2025 Enterprise Magazine

ENTERPRISE 2025

JONES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

The Heart of a Champion Former Blue Raider linebacker Andre Dyer credits Jones College and MTSU Athletics for his lifetime of success

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Elevating the Future of the Region A letter from Dean Joyce Heames

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Jones College Around the World Already a world-class business school, MTSU college sets its sights on a global stage

10 Jones College 2023–24 Events 12 Leveling Up Jones College continues to earn street cred by launching curriculum options that better serve students—and the business community

16 Department Updates 26 The Heart of a Champion

Former Blue Raider linebacker Andre Dyer credits Jones College and MTSU Athletics for his lifetime of success

30 Research Briefs A look at some results of faculty studies on business topics

32 Center Reports 40 Business Matters Your guide to what’s happening at Jones College

46 Blue Raider Brag

Back to Business Bash Finance major Darby Hinson (l) and M.B.A. student Grecia Ortiz Tepoz join Lightning as MTSU’s Jones College of Business kicks off the 2024–25 academic year with its fall Back to Business Courtyard Bash. Students enjoy lunch, learn about Jones College, engage with professors and advisors, network with sponsors, and mingle with their fellow business students at the event in the newly renovated Business and Aerospace Building courtyard. The college serves 1,200 lunches in a festive atmosphere with music, games, prizes, scavenger hunts, and more.

Photo by J. Intintoli On the cover: Alumnus Andre Dyer with M.B.A. students and football players Drew Francis (l) and Devyn Curtis. Photo by Andy Heidt

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JENNINGS A. JONES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE

2025 / Vol. 8, No. 1

Dean, Jones College Joyce Heames • Strategic Communications Manager, Jones College Darby Campbell-Firkus • Senior Editor Drew Ruble • Director, Creative and Visual Services Kristy D. O'Neal • Designer Brittany Blair Stokes Associate Editor Carol Stuart • Contributing Writers Skip Anderson, DeAnn Hays Contributing Editor Nancy Broden • University Photographers Cat Curtis Murphy, Andy Heidt, J. Intintoli, James Cessna • University President Sidney A. McPhee University Provost Mark Byrnes • Vice President for Marketing and Communications Andrew Oppmann • Senior Director, Marketing Domeda J. Duncan

jones.mtsu.edu We want to hear from you! Share your alumni achievements or contact us at jonescollege@mtsu.edu Address changes: Advancement Services, MTSU Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, alumni@mtsu.edu.

2,060 copies printed at Starkey Printing, Chattanooga, Tennessee 0524-617 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all programs and activities sponsored by MTSU. Inquiries about Title IX can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator and/or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The Title IX Coordinator can be reached at Cope Administration Building 116, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; Christy.Sigler@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2185.

The MTSU policy on non-discrimination can be found at mtsu.edu/iec.

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ELEVATING THE FUTURE OF THE REGION At MTSU’s Jones College, we are committed to staying at the forefront of education and industry needs, ensuring our programs meet the evolving market demands. Our strategic plan focuses on continuously enhancing the value we add to the middle Tennessee community through innovative academic programs and community service.

Every year, we graduate approximately 1,000 students who are not only skilled in their chosen disciplines but also equipped with the soft skills most sought by employers. Our comprehensive approach ensures our graduates are market-ready and prepared for success in an ever-changing business landscape.

We proudly offer every Business junior the exclusive semester-long Dale Carnegie course, emphasizing professional development and leadership. Our two weeklong programs— Promoting Professionalism Week and Ethical Leadership Week—connect students with over 40 top executives across the region. These programs help students hone essential business skills, preparing them for the leadership roles of tomorrow.

One of our successful initiatives was the Leadership Summit in October, where we hosted an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation by Dr. Adolph “Doc” Brown III. His message was clear: “Let your past be your reference, not your residence.” It was a powerful reminder to our students and faculty alike that the past should serve as a lesson, not a barrier to progress.

As part of our commitment to growth, we continue to expand Jones College in exciting ways.

Our enrollment is increasing, and we have brought in new faculty to support our expanding offerings. We are also improving our facilities to provide the best learning environment for our students. The Study Hub @ BAS opened in what was formerly known as the University Computer Lab in January 2025. This space provides enclosed study pods for small groups of students working on class projects, case analyses, or exam prep.

In May, we will celebrate the first graduates of our new Cybersecurity Management program, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to stay relevant in fast-growing fields. Additionally, we have proposed a Master of Science in Legal Studies, further broadening the opportunities to our students pending approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Our mission is clear: Jones College aims to be the premier training and development hub in middle Tennessee. Whether we are preparing new undergraduates for entry into the workforce, providing a master’s program that helps professionals achieve the next steps in their careers, or offering specialized programs through our Executive Education Center to skill up individuals for trending market needs, we are committed to ensuring that our students have the tools they need to succeed.

Jones College is on the move—growing, evolving, and shaping the future of business education. We look forward to continuing to positively impact middle Tennessee and beyond through our ongoing efforts to engage, elevate, and empower.

Joyce Heames Dean, Jones College of Business

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Jones College Around the World

ALREADY A WORLD-CLASS BUSINESS SCHOOL, MTSU COLLEGE SETS ITS SIGHTS ON A GLOBAL STAGE

by Drew Ruble

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ACSB, the accrediting association for business schools worldwide, holds to the principle that global education is essential, now more than ever.

“An international business education is a solution that can bridge divisions in the world and provide a path for shaping a better future,” AACSB states on its website. “Business schools can safeguard the benefits of globalization by equipping future leaders with characteristics such as cultural intelligence.”

Jones College, which boasts double AACSB accreditation, placing it in the top 1.4% in the world, is fully on board with the 109-year-old organization’s philosophy.

Dean Joyce Heames, who joined MTSU in 2023, cites globalization of Jones College’s presence and the cultural education of its student body as two of her top priorities.

Doing so promises to vault the college’s reputation to its rightful place on the global stage.

KNOWING YOUR WHY Why is it important for a U.S. business school to have a global presence and to teach global perspectives?

Most Fortune 500 companies today are multinational in scope. That’s true of Nashville’s largest employers as well. So, while MTSU graduates may get the opportunity to work for Nissan in Tennessee, their boss may end

up being located in Japan. (Get ready for early morning calls from halfway across the world.)

“We don’t have any option in a globalized world but to have a global mindset,” Heames said.

“That’s why, among many other initiatives, we are asking our faculty to think about how they can bring those global examples into their case studies and discussions in the classroom.”

Much of that education isn’t even related to business principles or matters of economic fact but rather to cultural details.

“Little nuances can make or break a deal or greatly impact your relationships,” Heames said.

“There’s a difference in the etiquette of how they do business in China or India or France versus how they do business in the U.S., and we have to be mindful of that.”

KNOWING YOUR HOW How does a business school achieve an international education for its students? Are the usual study abroad programs and international professorial perspectives in the classroom enough?

Hardly, said Heames. Upon her arrival at MTSU, Heames quickly set to the task of developing relationships with international organizations across the globe that could streamline MTSU’s efforts to physically place its business students in international business scenarios and to ensure those students get relevant experiences.

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She’s done so largely through forming relationships with five different organizations spread across Europe, Asia, and South America. Current partners are the European Study Center in Strasbourg, France (operated by the CEPA Foundation); CIMBA in Paderno del Grappa, Italy; Global Academic Ventures in the Asia Pacific region; Austral Leadership Education in Chile, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal; and the University College Dublin in Ireland.

Faculty members are scheduled to begin leading student trips with these partners this summer. Students can opt for a full semester of study or participate in short-term, faculty-led courses lasting 10–14 days.

GETTING WITH THE PROGRAM Heames stresses that her international partners must ensure they can provide three nonnegotiable, in-country support services to Jones College students during these travel abroad experiences.

First and most importantly, students must get immediate and meaningful exposure to local companies.

“When you have an MOU where there is a third party, they’re going to know the country,” Heames said. “They’re going to be able to set up those corporate visits for you. It’s much better than going over and spending three to five days exploring and trying to create those relationships. They already have them in place.

“The idea is for students to hit the ground running. There’s no learning curve. They can expect to start having impact immediately.”

Second, Heames requires partners to know the right places for MTSU students to gain immersive cultural experiences as well.

“I want these trips to be a study of comparison and contrast of U.S. business and culture versus whatever country they’re in,” Heames said, “and these partners know which cultural events are the most true to the culture itself, not just tourist attractions.”

Third, partners must offer in-country medical support, as well as clear protocols to mitigate any potential political or social risks to students.

“So, for instance, if there is an uprising of any kind in a country, we need to be able to extract our students from that situation efficiently and safely, and an in-country organization can do that much better than we can,” Heames said. “Even just in terms of getting airplane tickets changed.”

LITTLE NUANCES CAN MAKE OR BREAK A DEAL OR GREATLY IMPACT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. Several Jones College professors have longstanding international relationships and partners that will continue to augment these new MOUs. However, Heames has tasked those professors with ensuring that all preexisting travel abroad initiatives meet the three criteria she has stressed in carving out the new programs.

With support from alumni and friends, Jones College funds study abroad partial scholarships (to the tune of almost $40,000 this year). The college hopes to raise funds sufficient to fully fund travel abroad trips that last an entire year.

“We’re looking at various ways to underwrite these students to go,” Heames said. “I’d like for them to have a little skin in the game. But the cost should not be prohibitive.”

THE WORK AT HOME In addition to study abroad opportunities, Jones College works to globalize the MTSU campus through international student and faculty recruitment. Doing so exposes American-born students to a more diverse cultural environment.

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In fall 2023, MTSU welcomed 449 undergraduate and 185 graduate international students, totaling 634 students from more than 73 countries. That represented an increase of more than 100 students compared with the previous fall. While MTSU observed a decline in Chinese and Middle Eastern student numbers, there was a notable rise in students from India, subSaharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Faculty research with international partners and the hosting of timely and relevant conferences on campus can also draw the world’s attention to the Jones College brand. For example, Assistant Professor Gaia Rancati’s work in neuromarketing research is increasingly placing Jones College on a national platform. Similarly, the Department of Information Systems and Analytics is expected to attract faculty and research experts from Germany, Italy, and other countries to a scheduled conference on campus this spring.

FROM HERE TO ANYWHERE The work of successful alumni around the world also raises Jones College’s global profile. The college is continuously striving to identify graduates working in other parts of the world who may serve as a strategic partner in ongoing efforts to internationalize the school.

AACSB states that “it’s now more crucial than ever for business schools . . . to advocate for globalization.” Jones College students can rest assured they attend a business school with a strong focus on helping them hone the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.

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JONES COLLEGE 2023–24 EVENTS 2023 Leadership Summit Keynote: Jessica Stallings Holder

Business Organization and Student Services Fair

Scholarships and Awards Ceremony

Beta Gamma Sigma Induction

Spring M.B.A. Alumni Mixer

Supply Chain Summit Back to Business Courtyard Bash

February Discussion with the Dean

Graduation

Financial Literacy Week Keynote

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LEVELING LEVELING LEVELING

JONES COLLEGE CONTINUES TO EARN STREET CRED BY LAUNCHING CURRICULUM OPTIONS THAT BETTER SERVE STUDENTS—AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

by Drew Ruble and DeAnn Hays

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urging technological advancements teamed with ongoing workplace changes have pushed business colleges to rapidly innovate their curricula.

MTSU’s Jones College of Business is rising fast to meet the market demands. It recently added two new degrees in the fast-growing realm of Cybersecurity Management (a B.S. and an M.S.), as well as reconfigured the M.B.A. program, adding relevant new concentrations and leaning heavily into online delivery.

The college has also expanded its Accounting master’s coursework, including in the fast-growing study of anti-money laundering.

THE WEB WE WEAVE With electronic data being so foundational to modern commerce and industry, Jones College now offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Cybersecurity Management—a profession that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade and beyond.

The new program provides students with the foundational knowledge and focused expertise necessary to excel in this high-demand field. Approved by the MTSU Board of Trustees in June 2023, the undergraduate program launched in January 2024, followed by the graduate option that summer.

MTSU is the only university in Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree related explicitly to cybersecurity management, where the curriculum is designed to support students interested in pursuing careers such as security analysts and information security managers.

The Bachelor of Science degree covers various areas, including development and programming for cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital forensics, infrastructure design and management, database design, and systems analysis and design—all from a cybersecurity perspective.

From mid-2021 to mid-2022, there were more than 650 unique job postings in cybersecurity in the Midstate alone, including in areas such as Rutherford, Davidson, and Williamson counties.

In early 2024, the website cyberseek.org reported nearly 7,000 cybersecurity job openings.

Careers include cybersecurity analysts, data security specialists, digital forensics investigators, ethical hackers/systems testers, network support administrators, risk management specialists, vulnerability assessment analysts, and more.

Current projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for information security analysts, for example, show a 35% growth rate in demand through 2031, accompanied by a median annual income of $102,600.

Cyberseek.org reports a “dangerous shortage of cybersecurity workers in the United States,” which puts “digital privacy and infrastructure at risk.”

According to cyberseek.org, more than 1 million people across the U.S. were estimated to be employed in cybersecurityrelated jobs from September 2022 through August 2023.

For that same time, the website reported more than 572,000 online job listings for cybersecurity-related positions and said only 72 cybersecurity workers were available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs in demand.

Cybersecurity focuses on managing, creating, and maintaining secure digital systems. Experts in cybersecurity work to protect our most important and private information, such as bank accounts, medical records, military communications, and more.

“Cybersecurity is something that must be managed across people, processes, and technology within an organization.

It is critical to ensure business continuity,” said Nita Brooks, associate dean for undergraduate programs and accreditation for MTSU’s Jones College.

A Cybersecurity Management degree helps equip graduates with an understanding of both the technical and management sides of cybersecurity, which allows them to progress higher up an organizational ladder more quickly.

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The Business Administration minor also helps equip graduates with people skills that aren’t part of a traditional curriculum focusing on the computer science side of cybersecurity.

FITTING THE BILL Jones College also recently expanded its M.B.A. offerings. And it streamlined the degree process to make it more accessible to students.

The 10 M.B.A. core courses are streamlined as 3 credit hours each, culminating with a 1-hour capstone—allowing students to complete an M.B.A. without a concentration in just 31 hours. The seven concentration options only require an additional two or three courses. According to Jones College Dean Joyce Heames, that simple math alone has boosted interest in the programs.

In creating new M.B.A. concentrations, Heames said, Jones College looked for opportunities to leverage the “street cred” of its M.B.A. program by launching new, relevant concentrations that are both attractive and career-boosting for applicants.

In 2024, MTSU’s Jones College began offering three new M.B.A. concentrations: one in Ethics and Legal Governance, another in Risk Management, and one in Human Resource Management. All three new concentrations had students enrolled this past fall. More than 120 new students recently went through orientation for one of the programs.

“We listened to employers while designing the programs to make sure that our program is market-relevant,” Heames said.

“From there, it is our job to make sure our students graduate with the viable competencies.”

Future M.B.A. expansion is likely to occur in areas including education and aviation management, to name a couple.

“It’s an opportunity for us to be of service to middle Tennessee,” Heames said. “We have some very lofty, aggressive goals regarding how many students we want in the M.B.A. program, which is already the largest master’s program on campus.”

TAKING ACCOUNT By moving much of its coursework online, Jones College experienced a whopping 50% increase in enrollment in its Master of Accounting program between fall 2023 and fall 2024.

As it expands, the Accounting Department is also forging ahead on new curriculum options that both spark student interest and fill real-world needs. One example is a new anti-money laundering course now available in the master’s program. Industries ranging from law enforcement to the financial services industry to online gaming have expressed interest in such a program.

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New coursework options like these are necessary to expose students to pivotal and ongoing trends reshaping the world of business.

They are also necessary as business schools get reshaped.

Business schools operate in a challenging environment.

Competition is stiff, and the stakes for communities and economies are high.

The best business schools are the ones that develop different strategies to meet the new challenges ahead and that innovate to stay on top.

Heames is steering Jones College toward innovation.

In doing so, she has positioned the college to be the No. 1, true educational service to the Midstate business economy.

Become a leader of tomorrow—today New M.B.A. optional concentrations • Human Resource Management • Legal and Ethical Governance • Risk Management Convenient, customizable, and available fully online!

mtsu.edu/mba

ACCOUNTING MTSU BAP GOOD AS GOLD What previously was called Superior status is now called Gold status for the Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) accounting honor society. MTSU’s chapter earned Superior status for 11 consecutive years and continued this great tradition of high achievement by successfully notching Gold status for the 2023–24 academic year.

Under Brandon Vagner’s leadership as faculty advisor, the chapter went above and beyond each area of requirement, including reaching-out, professional, and service activities. BAP hosted amazing professional speakers at weekly hybrid meetings, while chapter officers and Vagner attended the organization’s 2023 annual and 2024 midyear meetings. MTSU members and candidates also engaged in a variety of service activities such as Feed America First, Greenhouse Ministries, Campus Clean-Up, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), which included two on-campus sessions at MTSU during the spring 2024 tax season.

“

I had the opportunity to represent MTSU in Project Run With It at the 2023 Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the meeting, BAP International and Moss Adams welcomed Opportunity Village as one of the nonprofits. My teammates and I worked together to build a solid proposal, while advancing our collaboration and presentation skills. This was an unforgettable opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. Special thank you to Brandon Vagner for managing our chapter’s travel and arrangements.

—Holly Chavarria (M.Acc., ’24)

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50+ 50+

DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

$15K

ORGANIZATIONS

attended the 2023 Meet the Firms recruitment and networking event

EXPERT INFORMATION

SCHOLARSHIPS Jack Clark and Rosalia Rausch were named 2024 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars and received a $15,000 scholarship each for 2024–25.

TSCPA The Tennessee Society of CPAs awarded $275,000 in scholarships to 108 students across Tennessee. Numerous accounting students from MTSU received scholarships, including five students who received special awards: Wyatt Connelly, King Foundation Scholarship Rumi Inoue, Nashville Vision Award Mariamawit Fekadu, Bernie Goldstein Scholarship Ben Smith, Ward Harder Scholarship Jared Vetetoe, Paula B. Thomas Award

CIVIC SUMMIT MTSU hosted more than 100 college students from across Tennessee last February for the Tennessee Campus Civic Summit titled, “The Future of Democracy: Tennessee’s Students Prepare for 2024.” Lara Daniel moderated the panel of election officials.

Professor Andrea Kelton shared her thoughts on research paradigms, such as design science research, as the keynote speaker at the International Symposium on Accounting Information Systems (ISAIS) Conference in Paphos, Cyprus, in June 2024. The emphasis of ISAIS is on interaction, discussion, and debate in a friendly, supportive, and relaxed atmosphere. At the same time, the intent of ISAIS is to provide a global forum for bringing the leading AIS researchers and developing scholars together to discuss and critique leading-edge research in the field.

PROUD SERVICE Sandy Benson proudly served as the interim chair for the Department of Accounting for the 2024–25 academic year. Benson, professor of business law, earned a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from the University of Georgia. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in corporate governance and fraud, commercial and contracts law, and health law. Benson’s research focuses on emerging issues related to fraud, accountant liability, health care, and effective pedagogy in business law.

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ECONOMICS AND FINANCE

$137K

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DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

150%

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PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES PUBLISHED

GROWTH IN FINANCE M.S. PROGRAM since moving to remote delivery

Philip Seagraves, an associate professor of Finance, shared insights on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models into undergraduate teaching, highlighting their potential to enhance student learning outcomes significantly at the American Real Estate Society conference. Seagraves also led a successful executive education program focused on the mortgage business, designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to enter or advance within this sector.

Sara Shirley, a Finance associate professor, made substantial contributions to the field of finance and financial data science, including co-authoring three papers published in prominent, peer-reviewed journals. Her research was presented at regional, national, and international conferences. Locally, Shirley led a nonprofit workshop in the Patterson Park Community Center, with more than 70 individuals from various Tennessee nonprofits and other organizations in attendance. She was also recently named an associate editor for the Journal of Financial Research.

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DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS HOSTED

PLACEMENTS Internships Auto-Owners Cardinal Health Chubb Deloitte Franke Goldman Sachs Nissan State Farm Tennessee Comptroller of Treasury Tennessee Valley Homes U.S. Department of Treasury Washington Wizards Wilson Bank Private sector and government Ascend Federal Credit Union Citigroup City of Norfolk, Virginia

CVS Deloitte HCA Healthcare MAPCO Express Sallie Mae State of Tennessee UBS Vanderbilt University Medical Center Postdoc Ohio State University Tenure-track faculty Emerson College Lincoln Memorial University Linfield University Northwood University

“

Our team from the TVA Investment Challenge class participated in the TVA Investment Challenge Annual Conference in Nashville in April, where they delivered a compelling presentation, engaged with teams from 25 other universities, and networked with investment professionals from leading firms. Our portfolio outperformed the S&P 500's total return for 2023. The conference offered our students an unparalleled opportunity for learning and professional growth.

—Kevin Zhao

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FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH U.S. Army veteran and author Michael “Bootcamp” Thomas delivered the Financial Literacy Month keynote address, discussing the benefits of early investing.

The department hosted 14 financial literacy events throughout the month and awarded $10,000 in student awards sponsored by Ascend Federal Credit Union.

2023 TVA Investment Challenge Annual Conference

SPRING 2024 STUDENT TRAVEL

Financial Management Association • New York

Extreme Risk Takers Symposium • Chicago

GIS Regional Conference Series • Atlanta

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INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND ANALYTICS TECH VISION After hosting the ACM SIGMIS Computers and People Research 2024 conference last May, the department will launch the inaugural Tech Vision Conference in April 2025.

This initiative is designed to form a dynamic coalition to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and government officials. It also aims to promote student research at both undergraduate and graduate levels while leveraging academic expertise to inform and advise state and local policymakers. By creating a forum for industry partners to share their challenges, opportunities, and success stories, Tech Vision will enable researchers to address real-world problems, thus bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the industry.

Information Systems Security Association’s Middle Tennessee Chapter honored Nita Brooks as the Cybersecurity Educator of the Year at its inaugural InfoSec Nashville Awards for her dedication in setting a new standard for excellence.

Sam Zaza and co-authors Damien Joseph and Deb Armstrong recently had their paper, “Are IT Professionals Unique?

A Second-Order MetaAnalytic Comparison of Turnover Intentions Across Occupations,” published in the Management Information Systems Quarterly, an A-ranked, top-tier journal in the information systems field.

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STUDY ABROAD IN JAPAN

MEETING INDUSTRY CYBERSECURITY NEEDS In 2024, the Department of Information Systems and Analytics launched both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Cybersecurity Management, reaffirming a commitment to provide highquality education tailored to the evolving needs of the job market. The Midstate has seen burgeoning demand for cybersecurity experts— between mid-2021 and mid-2022, an astonishing 651 unique job postings in cybersecurity were identified in this area alone.

The field of cybersecurity presents lucrative career opportunities with promising growth prospects.

Information security analysts are particularly in demand, with a projected growth rate of 35% through 2031 and median pay of $102,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This program is meticulously crafted to equip individuals with knowledge and skills to assess security needs, propose safeguard solutions, and oversee the implementation and maintenance of secure systems. The comprehensive curriculum covers a wide array of subjects, including computer architecture, programming, systems analysis, networking, cryptography, security system design, applicable laws and regulations, risk assessment, and contingency planning.

STUDENTS TIE FOR TOP SPOT IN INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE INNOVATION CHALLENGE An enterprising group of MTSU students—Information Systems majors Havjin Barkhan, Alberto Melchor, Syd Panak, and Avery Wriedt and Finance major Gabriel Kapu—tied with a Florida International University group for first place in an international software innovation challenge.

Pitting students from universities across the nation against each other, the competition was organized by the Association of Information Systems Student Chapters, a networking and professional development program. Associate Professor Michael Erskine served as advisor for MTSU’s team, while Information Systems graduate student Rebecca Nichols coached the undergraduates.

The challenge allowed competitors to demonstrate the impact information systems can have in improving the world. Teams designed and implemented an innovative IS solution based on their choice of several parameters, focusing mostly on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

MTSU’s Team Wastewise developed a product called Wise-X, a waste management tracker complemented by an IoT sensor system integrated within a trash can. The team’s competition solution included a working Arduinobased sensor prototype encased in a 3D printed shell, a web application, a marketing website, a data portal, and a compelling business case that tied all elements together.

CGI Business Consulting and Formos Consulting visited MTSU to meet with Information Systems students for an informational and networking session.

“

This incredible group of talented students represented MTSU with excellence and demonstrated the power of innovative thought and teamwork.

"

—Michael Erskine

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MANAGEMENT SHARK TANK-STYLE Talented winners were awarded cash prizes for their projects after the recent Shark Tank-style event that concluded Dennis Gupton’s New Venture Creation class. Sponsored by the Patton Foundation, this event was judged by an esteemed panel including the Patton Foundation and Warren Russell from WTR Capital.

Briggs Rutter (ATH Training), first place, $5,000 Sophia Attardi (Endless Dream), second place, $2,500 Raegan Marsee (Marsee Medical), third place, $1,000

BUSINESS PLAN CASE COMPETITION

HRM STUDENT SHOWCASE

A team from Wilson Bank and Trust, led by Southern Regional President Andy Jakes, judged winners for the Business Plan Case Competition. Special thanks to Clare Marling, Elizabeth Bazzell, Lee Eaton, and Gentry Wheat for their expert insights. Wilson Bank was impressed by the students’ presentations and expressed interest in future collaborations.

Associate Professor Adam Smith organized the incredible event.

First place: Emily Klunk, Matthew Clouse, and Tyler Hieber (Ralph Williams’ team) Second place: Alexandria Roberts and Easton Wallace (Karynne Turner’s team) Third place: Emma Ankar, Ali Salman, and Thomas Dishner (Ralph Williams’ team) Fourth place: Lurin Eltiti, Elena Dominguez, Luke Cripps, and Luke Harrison (Adam Smith’s team)

The Department of Management established the Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability in April 2024 (see page 36).

The department hosted the inaugural Human Resource Management student showcase in April to feature the incredible work of students. Ten employers and community partners joined in this special occasion.

Three teams from Kristie Abston’s Training and Development course presented one-hour training sessions tailored for community partners: • Building Bridges—Fostering Conflict Resolution through Effective Communication and Trust (for Amelia’s Closet and Liberty’s Station) • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (for Beesley Animal Foundation) • Managers Driving Field Productivity (for Extreme Custom Technology)

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The Department of Management has introduced the new fully online M.S. in Management program in Human Resource Management. This program has been approved by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as being aligned with its Curriculum Guidebook.

CERTIFIED SUCCESS Jill Austin retired after decades of service as the Department of Management chair. Austin was awarded the 2023 MTSU Career Achievement Award and the statewide 2024 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award at the state Capitol.

Each year, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission administers the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award to 10 individuals in higher education who demonstrate a lasting, meaningful impact through service, are recognized and valued by peers and community leaders, and embody the legacy of the late state Rep. Harold Love Sr. “Community service is essential to keep our communities strong,” Austin said. “It takes all of us helping a little to make a difference for people in our communities. I learned to be a volunteer as a young child from my mom and dad; they spent countless hours in volunteer roles in our small community.”

The department additionally named a new award, the Jill Austin Ethical Leadership Award, to honor her legacy at MTSU and the strides she made during her tenure for ethical leadership education.

SHRM-aligned programs mean students are eligible to take the SHRM certification exam. Last summer Sarah Glass and Tony Covington were the department’s first two Management students to pass the SHRM certification exam as a part of the new program. Kristie Abston coordinated this effort.

Cole C. Jones completed his Organizational Leadership Honors thesis in Spring 2024.

“I can’t believe it’s finally here! Earlier this afternoon I successfully defended my Honors thesis! I’ve been working on this project since August 2022, and I’m grateful to have crossed the finish line. Without the guidance and support of Dr. Tim Moake and Dr. Rebekka King I would not have completed this project. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to become an Honors Transfer Fellow my junior year and graduate with Honors.”

Jean Wilson, master instructor coordinator in the Department of Management, was named a 2023–24 Career Influencer by MTSU’s Career Development Center.

Students benefit from Wilson’s efforts in so many ways: with BEST, our College to Career class, her IGNITE workshops, bringing employers to campus, connection events, helping students with their resumes, “Jean’s Door” (which provides food and hygiene items for students in need), and more.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS 2023 ITALY STUDY ABROAD The Innovation and Management in Italian Industries study abroad in 2023, led by Assistant Professor Karynne Turner, took place in Rome, Milan, and Florence.

Looking for your next read?

Check out these recommendations!

Department of Management faculty in the Jones College of Business recommended titles for this pop-up collection of print books and e-books.

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MARKETING NEUROSCIENCE LAB MTSU’s Neuromarketing Lab—the first of its kind in Tennessee— is an ongoing initiative to modernize the University’s educational approach by incorporating neuromarketing techniques in the understanding of consumer behavior.

The lab is currently equipped for projects using eye tracking, galvanic skin response, electrocardiogram, facial expressions, and the Implicit Association Test. A lab expansion will be inaugurated during a March 19 international symposium event (details below).

Since its 2022 opening, the lab has run several neuromarketing studies presented at the American Marketing Association and the Academy of Marketing Science. Research is focused on retail, online shopping, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence (robots, voice assistants, chatbots, etc.).

The Neuromarketing Lab also has partnered with universities around the world, including Dartmouth College (U.S.), Vrije University (Belgium), University of York (United Kingdom), and Università La Sapienza (Italy).

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM MARCH 2025 The Department of Marketing will host international speakers in March 2025 in a series of shorter talks on the topics of neuromarketing and artificial intelligence (AI). The events will be open to the public and available to stream.

Brain Behavior in the Age of AI: Neuromarketing is Changing Everything Distinguished Lecture Series Speakers: Paul Zak, Claremont Graduate University; Kimberly Clark, Dartmouth College; James Forr, Olson & Zaltman; Jessica Wilson, iMotions Wednesday, March 19, 2025 12:30 p.m., BAS State Farm Room and streaming Professor Don Roy led a group of 12 students on an MTSU Signature Study Abroad Program in Finland, Sweden, and Estonia on Influence Marketing during May 2024.

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NEW NEUROMARKETING COURSE In the ever-evolving field of marketing, understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive consumer behavior is crucial. A new offering, MKT 4200 Neuromarketing, provides an in-depth exploration of how insights from neuroscience and psychology can be applied to enhance marketing strategies. This course delves into the brain’s role in decision-making processes, emphasizing nonconscious influences that affect consumer choices Through this course, students will not only gain a deep understanding of consumer behavior but also critically evaluate the ethical implications of using neuromarketing techniques in real-world marketing scenarios. Students explore key concepts such as attention, memory, and emotion, and learn to apply neuromarketing tools like eye-tracking to analyze consumer behavior.

The course includes hands-on projects where students will design behavioral nudges and analyze data from eye-tracking studies, providing practical experience in applying neuromarketing techniques.

No. 8

2024 TECHGUIDE RANKING FOR BEST DIGITAL MARKETING BACHELOR’S

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TENNESSEE BUSINESS BAROMETER REPORTS published annually

The course utilizes iMotions Online, a new software for education empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) that allows students to use neuro-tools like the eyetracker and the facial expressions from the cloud instead of using physical neurotools. Students will learn how to build a study, collect, and analyze the data like professional neuromarketers.

DECA CONFERENCE

A TOP SALES PROGRAM NATIONALLY as ranked by the Sales Education Foundation

MTSU DECA members traveled to Minneapolis for the DECA Inc. Engage Leadership Conference.

Student members attended leadership and motivation training sessions from former DECA president Matthew Meuleners; toured prominent Minneapolis businesses such as the Minnesota Twins at Target Field and Piper Sandler; met other DECA students from across the country; and participated in a role-play competition where they presented a marketing management solution to a judge. Morgan Mixon placed in the marketing management competition.

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Heart of a Champi n The

FORMER BLUE RAIDER LINEBACKER ANDRE DYER CREDITS JONES COLLEGE AND MTSU ATHLETICS FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

by Skip Anderson

M

TSU is close to Andre Dyer’s heart. He acknowledges how the University and the people he met along the way shaped much of his life—from the discipline he learned as a student-athlete, and the skills he learned in Jones College, to the lifelong friendships he formed, and meeting his wife.

Legendary Blue Raider football coach Boots Donnelly and his coaching staff challenged Dyer in ways he’d never experienced. Management Professor Jill Austin, recently retired, taught him how businesses operate and the keys to successfully working in them. His teammates from the 1989 Ohio Valley Conference championship football squad continue to show him that love endures.

As a former MTSU standout linebacker who graduated in 1991 with a B.B.A. in Management, Dyer deeply appreciates the many ways his alma mater has helped shape his life. Today, Dyer is a successful thought leader and talent acquisition executive who has most recently held senior leadership roles with Fortune Global 500 companies Accenture and Deloitte.

A FOOTBALL FOUNDATION Growing up in Memphis, Dyer was an all-state football player at Frayser High School and winner of his conference’s Most Valuable Defensive Player award. His intellect, speed, and physicality drew fullride scholarship offers from six universities, including MTSU. To this day, he remains grateful that he chose to become a Blue Raider and is especially appreciative to Donnelly as his head coach.

26 | ENTERPRISE

“It was getting close to decision time, and the MTSU coaching staff brought me back up for a second visit,” Dyer said. “No other school made me feel like they wanted me like MTSU did. It was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made; it was a game-changer. First, I played under Boots Donnelly, who was very tough to play under, and that helped shape me as a man, as a father, as a husband, and as a leader who is equipped to overcome adversity.

This experience gave me a DNA of resiliency. I had never been challenged like that.”

Dyer said Donnelly, who has a reputation as a strict coach and an outstanding motivator, instilled several foundational lessons into him during his four years playing under him.

“First, when you get knocked down, you get back up. You get knocked down again, you get back up again. And when you simply can’t go another step further, you find you can go many more,” Dyer summarized.

In addition to the hard-nosed practices, Donnelly’s reach went beyond the gridiron.

“You were not going to miss class, and you were not going to cause issues in the community,” Dyer said. “I don’t know how, but he would always find out. You did not want to be on the end of Coach Donnelly telling you to see him after practice!

Coach Donnelly created a very strict and tough environment that you had to adapt to.”

Not everybody in Dyer’s class was cut out to adapt to Donnelly’s culture. There were about 30 freshman players when Dyer started school at MTSU. After four years, there were only nine remaining.

Photo by Andy Heidt

2025 | 27

“Coach also told us that our teammates—the men we were standing next to—would be your friends for life. And he was right. The only reason I made it four years on the team was because of the guys I played with,” Dyer said. “To this day, we still have reunions and stay in contact with one another.”

Dyer remains quite active at MTSU, both on the academic side and the athletics side, serving on the Executive Advisory Council of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business and as an active board member with the Blue Raider Athletic Association (BRAA).

ALL BUSINESS

HAD I GONE TO ANY OTHER SCHOOL, LIFE WOULDN’T BE WHAT IT IS RIGHT NOW.

Dyer also remains loyal to MTSU for several important non-football reasons. First and foremost, he met his wife of 30-plus years, Cheryl Bridwell Dyer, on campus, where she majored in Accounting.

The Dyers now have two grown children: Jamila holds an M.B.A. from American University, and Nierra graduated from Georgia State University, where she studied art.

“They are the loves of our life,” he said. “I know this sounds so normal. But had I gone to any other school, life wouldn’t be what it is right now. I never would have met Cheryl, and we never would have made these two girls.”

MTSU’s Jones College also holds a piece of Dyer’s heart. He said his biggest influence in the classroom was his former business policy professor, the aforementioned Austin.

“Her class on business philosophy really got me started and locked me in on understanding how business strategies and product differentiation works,” Dyer said. “I saw her last year, and I told her that she changed my whole perspective.”

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“I have regular conversations with Jones College Dean Joyce Heames,” Dyer said. “She is an incredible leader. One of her greatest assets is that she can identify with the students.”

Heames “gets it,” according to Dyer, in part because she worked her own way through college.

“She had to do it blue-collar style,” Dyer said. “And she is able to bring insight based on that. A lot of our students can relate to that.”

According to Dyer, healthy leadership at the top, as evidenced by Donnelly and by Heames, sets the stage for a healthy organization.

“The quality of education at Jones College is bar none off the charts,” he said. “These students aren’t just getting a great education. They’re also getting a great experience.”

Dyer said he especially respects and appreciates the cultural advantages Jones College offers.

“There’s tremendous diversity here,” he said. “Our students represent the real world, and you can see that when you walk on campus. Jones students are problem-solvers and strong leaders. And that is what corporate America is looking for.”

Dyer has strong feelings about the value of diversity in corporate settings. His thoughts are especially poignant at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are under attack in political circles, reverberating throughout higher education.

“First, DEI matters,” Dyers said. “It’s not just the right thing to do, but it is good for business. It wouldn’t benefit a company holistically to only have similar views from a singular group versus individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, races, genders, or demographics.

“If a company is truly serious about being innovative and achieving optimum growth, employing a workforce from different paths and experiences is a business imperative.

It is mind-blowing to me to currently see how DEI is being polarized into a negative philosophy, which in fact there would be no need for this topic if there was proper representation from all walks of life and equity within organizations today.

“It is beyond insulting to assume an individual was hired only because of their race or gender and not because of their qualifications and capabilities. In the end, several studies have shown that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter to talent who is launching their job search; clients and customers on which company they will partner with or patronize; and the communities on how they will support.”

them to MTSU, it is the education they are receiving as a result of that athletic ability that is going to successfully carry them forward into their futures. He also stresses the great opportunity that is the network you build at MTSU as a key to future professional success.

So what does Dyer think of the current state of the MTSU football program? Dyer firmly believes the culture being created by new MTSU head football coach Derek Mason mimics the strong culture he himself experienced.

“I and several former players met with Coach Mason and his staff several months ago, and we were all impressed,” Dyer said. “They were incredibly detailed in their approach by leveraging analytics. We loved this approach.”

Dyer’s three biggest takeaways on Mason were as follows: He has the ability to connect with the players, which is critically important today; he has already created a culture of accountability; and he understands the importance of engaging the Murfreesboro community to help drive his product.

Whether in football or business, Dyer understands the power of teamwork, diverse backgrounds and perspectives, hard work, persistence, and, yes, even the love of teammates, coaches, family, and people. Beyond the X’s and O’s and the corporate spreadsheets, Dyer’s success seems inextricably tied to one personal trait: He never forgets to lead with his heart.

STAYING CONNECTED Although he currently lives in the Atlanta area, Dyer makes regular trips to Murfreesboro for University matters. He often sees his former teammates and, of course, attends football games. Those visits bring back great memories.

“Those friendships I made with my teammates are very important to me,” Dyer said. “There is so much love and relationships. You have black, white, white collar, blue collar, some graduated, and some didn’t. It’s an incredible bond.

That changed me. Because of that, now in the corporate world I know what teamwork really looks like. I learned fundamental principles that changed me, and I owe MTSU for giving me a great foundation.

“What we did was serious business for four years, and that’s why we won championships. And that’s why Coach Donnelly is in the College Football Hall of Fame and his statue is outside Floyd Stadium along with many former players’ names on the wall who contributed to the success of the program.”

A LASTING LEGACY While on campus and especially when around the MTSU football locker room, Dyer loves to speak directly with students and student-athletes. He never misses an opportunity to emphasize that while athletics may have been what brought

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RESEARCH BRIEFS A look at some results of faculty studies on business topics

MAMIT DEME Professor of Economics

Co-author: ALI M.A. MAHMOUD (Beni-Suef University) “Terms-of-trade and welfare effects of the 2018–2019 US tariff hikes on electrical equipment and plastics” Applied Economics Deme and Mahmoud study the impact that tariff rises have on foreign and domestic trade markets. The impact can cause alarming economic effects, such as billions of dollars lost in importing electrical equipment and plastics.

Along with adverse economic effects, tariff hikes also threaten a significant decrease in welfare for U.S. consumers.

Examining monthly panel data during 2016–20 in the two sectors, results show that the 2018–19 U.S. tariff burden fell on American importers in the form of higher prices and also resulted in negative terms-of-trade, efficiency, and welfare effects for the country. The study concludes that to minimize negative consequences on the domestic economy, a tariff policy requires an in-depth industry-specific analysis prior to policy implementation.

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MICHAEL A. ERSKINE

Associate Professor of Information Systems and Analytics Co-author: MARIANA GIOVANNA ANDRADE-ROJAS (University of Georgia) “The effects of bribery on the digitization of small and medium enterprises in Latin America” Information Systems Journal The authors offer a novel contribution to the understanding of how corruption, in the form of bribery, affects technology investment at the firm level. The findings demonstrate not only that bribery diminishes the likelihood of digitization but also that managerial experience and firm size positively moderate this relationship. This research is particularly significant for Latin America, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in economic development yet often face systemic challenges such as corruption. This study addresses a pressing issue that impedes technological advancement in these regions. In addition, by revealing how firm characteristics and perceived tax burden interact with bribery, it offers strategic insights that can help accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs, fostering greater economic resilience and competitiveness across Latin America.

AARON GAMINO

Assistant Professor of Economics “The impact of juvenile curfews on teenage birth rates” Health Economics Cities widely adopted juvenile curfews in the 1980s and 1990s to reduce juvenile crime rates and boost parental involvement. The curfews were intended to keep young adults at home during late hours when crimes were more likely to be committed. Gamino investigates an unintended secondary impact of keeping children at home at night: a reduction in teenage pregnancies. His research revealed that more than two-thirds of teenage pregnancies are unintended.

Findings show that large cities adopting juvenile curfews experienced a reduction of 3 births per 1,000 women ages 15–17.

The study demonstrates a potential avenue to reduce unintended teenage pregnancies in the uncertain reproductive health care landscape today.

TIM MOAKE

Associate Professor of Management

GAIA RANCATI Assistant Professor of Marketing and Neuromarketing

STEPHEN B. SALTER Professor of Accounting

Co-authors: CLARISSA R. STEELE (Kansas State University) and MICHELE N. MEDINA-CRAVEN (Mississippi State University)

Co-authors: MAURIZIO MAURI, GIUSEPPE RIVA, and ANDREA GAGGIOLI (Catholic University of Sacred Heart)

Co-authors: HONG KIM DUONG (Old Dominion University) and GAURAV GUPTA (University of North Carolina–Wilmington)

“Developing woman leaders: The role of women’s professional organizations” Human Resource Development Quarterly

“Comparing the effects of immersive and non-immersive real estate experience on behavioral intentions” Computers in Human Behaviors

“The Future of National Culture in Accounting Research” Journal of International Accounting Research

Virtual reality (VR) has allowed consumers to indulge in an immersive experience with retail businesses. Virtual reality presents a 360-degree environment where users gain complete control to engage with 3D content as if they were physically there.

The low-cost, engaging experience is accessible worldwide and has revealed behavioral reactions that increase the possibility of consumers’ buying products.

Co-author Rancati conducted an enriching experiment, testing VR’s success in the real estate industry. Participants showed subconscious behavioral shifts when presented with a virtual tour of a property, experiencing stronger emotions, thus increasing the likelihood of purchasing the property. The results show how digital experiences can alter consumer behaviors and provide an experience they can’t resist.

Countries define themselves individually through their cultures. National culture is made up of values that have been passed down through generations rather than written regulations that people must follow. Culture is a powerful influence that has far-reaching consequences, affecting the nation’s economic situation and how individuals utilize and interpret accounting information. In this study, Salter and his team investigate the relationship between national culture and accounting systems and discuss this link’s potential positive and negative consequences. Using their results, they also propose recommendations to help national organizations understand what economic and accounting policies work best for their country’s culture.

Women often lack leadership opportunities in the workplace, so Moake investigated whether women benefit from joining women’s professional organizations (WPOs). Moake and his co-authors found that most women typically join WPOs for leadership development.

More importantly, they discovered that WPOs allow members to hone their leadership abilities, network with other women, work directly with and observe women leaders, and receive support from others to take on leadership roles.

In turn, these members had increased leadership aspirations, more confidence in their leadership capabilities, and a more expansive view of leadership within their careers. Overall, the findings from this study highlight the vital role that WPOs can play in developing women into leaders.

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BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH CENTER Middle Tennessee’s exploding growth poses increasingly thorny challenges, which were discussed recently in a sobering forum co-hosted by MTSU’s Jennings and Rebecca Jones Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning and the nonprofit Cumberland Region Tomorrow.

“A Forum on Growth and Challenges in Middle Tennessee” featured an overview of the region’s growth and development from Michael Skipper, executive director of the Greater Nashville Regional Council, followed by a Q&A featuring area mayors Paige Brown of Gallatin, Ken Moore of Franklin, and Joe Pitts of Clarksville. The Tennessean’s David Plazas, opinion and engagement director for the USA Today Network Tennessee, moderated the discussion.

The Chair of Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning (COE-URP) Scholars Program for undergraduate students launched in 2023–24.

This nine-month research and engagement program brings together students, professors, and community members to address pressing urban and regional concerns through academic research.

Eight undergraduate students who completed the inaugural cycle were tasked with identifying and researching an urban planning challenge faced by middle Tennessee residents. They were paired with faculty mentors from across academic disciplines, provided with in-depth training on the research process, and given the opportunity to hear from experts on topics such as housing, sustainability, livability, mobility, economic development, and growth.

In addition to gaining relevant experience and learning key skills, each COE-URP scholar receives a stipend of $3,900, a completion certificate, and a scholarly designation on their graduation diploma.

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MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) was awarded the Community, Economic, and Workforce Research Award for its 2023 Wage and Benefit Survey at the annual Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

This award recognizes projects supporting collaborative and community research initiatives that have brought together different groups or organizations to achieve a common goal. BERC was honored for the project’s response to a demonstrated need, quality, and collaborative approach.

Murat Arik and Richard Tarpey received the 2023 Institute for Global Business Research Conference Distinguished Research Award for their paper, “Evolution of the Nashville Healthcare Industry Cluster.”

TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC AND FREE ENTERPRISE EDUCATION During Financial Literacy Month, director Maria Edlin King worked with Michael “Bootcamp” Thomas and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center to provide a financial literacy program tailored to the needs of veterans and their dependents.

The council continued its role on the board of directors for Tennessee JumpStart Coalition.

King represented Tennessee at the national JumpStart board meeting in Washington, D.C. King also has served as director of the Tennessee Stock Market Game for the last 45 years and, in that capacity, oversees the invitational national Capitol Hill Challenge.

In 2023, that role included traveling to Memphis to meet with U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen while he visited Whitehaven High School.

The MTSU-based Tennessee Council on Economic and Free Enterprise Education provided professional development workshops to 743 teachers—a potential touchpoint for over 140,000 K–12 students during the academic year.

These offerings included two national presentations, two state conferences, three county in-service sessions, and 15 webinars.

Other outreach efforts included coordinating with Goodwill to discuss a financial literacy curriculum to share with its clients.

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CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL SELLING SELLING WITH THE BULLS The MTSU team took home the title of Grand Champions in their flight at Selling with the Bulls, hosted by Rob Hammond and the University of South Florida. Team members included Emilie Conners, Malissa Chanthavong, Chase Holmes, and Bradley Stiles. They were advised by Thom Coats, director of the Center for Professional Selling, and Ricky Fergurson, assistant professor of Marketing. The students took home over a dozen additional individual awards.

From elevating sales proficiency to fostering teamwork and celebrating success, these competitions offer a dynamic platform for students to showcase their skills, connect with industry leaders, and leave a lasting impact on the sales landscape.

100%

PROFESSIONAL SELLING GRAD JOB PLACEMENT

NASHVILLE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL The Center for Professional Selling sponsored the Nashville Technology Council Senior Tech Sales Exec of the Year award.

CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL SELLING As a member in the University Sales Center Alliance, MTSU’s Jones College now offers a Certificate of Professional Selling for students who fulfill the academic prerequisites and the experiential requisites of the Center for Professional Selling. This certificate not only highlights academic prowess but also a commitment to practical excellence.

OTHER AWARDS Emilie Connors and Payton Jones were National Shore Sales Challenge finalists.

MTSU students won divisions at the Global Bilingual Sales Competition. Grecia Otriz and Nancy Godoy placed first in the Elevator Pitch competition.

Emilie Conners, Riley Bullard, and Courtney Flickner won School Champion in the Great North Wood Sales Warm-Up. MTSU won Grand Champion in the Spanish division and had four semifinalists—Ivan Avila, Blake Hill, Bradley Stiles, and Courtney Flickner—at the National Intercollegiate Sales Competition.

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Winner Ashley Barton

#WINNING Riley Bullard and Emilie Conners (’24) brought home silver for the State Farm Marketing and Sales Competition in Missouri.

The Center for Professional Selling received full membership in the University Sales Center Alliance, one of only 42 qualifying universities and the only one in Tennessee.

The new Cindy Boyens Professional Selling Scholarship was established in June 2024.

SUPPORT THE CENTER

mtsu.edu/supportprofessionalselling

POLITICAL ECONOMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2023–24 PH.D. STUDENT JOB PLACEMENTS

Nicholas Reinarts (r) successfully defended his dissertation. His committee included Dan Smith (chair), Claudia Williamson Kramer, and Aaron Gamino. Reinarts joined Hood College as an assistant professor of Economics in fall 2024.

Sean-Patrick Alvarez attended the inaugural Price Theory Boot Camp at Texas Tech University.

Sean-Patrick Alvarez Assistant Professor of Economics, Jacksonville State University

Shamsuddeen Attahiru Nassarawa Central Bank of Nigeria

Christopher Barker Assistant Professor of Economics, Harding University

Ankith Reddy Economic Research Analyst, Buckeye Institute

Corey Pendleton Assistant Professor of Business Analytics, Lincoln Memorial University

Nicholas Reinarts Assistant Professor of Economics, Hood College

PERI ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2023–24

3

OP-EDS PUBLISHED

11

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS PERI was well-represented at the 2023 Southern Economics Association meeting in New Orleans. Presenting Ph.D. students and faculty included Daniel J. Smith, Ennio Piano, Steven Sprick Schuster, Antón Chamberlin, Macy Scheck, Nicholas Reinarts, Nicholas Jensen, and Sean-Patrick Alvarez.

Macy Scheck Assistant Professor of Finance, Lander University

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9 5

MEDIA CITATIONS by recognized experts

STUDENT RESEARCH SEMINARS

PAPER AND RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

FACULTY LECTURES

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PARTNER EVENTS 2025 | 35

CENTER FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

FORGING THE FUTURE AT MTSU MTSU’s Department of Management is now home to the newly established Center for Supply Chain Management and Sustainability, led by director Richard Tarpey. The center plans to forge the future of supply chain education, research, and industry engagement in middle Tennessee.

In April, the department—in conjunction with the Supply Chain Management Student Organization—hosted the second annual Supply Chain Summit with Geodis Americas CEO Mike Honious as the keynote speaker.

The center’s mission is to cultivate supply chain excellence and champion sustainable practices through collaboration with students, faculty, and industry leaders. The vision for the center is to become a nationally recognized nexus for inventive supply chain solutions, shaping tomorrow’s

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professionals and elevating the industries of the region. The center will significantly enhance the program’s cutting-edge education and training, tackle pressing industry challenges through research, and fortify industry ties with local companies.

Tarpey will be supported by several Supply Chain Management faculty members, who include Senali Amarasuriya, Bukola Bakare, R. Bryan Kethley, Curtis Sawyer, Cliff Welborn, and Jinfeng Yue. “This center will serve as a nexus of knowledge, collaboration, and experiential learning, positioning the Jones College of Business at the forefront of supply chain education, research, and industry engagement,” Tarpey said.

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

14,000 OPENINGS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGERS

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION CRITICAL MTSU wants to collaborate with industries to solve supply chain problems, Tarpey said. “There’s a great opportunity out there.”

The center has already developed a new initiative called the Synergy Program, which features two components—Synergy Experience and Synergy CollabLab—providing students with real-world experience working with area companies on their supply chain and logistics challenges.

• Synergy Experience—Local and regional companies will take three to four students per semester and provide work experience and projects focusing on a faculty-curated curriculum as an independent study class. HCA-HealthTrust and Geodis are the first confirmed participants.

• Synergy CollabLab—Local and regional companies will provide real-world projects for students to work on as an independent study, with Mars Petcare, HCA, Assurant, and Old Time Pottery having participated already.

In a recent partnership, Franklin-based Mars Petcare wanted the University’s help with solving a logistical problem regarding products being shipped from Asia and Europe to the company’s five distribution centers in the U.S. Some of Tarpey’s students spent the entire spring semester in 2023 doing an independent study class and presented their proposed solutions to company executives, who are considering using some of their findings.

“Supply chain students can learn from textbooks; they can learn from faculty members; they can learn from case studies,” Tarpey said, “but being out working with a company engaged on a project is valuable real-world experience.”

The center aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders equipped with the expertise and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains, while providing them with resumebuilding experiences during their time on campus.

24,000 OPENINGS

FOR LOGISTICS ANALYSTS

$55K–$75K STARTING SALARY

GROWING STUDENT AND INDUSTRY INTEREST The Department of Management launched the undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management in 2021 after multiple years with a concentration where student interest continued to increase. Interest rose so much that the department also launched a graduate degree two years ago to meet the demand of not only students, but industry as well.

Likewise, the supply chain industry in the Midstate continues to grow. O*Net Online estimates over 14,000 job openings for supply chain managers and over 24,000 job openings for logistics analysts in the next eight years, with starting salaries ranging from $55,000 to $75,000.

Last spring, the program hosted its third Midsouth Supply Chain Summit on campus, drawing a record attendance of students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners who heard guest speakers from the industry, sat in on supply chain sessions and panels, and attended networking events.

“We’re up over 75 partners in the industry that are in some way, shape or fashion partners with our programs, whether that be through guest speaking, attending our events, doing brown bags, and more,” Tarpey said. “So we have a lot of student engagement opportunities.”

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CENTER FOR EXECUTIVE EDUCATION SKILL UP TO LEVEL UP In spring 2024, Jones College of Business relaunched its executive education program, offering all new courses and professional certificates designed to help you take your career to the next level.

MTSU’s Executive Education Center extends Jones College’s worldclass education to professionals. These short-term courses are taught by faculty and industry experts who can provide insights and knowledge directly applicable to real-world challenges and are designed to provide an intensive learning experience to fit any schedule. Part of this revitalization effort included hiring the new director of executive education, Carly Escue.

“I am both thrilled and honored to join the True Blue community.

It’s an exciting time on campus, and I am eager to contribute to the innovative spirit that drives the Jones College of Business forward,” Escue said.

Last fall, the theme of executive education sessions—Skill Up to Level Up—reflected the commitment to providing you with the cutting-edge tools and knowledge necessary to elevate your career or enhance your team’s capabilities.

Under Dean Joyce Heames’ leadership, the center curated a comprehensive set of courses designed to keep you ahead in today’s competitive business landscape. Three tracks were available last fall, including AI / Data Analytics, which encompassed these courses: AI for Business Managers: This course dived into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) to demystify AI and explore its transformative potential. It provided practical insights to boost productivity and drive innovation in organizations.

Mastering Data Analysis and Visualization: This comprehensive workshop enhanced data analysis skills and highlighted powerful tools to turn raw data into actionable business insights.

Unlocking Business Potential with Location Analytics: This course illustrated how to use spatial data to optimize operations, enhance marketing strategies, and make informed decisions that drive profitability.

By participating in courses like these, you can advance toward a certificate from MTSU’s Jones College of Business that signifies your commitment to staying at the forefront of your industry.

Courses like these bring you to campus to fully experience the benefits of the MTSU community. From the engaging, hands-on learning environments to the unique networking opportunities, being on campus offers an enriching experience to enhance your executive education in a workshop setting.

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Courses and Certificates for Individuals In addition to offering customized courses for businesses, MTSU’s Executive Education program offers short-term certificate programs on in-demand topics to help elevate anyone’s career. For example, options in spring 2025:

Mortgage Industry Bootcamp Expertise from the Real Estate program

The Leadership Challenge Empowering leaders for transformative impact

Sales Masterclass Excel in sales, relationship management, and customer engagement

Data Analytics Elevate the ability to analyze, interpret, and present data to drive decision-making

Public Speaking Enhance the ability to communicate ideas and inspire action

For more information about offerings from the Center for Executive Education, visit

Carly Escue, director of executive education

execed.mtsu.edu

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BUSINESS MATTERS MTSU CARES

CUDDLES WITH CANINES The Jones College advisors and MTSU’s Gamma Iota Sigma Omega Chapter teamed up to help students de-stress during finals through visits with therapy dogs in the BAS courtyard.

Putting the “giving” in Thanksgiving, Jones College won the Provost Cup for the 11th year in a row—thanks to the stellar participation of Jones College faculty and staff during the MTSU Charitable Giving Campaign in fall 2023 to support local nonprofits and charitable causes.

Overall, MTSU raised a record-breaking $157,933.74 through 2024 payroll deductions and other gifts.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT Middle Tennessee’s top leaders shared insights on the key issues impacting the region at the Invest Nashville conference and networking event. Dean Joyce Heames moderated the first panel discussing the trends and technologies driving innovation in banking and finance.

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YOUNG ALUMNI ADVICE MTSU’s Jones College of Business last spring created the new Jones Young Professional Advisory Council, comprised of alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years. The council’s goal is to engage, elevate, and empower the college’s programs and students. The role of the council is to advise on current issues, identify new opportunities, provide guidance to shape curriculum, and act as an advocate for the college in the community.

“

Our connection to recent alums is key to staying relevant in the market to ensure our graduates are well-informed and well-prepared for both immediate and long-term career success. Their guidance and advice will help us to develop and continuously improve as a college and provide a world-class, relevant business education.

—Dean Joyce Heames

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ETIQUETTE SCHOOL Each semester the Center for Professional Selling hosts a Business Etiquette Dinner, inviting students to learn best practices in a business dining setting and interact with industry professionals. The dinner is an IGNITE event and open to all Jones College of Business students.

A WORLD LEADER Jones Young Professional Advisory Council members (l–r): Ashlynn Holt, Dempsey Vantrease & Follis PLLC senior accountant; Trey Campbell, Strategic Financial Partners financial advisor; Jami Averwater, Hywater Title founder and CEO; Blake Hill, ADP associate district manager; Olivia Andersen, Sherwin-Williams store sales representative; Kyle G. Motley, Vivo Infusion chief development officer; and Peyton Herndon, LPL Financial wealth advisor.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, a former assistant professor in Economics in the Jones College of Business, recently became the interim prime minister of Bangladesh.

Jones College also welcomed new members to the Executive Advisory Council.

PROFESSIONAL SALES PODCAST

Executive Advisory Council members (l–r): back row, Sid Keswani, Bargain Hunt CEO; Jason Schmitt, C-suite executive and board-level leader; Aubrey Harwell Jr., Neal & Harwell founding member; Andre Dyer, diversity, equity, and inclusion leader; Courtney Chavez, Pinnacle Financial Partners senior vice president; Brandon Henthorn, Bridgestone Americas senior program manager; Joey Peay, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic CEO; Jackie Morgan, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, outreach senior advisor for Nashville branch; Yolanda Greene, First Horizon Bank, Rutherford County market president; Nathan Swartz, Amazon senior manager; and Kyle G. Motley, Vivo Infusion chief development officer; front row, Eric Meriwether, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor; Deborah Thompson, Connect Leadership Coaching executive leadership coach and sole proprietor; Joyce T. Heames, MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business dean; and Tom Boyd, Decker Wealth Management investment advisor representative.

Level up your sales skills with “Drink Coffee, Make Friends (That’s What Salespeople Do)” podcast hosts Thom Coats and Mark Roberts.

Enjoy engaging discussions on sales techniques, interviews with industry leaders, and updates from the MTSU Center for Professional Selling.

2025 | 41

2023 JONES COLLEGE FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS

Andrea Kelton, Kathy and Bill Jones Outstanding Faculty Award

Mark Roberts, Outstanding Dale Carnegie Trainer

Richard Tarpey, State Farm Outstanding Professor

Jill Austin, Dean’s Special Award of Merit

Lara Cotey, Dean’s Special Award of Merit

The E.W. “Wink” Midgett Awards are named for the professor who began business classes in 1939 at MTSU, then known as Middle Tennessee State Teachers College. The awards were presented by Jones College Dean Joyce Heames and Midgett’s son, Don Midgett.

Tonya Grata, Outstanding Staff Member

Gretchen Leming, Outstanding Staff Member

Sam Zaza, Distinguished Research

Dennis Gupton, Distinguished Teaching

Leigh Anne Clark, Distinguished Service

Audrey Scarlata, Faculty Excellence

BEST OF SHOW Jones College of Business’s BEST (Business Exchange for Student Talent) Career Fair was a huge success.

Hundreds of students met with representatives from more than 70 organizations.

42 | ENTERPRISE

COURTYARD GLOW UP The cherished courtyard at the Business and Aerospace Building underwent a remarkable transformation to enhance its beauty, functionality, and overall appeal. Designed to create an engaging and dynamic space, this renovation project not only improved the aesthetic aspect of the courtyard but also added additional seating and a stage to create a comfortable environment for socializing, instruction, and events.

2025 | 43

2023–24 PERSONNEL CHANGES NEW FACULTY / STAFF Dean’s Office Nita Brooks, associate dean of undergraduate programs and accreditation Carly Escue, director of executive education Becky Milliken, financial administrator Jacob Smith, operations administrator Eric Ouimet, advisor Andrea Sakoff, administrative assistant Accounting Jack Badger, assistant professor Sandy Benson, named interim chair Kehinde Ogunade, assistant professor Jake Morris, executive assistant Kyle Baker, administrative assistant

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LAUDING A LEGEND Andy Womack, an MTSU alum and a friend of Jones College, was named the 2024 Business at its Best Business Legend of the Year.

The award celebrated his long tenure at State Farm and extensive service to the middle Tennessee community.

Information Systems and Analytics Elyssa Rachelle Morissette, assistant professor Soham Sengupta, assistant professor Economics and Finance Quan Qi, assistant professor Management Bukola Bakare, assistant professor Kelly Manix, assistant professor Marketing Cheri Strissel, executive assistant Tennessee Small Business Development Center Galen Longo, director, TSBDC Lead Center at MTSU

RETIREMENTS Jill Austin, Management Tony Eff, Economics and Finance Ghassem Homaifar, Economics and Finance Tim Koski, Accounting Raholanda White, Marketing

44 | ENTERPRISE

MINORS ARE MAJOR Business minors are an important part of the Jones College community, and the college is equally proud of their achievements in and out of the classroom. In fall 2023, Marketing minor Lily Beth Woods successfully defended her Honors thesis and was crowned the MTSU Homecoming queen.

A MAJOR INFLUENCE

Every year, over 700 students take the Dale Carnegie course to learn the soft skills necessary to succeed in business.

Each summer, around 20 new faculty and staff participate in the three-day immersion course.

2023 JONES COLLEGE LEADERSHIP AWARDS Charles Avent Jr., who earned his M.B.A. focused on health care management and a B.B.A. from MTSU, was presented the Young Professional of the Year Award.

Avent is a senior project manager for HCA Healthcare/Parallon’s Corporate Affairs and Digital Marketing Division and held leadership roles with HCA Healthcare for over 11 years. He is described as “a strategic visionary, an experienced health care management professional, and a real estate executive with significant career accomplishments.”

John Cipriano, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from MTSU, earned the Jennings A. Jones Champion of Free Enterprise Award. Cipriano is a senior director with Alvarez and Marsal North American Commercial Restructuring in Dallas and specializes in management within financial institutions. With three decades of experience, Cipriano focuses on developing target operating models, risk mitigation, development of policies and procedures, commercial and industrial lending, residential credit analysis, portfolio management, enhancing sales, and profit and loss responsibilities for banks and non-banks.

Jami Averwater, who graduated from MTSU’s Economics program and the Belmont University College of Law, received the Jones College Exemplar Award. Averwater is the co-founder and owner of Hywater Title, one of the fastest-growing title companies in middle Tennessee, and maintains an active law practice, where she specializes in business law.

She also serves on the Murfreesboro Planning Commission and in 2022 became the youngest woman ever elected to the Murfreesboro City Council.

Lisa Nix, who majored in Accounting at MTSU, was presented the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award.

Nix is a certified public accountant and shareholder at LBMC, a top 35 accounting and business consulting firm. Nix joined LBMC as a shareholder in 2014 to launch and lead the firm’s transaction advisory services. She brings over 30 years of experience in public accounting and health care to her role.

Nix has more than 18 years of experience leading merger and acquisition transaction services teams for both strategic and financial buyers.

2025 | 45

BLUE RAIDER BRAG Retired U.S. Army Col. Rickey Smith (’78), a distinguished military graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration, received MTSU Alumni’s 2023–24 True Blue Citation of Distinction for Military Service.

Smith served the nation for 41 years with the U.S. Army, with 28 of them as a field artillery officer. Before retiring, he served as a Department of Defense coordinating officer for disaster relief and homeland security in California, Arizona, and Nevada following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

April Harrington (’07) was named one of the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2023. Harrington is broker and owner of EXIT Real Estate Experts and the founder, team lead, and sponsor of Destination Finders International. She has distinguished herself through her dedication to advancing fair housing principles and promoting equal housing opportunities for all. Harrington started the Nashville chapter of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance in Nashville. She and her team quickly got to work providing education, advocacy, and presence in the middle Tennessee real estate community.

After retirement from the military, Smith was appointed Army senior professional for capabilities development. He was later chief of staff for the Army’s Modularity Focus Area that led to the most extensive reorganization of Army combat forces since World War II. Smith’s 1978 ROTC class received recognition as No. 1 in the nation. He recently served as the president of the MTSU Military Science Alumni Chapter. He also earned two master’s degrees and has 19 military decorations and awards, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. His civilian awards include Meritorious Service Presidential Rank Award, Secretary of the Army Exceptional Civilian Service Award, and Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Holly Miller (’96) has been elevated from president to chief executive officer of Collette Health, a leader in patient safety and virtual nursing solutions. Her promotion comes as Collette Health experiences rapid adoption of its virtual patient-observation systems and the recent launch of new features such as position monitoring, which addresses critical challenges in preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries.

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I am honored to take on the role of CEO at Collette Health during this exciting period of growth,” Miller said. “Our innovative virtual care solutions are transforming patient safety and clinical effectiveness in health care settings across the nation, and I’m thrilled to lead our talented team as we continue to amplify our impact.

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Miller’s previous experience included chief revenue officer at PlayMaker Health, which led to a successful acquisition by Trella Health backed by Cressey & Co., and more than a decade in sales leadership at HealthStream. A fervent advocate for the digital transformation of health care, Miller is dedicated to implementing virtual care solutions and focusing on clinician experience as pivotal strategies to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the growing challenge of clinician safety and burnout.

46 | ENTERPRISE

Preston Porter (’99, ’02) was appointed chief financial officer at Franklin Madison, a third-party administrator of multiple insurance carriers, providing customer service, premium billing, and product support for supplemental insurance products in partnership with various banks and credit unions. His journey with the Brentwood-based firm began in 2000 as an account manager for credit unions. Over the years, he has taken on numerous roles within the Accounting and Finance departments.

Writer, visual storyteller, exhibiting artist, and Entrepreneurship alum L. Kasimu Harris (’04) was one of 51 artists selected globally for the “Prospect.6: The Future Is Present, The Harbinger Is Home” exhibition series programming in New Orleans. The exhibit featured new work by Harris, including a film, photographs, and a sound installation, at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club from Nov. 2, 2024, through Feb. 2. Harris’ new work from his critically acclaimed “Vanishing Black Bars & Lounges” series was part of the sixth edition of the citywide triennial, offering a diverse array of free public programming.

See more at lkasimuharris.com

Amy Sullivan (’02), CEO of Kirkland’s Inc., was elected to the board of directors for the company, which operates both Kirkland’s Home and Bed Bath & Beyond. Sullivan has over 20 years of retail experience in the home decor and fashion apparel sectors, with a proven track record of driving growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

WHAT A VOICE! Marketing alumnus Reid Zingale (‘19) wowed the judges during his blind audition on TV singing competition The Voice.

An advocate for developing future leaders, she is an active member of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle, C200, Extraordinary Women on Boards, and Women Corporate Directors. She also serves on several education and nonprofit boards. Sullivan was recognized as a 2020 Woman on the Rise by the Women in Retail Leadership Circle and completed the Leadership at the Peak program at the Center for Creative Leadership in 2022.

2025 | 47

COMMUNITY MATTERS

REVENUE AND FUNDING 86.2% 9.4% 2.4% 1.6% 0.4%

Tuition and State Funding Business Fees from Tuition Corporate, Foundation, and Association Giving Alumni, Friends, Faculty, and Staff Giving Sales and Services, such as Executive Education

Giving back financially is not the only way to support your alma mater! Please consider giving of your time to mentor students, speak with classes or invite them to tour your company, or just tell others about the fantastic things going on at MTSU’s Jones College. We are stronger as a community when we work together, and we appreciate support of all kinds for students and programs!

4.4% EXTERNAL FUNDING BREAKDOWN 9.1%

Sales and Services, such as Executive Education

36.4%

Alumni, Friends, Faculty, and Staff Giving

54.5%

Corporate, Foundation, and Association Giving

EXPENDITURES AND EXPENSES 65.6% Faculty Salaries 20.3% Other Benefits 2.5% Student Pay and Graduate Assistant Compensation 2.0% Building and Maintenance 1.7% Administrative Salaries 1.7% Staff Salaries 1.4% Other Operating Expenses 1.2% Educational Benefits 0.8% Software and Subscriptions 0.8% Training 0.7% Employee and Student Travel, Visitor Stipends 0.7% Marketing and Communications 0.2% Dean’s Scholarships 0.2% Equipment

48 | ENTERPRISE

JCB IN THE ATL Fantastic meeting with fantastic friends!

A Jones College contingent had a great time in Atlanta meeting with alumni and partners: (l–r) Dean Joyce Heames, Elveta Cooper, Andre Dyer, Carolyn Tumbleson, and Betty Conn.

MAKING A PLAN MTSU has partnered with FreeWill, a no-cost service to write your will in 30 minutes or less. Your will expresses your wishes and will be legally accurate—giving you peace of mind and security. freewill.com/mtsu

SUPPORT JONES COLLEGE Your support matters! On average, only about 1% of Jones College Alumni give back financially to their alma mater. Your support allows us to provide programs for students, host community events, create scholarships, and support faculty development.

2023–24 INDIVIDUAL DONORS Joshua and Stacy Aaron

Holly Batres Chavarria

Natalie Bryson

Martha Collins

James Dusek

Kristie and David Abston

Charles Baum

Riley Bullard

Julia Corcoran

Andre and Cheryl Dyer

Connor Beadle

Tracy Bunch

Logan Dyer

Belinda Adair

William Bearden

Gavin Bundy

Carlos and Victoria Coronel

Robert and Susanne Adams

Sara Becher

Lara Cotey

Grant Dyke

Cody Courtney

Reita Agarwal and Raj Aggarwal

Marceleny Beltran

James Burkard and Janet McCutchen

Caleb Edens

Sandy Benson

Allen Burton

Tony Covington Jr.

Lurin Eltiti

Alicia and Trevin Bernarding

Jim and Nancy Burton

Madison Craft

Susan Esa

Ryan and Marie Burton

Luke Cripps

David Eubanks

Jim Biagini

Kathy and Stan Butkowski

Josiah Curry

Kevin Fane

Steve and Lara Daniel

Andrea Butler

Larry and Paula Farmer

Theresa Daniels

Cameron Allen Mark and Darlene Allen Lane Amans

Adam Dyke

Zachary Anderson

Greyson and Jonathan Billingham

Mia Apple

Stephanie Bivens

Randy and Anita Butler

James Archie

Ayden Darnell

Jerry and Susan Faulkner

Savannah Black

Wesley Bynum

Jerry and Teta Aris

Ken and Sandra Blankenship

Jamal Cain

Glenna Davis and Dave Wood

Bichaka and Linnie Fayissa

Weerapat Attachot and Jade Mell

Phillip and Paula Calahan

Jarett Decker

Mariamawit Fekadu

April and Jason Bobb

Michelle and Mary Ann Austell-Lee

Derek Deckert

Micah and Jennifer Boles

James and Anita Callaway

Tina Dial

Beverly and James Ferguson

Jill Austin

Darby Campbell-Firkus

Liliana Diaz

Donald Fields

Kimberly Bolstad

Ivan Avila-Juarez Michael Awad Angela Bagley and Battle Bagley III

Amelia and James R. Bozeman

Dylan Carpenter

John and Monica Dilenschneider

Kirk Fischer

Robert Boyens

Charles Carlisle and Anissa Nelson-Carlisle

Aliagne Diaz-Rodriguez

Lauren Finch

Martha and Tom Boyd

James Dillon

Laura and Mark Follis

Abbey Bain

Shivam Brahmbhatt

Hulet and Joyce Chaney

Matthew Dominy

Elizabeth Baker

Mitzi and Lynn Brandon

Destiny Christian

JB and Carylon Baker

Tim and Denise Downey

David and Rebecca Foote

Yesenia Bravo Vasquez

Ladrekus Clark

Jeff and Bethany Ballard

Jenna Dragt

Shelbi Brewer

LA Clark

Nita Brooks

Wil Clouse

Tommy and Beth Ducklo

Lamar Brooks II

Melissa Cohen

Earl Dugan

James Funderburk

Barbara Bryant

Andrea Coleman

Sean Duhig

John Fuqua

Brandon Bates Deborah Bates and Tommy Bates Jr.

Kaitlyn Carroll

Austin Fletcher

David Ford Jennifer and Stuart Fowler Bryan Fox

2025 | 49

Keith Gamble Aaron Gamino David Garcia Mendez Retta and Matt Gardner Sarah Garven Kenneth George Andrew Gilbert Jackie Gilbert Everhette Glenn and Corey Gasparini Cynthia Goins Rosario GomezQuintero Valencia Gonzalez Gregory Goodine Carrie Green Danielle Green Tim and CJ Greer Tim and Allison Greer Abdirahman Gure Gary and Vicki Hall Heather and Michael Hall Stacey and Noel Hall James and Betty Hare Jeffrey Harjo Jeannie and Paul Harrington Amy Harris Whitney Harris William Harrison Bob and Cornelia Hart Aubrey Harwell Jr. and Carlana Harwell Tala Hassan Abdul Hassen Kim Hatley John and Renee Hawkins Katherine Hawkins Virginia Hemby-Grubb and Robert Grubb Jr. Russ Henderson Seth Henson Brandon Henthorn Pricila Hernandez Spencer Higdon Erica Hightower Blake Hill Dylan Hodge Ashley Hodges

50 | ENTERPRISE

Stuart and Teresa Holland

Thomas Knies

Megan McKee

Anna Pope

Paul Knowles

Clarence McNeal

Ron Pope

Kimberly and William Holleman

Nichole Kubly

William Meehan

Jami and Janet Pope

Ashley Landaverde

Adrian Mendoza

Nicholas Pracht

Greg and Kim Honaker

John Layne Jr. and Helen Layne

Eric and Tempest Meriwether

Laura and Arthur Preston

Lisa Horner

Nathan Lechleitner

Mareham Meshreky

Justin Price

Todd and Wendy Horton

John Lee and Susie Leming-Lee

Mindy Meyers

Larry and Susan Quesenberry

David Hughes Jr. and Stephanie Hughes

Julia Mihic

Colbey Lemay

Chase Miller

D'Andre Radcliffe

Joseph Leonard

Becky Milliken

Kevin Leonard Jr.

Brian Mobley

Deana and Gregory Raffo

Patricia Leslie

Vickie Montgomery

Dillon Leverette

Linda Mooningham

Corine Jackson

Pamela and Robert Lewis

Jackie Morgan

Daniel and Corine Jackson

Keith Livingston

Chase Holmes

Tahlier Hughes Katalina Hyouibandith JP Illingworth Suarez Daniela Iraheta

Sean Jackson Tesa James

Vinnie Loe IV Alejandro Lopez

Benjamin Jansen

Jim and Bette Lordeman

Kaye Jernigan

Auben Louanglath

Donna and James Jobe

Christopher Louder and Stephanie WoodLouder

Alesia Johnson Belinda Johnson

Dan Morrell Britney Mounratry Richard Mpoyi Niki Murillo Greg Nagel Millicent Nelson David Neveleff Tuan Nguyen Lisa and Steven Nix

Jeevan Rajaratnam Karen Ramirez David Ramos Sara and Todd Ravin Nicholas Recker Kenitha Reed Don Reiter Drake Richardson Glenn and Suzanne Richey Martha and Bill Richmond Albert Ritchey

Christine and Don Johnson

Beverly Lovelady

Sreeja Reddy Nomula

Jana Lowe

Christian Ortiz

David and Mindi Johnson

Joshua Lowery

Nayelli Palacios

Miguel Lozano

Michael Parente

Shawn Johnson

Emily Luke

Russell Pargeon

Deborah and Ronald Roberts

Amber Jones

Queena Lyons

Bob and Marie Parks

Jadyn Roberts

Lynxx Jones

Cynthia MacAulay

Ted and Gillian Parton

Sherry Roberts

Billy and Darlinda Jones

Michael Maiorino

Kushal Patel

Latisha Jones

Logan Marshall

Manav Patel

Stephen and Susan Robertson

Ransom and Wren Jones

Paul Martin Jr.

Andrew Pavey

Melissa Rogers

Darrell and Mary Massengale

Robert Rosa

Barry Jordon

Charlotte and Joey Peay

Brandon Jordon

Andrew Mast

Glenn Perdue

Lucy and Ryan Matthews

Diego Perez

Malinda Ryan Kidd and Brian Kidd

Allison Perkins

Aland Said

Keevon Maxwell

Tara Perkins

Gay and John Sakich

Annaston McBride

Samuel Petersen

Sean Salter

Ashley McCarthy

Dennis Petty

Stephen Salter

Anna-Vija McClain

George Samir

Mary and Karl McClain

Debra and Mehrl Phebus

Rebecca McClure

Melodie Phillips

Janice Schmitz

Lindsay McColl

Nancy and Keith Phillips

De'Tonio McColley

Stephen Pigg

Catherine and Philip Seagraves

Chuck and Jo Ellen McDowell

Temisha Poe

Christian Serrano

Robert Pomeroy

Shelley Shaw

Deja McGhee

Gage Poole

Jennifer Shearer

Tyler McGowan

Amanda Pope

Bimal Pareshbhai Sheth

Kent and Jackie Kay Kristen and Bryan Keene DeAnna and John Wermert Sid Keswani Richard Key Naren Khalid Abanob Khalil Giana Khan Brian and Malinda Ryan Kidd Maria King Mark and Sheila King

Jose Rivera Michael Roach Julia Robert

Don Roy

Audrey Scarlata

Deb Thompson and Roy Snipes

Jonathan Vincent

Isabella Winker

Eli Waddoups

Delaney Wismans

Doug Timmons

John Wahidi

Carol Womack

Christian Stine

Travis Tipton

Cheryl and Terry Ward

Aaron Smith

Wesley Stites

Hanzhao Wei

Andy and Cherry Womack

Daniel and Jessica Smith

ZuZu Sullivan

Johnny and Susan Titshaw

Alexis Wood

Joseph Tobia II

Randy and Ruth Wells

Ken and Lynn Summar

Jacob Smith

Sontachai Suwanakul

John Wermert and DeAnna Kempf

Brenda Woodard

Matt Smith

Graham Swafford

Nikola and Stephen Todd

Sharon Smith

Robyn and Nick Swafford

Brooklen Siler

Kristin Stedman

Kaitlyn Simpson Kevin Sisavang

Ann and Don Stenhouse

Brenda Skarin

Tommy Smith Sarah Sneed Banji and Kim Sokoya

Nathan and Holly Swartz

James and Patricia Tolley Stephanie Totty Eli Tovar

John and Minya West Raholanda White Debbie Willett Hannah Williams Phil and Janet Williams

Walter Sweet

Andy Tran

Doug and Lynda Tatum

Savannah Tucker

Chnar Tayip

Carolyn Tumbleson

Louise Spann

Andrew Taylor

Jack and Margie Turner

Kyle Spence

Bart Taylor

Tionenji Ukaegbu

Ranjeet Sridhar

Karen and Rob Taylor

Bryan Umphrey Sr.

Ally St John

David and Linda Tegarden

David and Gina Urban

Laurie and Lee Willoughby

Brandon Vagner

Aiden Wilson

Cierra Thomas

Anusha Vajha

Jack Thomas Jr.

Angela Vankham

Guy and Margaret Wilson

Lois Thomason

David Vaughn Jr. and Deborah Vaughn

Garner and Abigail Winfree

Fritzi Solis-Lagunes Angelyner SotoAcevedo

Kayla Staelens Grant and Ashley Starrett Joe and Brenda Steakley

Angela Thompson

Mike and Nancy Williams Mackenzie Williams Michelle Williams Jeff and Kelley Williams

James Woodard Sr. and Sharon Woodard Stephanie WoodLouder and Christopher Louder Angela and Jeremy Wright Sabrina Wright Raymond Wu and Lynn Chen Wu Latonya Wynne Keri Younce Ken and Michelle Youngstead Jidian Zhu Jia Zhuang and Hua Zhong Emily and Joachim Zietz

2023–24 CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION DONORS Forvis

Mid-Tennessee CPCU Society Chapter

Shelter Benefits Management Inc.

Fully Promoted of Murfreesboro

My Team Insurance Service LLC

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

Greenwich Transportation Underwriters

Nashville Association of Sales Professionals

Sigma Actuarial Consulting Group Inc.

Next Generation

SouthPoint Risk

Harvest Wealth Group LLC

NovaTech Inc.

Tennessee Captive Insurance Association

Insurance Auto Auctions

Patton Foundation

Adams Family Foundation

Commercial Insurance Associates LLC

First Horizon Bank

Appalachian Underwriters Inc.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Arlington/Roe & Co. Inc.

CorVel Corporation

Ascend Federal Credit Union

Dale Carnegie Training of Tennessee

Aubrey B. Harwell Jr. Law Office

Deloitte Foundation

Auto Glass Service LLC

CRC Group

DJM Transport LLC

Auto-Owners Insurance

dba Simple Logistics Solutions

Bedroc

Enterprise Holdings

Best Biz to Buy LLC

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Boston Scientific Caterpillar Financial Services Corp.

Charles Koch Foundation Chubb & Son

Erie Indemnity Ernst & Young Foundation Farmers Mutual of Tennessee

CNA Insurance Companies

Fastenal Company

Cognella Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

FCM Cares, Inc.

Parks Holdings LLC

Insurors of Tennessee

Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Jackson National Life Insurance Co.

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Jennings & Rebecca Jones Foundation

Preventia Security LLC

Marsh McGriff Insurance Services Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

Risk and Insurance Management, Cumberland Chapter RTS Administrative Service Inc. Rush Enterprises Shamrock Trading Corp.

Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. Tennessee Valley Authority The Clouse-Elrod Foundation Inc. Travelers Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program Volunteer State Bank WSIA Education Foundation Yohan Abraham Foundation 2025 | 51

1301 E. Main St., MTSU Box 101 Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Smart moves start here Partner with Jones College Executive Education for training and development to achieve strategic success and advance careers.

• Goal-oriented workshops • Instruction from industry experts • Professional certificates offered Customized courses available to address your organization’s unique challenges!

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