birmingham, Alabama Please tell us about your family. I’m the youngest of four children. I’m married to the former Allison Lorio. We have two children, Kaitlyn (daughter, 8) and Braden (son, 20 months) What is your profession? Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations/Publications at the University of Kentucky What is the last book you read, and who is the author? Legends of the Dallas Cowboys by Cody Monk What awards/honors have you received? Is there a most-significant honor? If so, please tell us about it. I received six awards for excellence in publications from College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), including Best Media Guide Cover twice while at Montevallo. I was named as the Sports Information representative for the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) in 2006. What is your secret for success? Let your job become a part of your life and it will no longer be hard work. What is the best advice you have received? Always be kind to your enemies. Do you have a favorite motto? If so, what is it? The harder you work, the luckier you get! What’s new? I just left the Southeastern Conference in Birmingham after eight years to become the head of the media relations department at Kentucky in August of 2008.
Basketball at the University of Kentucky is often a family affair for DeWayne Peevy, who graduated from UM in 1996 with a degree in accounting. Shown with his wife, Allison, daughter, Kaitlyn, and son, Braden, Peevy is associate athletics director for media relations/publications at Kentucky. He is a former UM sports information director.
Please tell us about your UM Stephens College of Business educational foundation. I came to the University of Montevallo as an accounting student and baseball player. The lessons I learned as a student and working in sports information as a student worker at UM put me on the right career path. I now work in a field and control a 1.5 million dollar budget that my experience gained at Montevallo helped me achieve. What is your favorite memory of your UM experience? Playing baseball and Dr. Marvin Narz in Business Law class.
A world of Memories
Networking 19
Homecoming 2009
At the Business at the Ballgame gathering at Homecoming 2009, Dan McBrayer ’08 talks with Alex Mechitov (right), professor of business, about his continuing studies at the University of Alabama. McBrayer, a former president of the UM Student Government Association, is attending the UA School of Law.
Christopher Winslett ’04, holding son Hudson, was among a strong contingent of graduates who attended the Business at the Ballgame Homecoming event in 2009. Winslett is a network architect at Harbert Management Corp.
The third annual Business at the Ballgame reception, hosted by the Stephens College of Business, was held on February 14, 2009, as part of the 2009 Homecoming festivities. SCOB faculty and staff members, alumni, SCOB Advisory Board members and special guests gathered in Myrick Hall before the Purple and Gold men’s basketball game to enjoy light refreshments, share memories with former classmates and network with other College of Business graduates. As a token of appreciation for their support, attendees received drawstring backpacks with the UM Business logo to show their SCOB pride. The theme of Homecoming 2009 was “A World of Memories.”
Kelly Cornelius ’02, a CPA and a member of the SCOB Advisory Board, chats with Bill Rupp, dean of the Stephens College of Business, at the Business at the Ballgame reception at Homecoming 2009. Cornelius is a CPA with the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs and Ingram.
Notes 20 Networking
CLASS
’01
Tad Cobert, wife Adrienne and their two children, reside in Virginia Beach, Va., where Tad is a command and control analyst with Cubic Applications Inc. His team designs and runs certification exercises for the Seabees. Tad continues to serve in the Army Reserve and is pursuing a second master’s degree.
’03
David Clemons and his wife, Carla Handley Clemons ’01, have relocated to Monroe, Ga., where David has accepted the position of publisher with The Walton Tribune and The Loganville Tribune. David had served as managing editor of The Sand Mountain Reporter in Albertville for three years.
’04
Jennifer Carter married Chris Jones in October 2008. Heather Johnson of Paxton, Fla., is pursuing a master’s degree in oriental medicine from the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin. When she graduates, she will be a practitioner in Florida licensed to practice acupuncture and Chinese massage and have her own herbal pharmacy.
’05
Allison Glass Boozer M.Ed. ’09 of Calera recently received a master’s degree in elementary education from UM. Rebecca Wilkes Macks is a computer
analyst with Compass Bank in Birmingham. She and her husband, Rusty, have also opened a boarding kennel in Montevallo called the Montevallo Doghouse.
Elizabeth Fletcher ’05. Their wedding is scheduled for November 7, 2009. Christopher is a police officer for the city of Birmingham.
April Sinyard Oaks was promoted to Consumer Banking Officer/Branch Manager of the Region Bank Meadowbrook Branch on March 31, 2008. She and her husband celebrated their third wedding anniversary on September 17, 2008.
Adam Galey and Jennifer Toussaint ’07 were married on January 10, 2009.
Rebecca Wyatt married Nathan Newman in December 2007.
Barry Goode received the “Perfect Attendance Award” at Construction Data Fax; he is the only employee to receive this award.
’06
Billie Freeze accepted a job with TSCI.
Micah Brent Garrett and his wife Jacqueline Douglas Garrett celebrated their second wedding anniversary this year.
Ashley Lang married Brandon O’Field on September 26, 2008.
Erin Gipson was promoted to Junior Product Manager at EHS.
Joshua Smith accepted the position of Operations Manager of the Florence and Montgomery offices for White’s Moving.
Carol Lisenby graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Master’s degree in Education in May 2009.
Tina Thomas was promoted to Cost Analyst II at URS.
Kimberly Parki welcomed the birth of her daughter, Kaden Parki Spidell, on April 8, 2009. Kyle Sadberry accepted the position of District Sales Manager for Atlas Minerals & Chemicals in July 2008.
’08
Detavious Coleman is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management & Environmental Management at Jacksonville State University.
Leah Thornton Lowe was married to Henry Cotton Lowe on December 16, 2008 at the Anna Irving Hall.
Hernan Gambertoglio began the MBA program at Jacksonville State University in spring 2009 and is coaching the men and women’s golf teams.
Christopher Baker is engaged to Caroline
Frank Trivett accepted the position of Store Manager for Hibbett’s Sports in February 2009. He also purchased a new house in Alabaster.
’07
We want an update about you!
Send your information for class notes to: stewartjc@montevallo.edu
Giving Back
Networking 21
Supporting the SCOB
You can make a difference for students at your alma mater. The new opportunity to invest in Stephens COB students targets two areas: textbooks and fuel. The scholarship budget for textbooks is severely limited while the need for financial help for books continues to rise. Small donations encourage frustrated students who just need funds to cover the cost of books. Since new books in business run well over $150 per class, a student with 5 classes is spending $750 or more. Would you consider partnering with one of our future business leaders and give a $750 gift today?
Secondly, the soaring cost for a tank of fuel is a serious issue for everyone. Think of a student who commutes more that 20 miles one-way to UM for class every day. Your $100 donation would be 25 gallons of gasoline. Please consider a gift to the student book fund or the student fuel fund to keep them coming back to the Stephens College and to keep their dreams alive. Your investment can make all the difference in the life of a student.
Developing future business leaders I (we) make a gift of $__________________ to the Michael E. Stephens College of Business. Please recognize me (us) in the following donor club: q Full Partner $5,000 and above q Junior Partner $2,500 to $4,999 q Chief Executive $1,000 to $2,499 q Senior Executive $500 to $999 q Executive $250 to $499 q Stockholder $25 to $249
q Yes, I would like to contribute to the student book fund. q Yes, I would like to contribute to the student fuel fund. q Yes, I am interested in learning more about special projects for the Stephens College of Business. I would like to be contacted by the Dean.
Multiply your contribution with a matching gift from your employer or your spouse’s employer: Name of company that will match your gift: Please notify your human resources department of your gift to the Stephens College of Business. Your gift will support the Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo and is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Unless otherwise restricted, the funds received will be directed by the Stephens College. Name(s): Address:
City:
Phone Number:
State:
ZIP:
Email:
To give a gift of stock or discuss a planned gift such as a charitable remainder trust, contact the Dean’s Office at 205-665-6540. Please make checks payable to: University of Montevallo Foundation — Stephens College of Business. If you wish to use your credit card, please complete: I authorize the University of Montevallo Foundation to charge my q VISA® q MasterCard® in the amount of $ Expiration date:
Card Number:
Name on credit card (please print) Signature: Send to: University of Montevallo Foundation, University of Montevallo, Station 6220, Montevallo, AL 35115 Questions? Contact the Stephens College of Business, University of Montevallo, Station 6540, Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-6540 • 205-665-6560 (FAX) • Email: stephenscob@montevallo.edu
22 Networking
Note from the Advisory Board president
David Palmer discusses goals for the SCOB
I am flattered to have recently been elected as President of the Stephens College of Business Advisory Board. After graduating from Montevallo in 1966 I joined IBM where I worked in sales, sales management, marketing management, product management and business partner development. My retirement in 1996 did not last long as my wife strongly suggested that I get out of the house and go back to work. I joined ADP in sales for the international hospitality segment until 2006 when I retired again and moved to Birmingham. I have maintained a connection with the university even though for most of the last 30 years I have lived in Orlando and more recently Roswell, Georgia. I have served on the Board of Directors of the National Alumni Association serving as President in FY ’05 and ’06. Subsequently I served as the Annual Campaign Fund Chairman in FY ’07. I accept this new responsibility as a new challenge and am eager to serve. The mission of the Advisory Board is to assist the College with the achievement of its goals. Currently we are in a transition from an “advisory” board to one more proactive with the implementation of the new strategic direction of the college and the University. We are doing self assessment of individual affinity to the college’s strategy. It is my hope and goal to have a specific board member(s) tied to each of the college’s major goals as expressed in the strategy. Additionally, we intend to develop a specific fund raising campaign to assist the college and the University. Lastly, we intend to have specific timeframes and measurements associated with each of our goals. This will be finalized by the beginning of the next school year. I am optimistic because of the quality of the members of the board who share this vision.
College of Business and Advisory Board host senior dinners The Stephens College of Business and the SCOB Advisory Board host a Senior Dinner in honor of our graduating seniors prior to each class’s commencement. Our seniors are invited to bring guests to enjoy dinner and mingling with faculty, staff, and Advisory Board members of the SCOB. In addition to the meal, each senior receives a custom-made Stephens College of Business diploma frame, courtesy of the Advisory Board, and a SCOB lapel pin to wear with pride. Past dinners have had such distinguished guests as UM presidents, vice presidents, and faculty members from other colleges. Planning has begun on a new, unique way in which to honor seniors. In fall 2009, seniors will be recognized at half-time ceremonies at a Falcons’ basketball game. That evening, soonto-be graduates will be honored with a reception and presentation of their diploma frames.
Advisory Board Ms. Tracey Morant Adams City of Birmingham
Ms. Kelly D. Cornelius Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Networking 23
Mr. James E. Newman Jacksonville, Florida
Mr. Scott Romanowski Porter Capital Corporation
Mr. Clifton E. Slaten
Mr. J.P. Kelly Montevallo, Alabama
Slaten & O’Connor, P.C.
Mr. H. Ray Lenderman
Ms. Denise A. Woodham
Trussville, Alabama
Board Members
Spring Creek Investments, LLC
Mr. Mike Grainger
Ms. Tracie Lee Roberson, LLC
Franklin, Tennessee
Mobile, Alabama
Mr. Mike Caputo
Mr. John Kellum, III
Mr. Otis Stewart, Jr.
BancorpSouth Investment Services, Inc.
Hullet, Kellum, & McKinney
The Stewart Group, CPA
Mr. Jason Epstein
Mr. David M. Pickett
Regions Bank
PricewaterhouseCoopers
(Not Pictured)
24 Networking
Student Research Ashley Phillips SCOB Finance Major
For Ashley Phillips, a senior finance major in the Michael E. Stephens College of Business, an opportunity to become part of a student-teacher research project has provided a number of significant benefits. Working with J. A. Connell, assistant professor of business, Phillips and her mentor produced a paper titled “A Risk/Return Comparison Between the Dow Jones Islamic Index and the Wilshire 5000 Index,” which is to be published in Insight to a Changing World. The two also presented their research in April at the 2009 conference of the Society of Business, Industry and Economics (SOBIE) in Sandestin, Fla. “We felt this was a very good topic, especially nowadays while the economy is like it is. It gives others a better understanding as to where they should invest their money,” Phillips said. After graduation, Phillips said she hopes to “be able to help others with their financial struggles and to learn more…about the economy.” Phillips said she had started her college life at UM as an accounting major but was drawn to the field of finance after taking several business electives in that area. Finance classes, she said, were “just a better fit for me. I just loved the new information and just decided that I had rather learn more in this field.”
Steven Hallman
SCOB Management Major Steven Hallman was awarded the Best Overall Research Project in the 2009 McNair Scholars Program for his research on Politico-Economic Bias Mapped to Myers-Briggs Temperaments: How Type Factors Influence Policy Beliefs. The senior management major working with his mentor, Harold Hamilton, associate professor of business, explored how personality types predispose people to certain policy beliefs, and how this can be an obstacle in teaching economics. Hallman presented his research at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Presentations on July 9, 2009. “Steven came to me with a passion to learn; all I had to do was tell him to follow his passion to a structured conclusion in his research,” Hamilton said of Hallman. As he pursued his research topic, Hallman found resources he required virtually around every corner. He took advantage of the benefits offered at a smaller institution. “Having such a close community in the business school is a major advantage compared to large schools where you can get lost between departments. At Montevallo, it was easy to talk to Dr. Hamilton, and get statistical input from Dr. (Brian) Motii or Dr. (Helen) Moshkovich at the same time. I could easily go ‘next door’ to Dr. (John) Burling when I needed a psychology perspective, or to make sure my research approval was on-track,” Hallman said. Hallman, an August 2009 graduate of the Stephens College of Business, is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Alabama.
Student Profile Cedric Norman
Networking 25
Cedric Norman
Year graduated from UM and degree received: May 2009; Marketing & Communication Studies Your home: Fairfield, AL Please tell us about your family. My parents (Cedric Dale & LaBrenda Norman) have been married 25 years. I have two sisters (Evin & Melanie). Evin graduated in three years from Auburn University in Marketing on the same day as I did (her graduation was at 2 p.m.). Melanie just completed her freshman year at Alabama A&M University. What are your future plans? I am interning with the Birmingham City Council in the Public Information Office, and I am currently seeking a full-time position with them. I am also fielding other job opportunities in and out of Alabama. I look forward to furthering my career in the Advertising/Public Relations industry and one day starting my own full-service advertising agency (NVision). What was your favorite business class at UM and why? Marketing Communications was my favorite course because it was directly associated with what I wanted to do as far as my career. Dr. Bunn structured the course in a way that was both interactive and engaging. I can actually say I have first-hand experience in creating a marketing communications plan. What awards/honors have you received? Is there a mostsignificant honor? If so, please tell us about it. I received the Minority Leader of the Year for 2008-09. It was the first time this award was given so I felt very honored that I was the first. What organizations were/are you a member? I was a member of the Student Government Association and a member of the Nu Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. What is the best advice you have received? Don’t stress out about so many things…if nobody’s died or will die because of it, keep moving forward. What is your favorite memory of your UM experience? Too many to choose from…the road trips, cookouts, water balloon fights…you name it! Anything else you would like us to know? I am truly grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and relationships I have had the opportunity to foster during my five years at UM. I will truly miss the people who make Montevallo what it is today. I only hope I can give back to this institution as much as I have received. Right: The May 2009 SCOB senior dinner provided the setting for a family photo of Cedric Norman ’09 and his parents, Cedric Dale Norman and LaBrenda Norman. Cedric received his degree in marketing and communication studies.
Norman, a May graduate of the Stephens College of Business and the 2008-2009 Student Government Association president, spoke on behalf of the University Student President’s Council (USPC) at the 2009 Alabama Higher Education Day.
26 Networking
August 2008 Graduates Terrylisa Abdoo, Trinidad Lindsay E. Baldwin, Hoover Thong Duy Cao, Saigon Janet Castillo, Veracruz, Mexico Detavious L. Coleman, Gadsden Cyndel L. Hicks, Clay Daniel Wade Hicks, Sylacauga Anthony Chance Hood, Double Springs Amelia Lea Hughes, Foley Katrina Shavon Jackson, Sylacauga Tamara Rena King, Birmingham Elijah Kirkley, Locust Fork Noce Nayighugu, Karuzi, Burundi Jarred Scott Pike, Portsmouth, VA Frank L. Trivett, Jr., Alabaster Sarah Watkins, Hoover Merri Katherine Nicole Yancey, Vincent
December 2008 Graduates Eric Abernathy, Centre Brandon Ray Blackmon, Jemison Phillip Blackmon, Montevallo Ashley Brechin, Bessemer Sarah D. Buchanan, Alabaster Thomas B. Clay, Columbus, MS James William Cowan, Alabaster Jaidrea Xylon Ford, Greensboro
Ashley Brianne Holmes, Alabaster Brendan J. McGovern, Indian Springs Evan D. McKinley, Columbiana Glenn Thomas Antoni Murphy, Chelmsford, England Henry Lee Pope, III, Montevallo Monica Ratchford, Panama City, Panama Jeffrey Reach, Birmingham
Adam Joseph Frazer, Leeds, England Brandy Granger, Columbiana Andrew Walker Hand, Birmingham
John C. Ross, Fairhope Jessica Laurel Rosswog, Huntsville Angela Maria Rupert, Philadelphia, PA
Mark Snead, Centre Jacob Daniel Taylor, Montgomery Jack Tillery, Jr., Jemison Julie Lushington Underwood, Birmingham Alexandra Vollmeier, Zurich, Switzerland Aimee Danielle Williams, Jemison Natasha Wright, Madison William Chase Wright, Pleasant Grove
Networking 27
May 2009 Graduates Reginald Aguillard, New Orleans, LA Cassy LeeAnn Bingham, Montevallo Allie Cheryl Bjurman, Maylene Damien Rashaad Bush, Dolomite Tommye Marie Byrd, Birmingham Patricia Cagle, Pensacola, FL Miranda Sierra Chambers, Greenville Torrie Coghlin, Saskatoon, Canada Elijah G. Colburn, Centreville Aaron J. Dodson, Columbiana
Shelley Gordon, Jemison Linsey Nicole Hill, Fultondale Regan Horton, Jemison Erin McInnis Ivey, Pelham Adele S. Jackson, Lincolnshire, England Andrea B. Justice, Bessemer David F. Kelso, Sylacauga Eric M. Lewis, Hoover Christopher Nicholas McKelvey, Huntsville Luca Andre Noel, Helena
Cedric Jason Norman, Fairfield Kimberly G. Powell, Pell City Sarah J. Simmons, Calera Daniel L. Smith, Jr., Locust Fork Jamie E. Southerland, Hoover Kristin Steigleder, Birmingham Ronald Alan Stewart, Centreville Jennifer Dennis Tolleson, Columbiana Lee Schwass Wright, Clanton
Congratulations Graduates
from everyone at the SCOB