Bertolon School of Business
GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE
As we close the 2024–25 academic year, I am proud to share the remarkable strides the Bertolon School of Business community has made in advancing our mission and helping students experience the power of possibilities in business education.
This year was nothing short of extraordinary.
Our commitment to providing innovative and accessible education and developing globally minded and socially responsible business leaders continued to take center stage. 225 graduates in May 2024 and 205 in May 2025, representing regions across the U.S. and beyond—crossed the commencement stage, including the first cohort from Nanfang University, a proud milestone for our growing partnerships and expanding reach. In Fall 2024, we welcomed an incoming class of over 250 new students to our undergraduate and graduate programs—joining our vibrant community of more than 800 students across 16 business degree and certificate programs .
We celebrated the 5th Annual Viking Business Pitch Competition where more than 40 student teams showcased their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Our students also engaged deeply with our community: over 90 students were inspired by the powerful story of Massachusetts Labor secretary on grit and perseverance, and more than 100 local families were supported through our student-led Volunteer Income Tax assistance (VITA) program—real impact, driven by purpose.
Much of this impact would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors and supporters. Their investment empowered over 200 students to participate in transformative experiential learning: global study programs, consulting projects, high-impact internships, and field-based networking. With the support of the Chamber, nearly 40 students engaged in North Shore Chamber of Commerce forums—building the professional capital that sets our graduates apart.
This was also a standout year for our Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), which grew from a little over $400,000 to over $500,000—a testament to our students’ strategic thinking. Even more inspiring, SMIF awarded more than $5,000 in scholarships, paying forward the lessons of stewardship and leadership.
Our faculty continued to raise the bar. With an impressive number of peerreviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, and grant awards totaling more than $70,000, their contributions are expanding our research footprint and influencing our students, graduates and colleagues worldwide.
We were honored to welcome distinguished alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83 as our keynote at the Annual Awards Night, where we also inducted Professor Hongtao Guo as our new Gassett-Schiller ’83 Endowed Chair. We express deep gratitude to Professor Norbert Tschakert, outgoing chair, who spent the academic year in meaningful service as a visiting scholar in Dominican Republic.
At BSB, we believe that higher education has the power to transform lives and communities. Thanks to your continued partnership, our students experience the true power of possibilities when they enter our doors.
For more information about the Bertolon School of Business and/or to support any of our initiatives, please visit salemstate.edu/bertolon or contact us at bsbstaff@salemstate.edu or 978.542.6608. We look forward to speaking with you.
With pride and purpose, Raminder Luther Dean, Bertolon School of Business
FACULTY NEWS
In July 2024, Prof. Ken Mullane assumed the role of Chair of the Management Department. He succeeds Prof. James Gu and Prof. Guorong Zhu, whose dedicated service and steady guidance helped to shape the department and lead faculty during the covid years. In March 2025, Prof. Fernando Colina was elected Chair of the Marketing and Decision Sciences Department. He follows the leadership of Prof. Mayuresh Kelkar and Prof. Anurag Jain, who provided thoughtful and collaborative direction during their time as chairs. We extend our sincere thanks to all outgoing chairs for their service and look forward to the continued growth and innovation under our new departmental leadership.
This year we were proud to recognize two outstanding professors for their exemplary contributions in teaching and research.
Professor of Accounting Prof. Zlatinka Blaber was recognized for her transformative teaching that blends academic rigor with experiential learning. Her courses in financial, forensic, and managerial accounting provide students with practical applications and global insight. Through partnerships with companies and participation in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), she connects students with real consulting projects and international peers from countries such as Egypt, Ukraine and Indonesia. Prof. Blaber was also recently named Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Society of CPAs.
Professor of Management and Information Systems Prof. Zaiyong Tang was honored for his impactful research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. With more than 40 peerreviewed publications during his career, his work addresses real-world challenges from predicting college student success using machine learning, to analyzing ransomware threats and digital security risks. He has secured over $300,000 in research funding and currently serves as associate editor of the Journal of Information Privacy and Security. His scholarship continues to advance both academic inquiry and practical innovation in the field.
Prof. John McArdle was promoted to “Professor” effective Fall 2024. Prof. Brian LeBlanc and Prof. Chaerin Yun will be tenured and promoted to Associate Professor effective Fall 2025.
FACULTY RESEARCH
Faculty Publications Summary (2024–2025)
This year, faculty produced a diverse body of scholarship spanning applied, theoretical, and pedagogical research. Many contributions addressed real-world challenges in business, education, and technology such as studies on student and employee retention, AI, mobile commerce adoption, and COVID-19 resilience. Theoretical work explored topics like organizational climate, leadership, and the cultural dimensions of advertising. In keeping with our institution’s teachingfocused mission, faculty also advanced pedagogical research, including studies on international collaborative learning and the use of creative tools like accounting cartoons to enhance classroom engagement. This broad spectrum of inquiry reflects our deep commitment to both academic rigor and practical impact.
• Prof. Zaiyong Tang, along with co-authors Prof. Lisa Chen and Prof. Fernando Colina published an article on enhancing student retention through machine learning, which appeared in the Journal of College Retention
• Prof. Tang, along with Prof. James Gu and Prof. Mayuresh Kelkar, also published an article on employee retention, which appeared in the Journal of Applied Business and Economics .
• Prof. Kelkar, along with Profs. Chen and Tang, published their work on service quality in the Academy of Marketing Studies Journal.
• Prof. Miranda Lam and Prof. Brian LeBlanc’s case study on COVID-19 resilience in the hospitality industry appeared in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Cases .
• Prof. John McArdle examined the effects of broadband and telephone subscriptions on exports in an article published in the Central European Business Review
• Prof. Gabriel Meirovich authored a paper on organizational climate and leadership outcomes, which appeared in the International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion
• Prof. Jean-Paul James wrote a critical commentary on advertising history, which was published in the journal, Advertising and Society Quarterly.
• Prof. Xu Hartling published her research on collaborative online international learning in the Journal of International Scientific Publications .
• Prof. Anurag Jain authored a study on mobile commerce adoption, which appeared in the International Journal of Business and Management Studies
• Prof. Zlatinka Blaber published a book chapter on using accounting cartoons as a learning tool, which was included in a Pathways Commission report, sponsored by the American Accounting Association.
Fulbright Scholar
As a 2024-2025 Fulbright Research Scholar in the Dominican Republic, Prof. Norbert Tschakert investigated opportunities to reduce corruption by reviewing past corruption cases for internal control deficiencies. Having stronger preventative and detective controls may allow governmental agencies to experience lower levels of corruption. Prof. Tschakert improved his Spanish, immersed himself into the Dominican culture, and had a great experience at his host institution, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).
The Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society (MOBTS) Conference
In June 2024, the Bertolon School of Business hosted the annual conference of the Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society (MOBTS), bringing more than 225 educators, researchers, and administrators from around the world to our campus. Organized under the leadership of Prof. Ken Mullane, this year’s MOBTS conference was a remarkable success and a proud moment in Salem State’s continued commitment to teaching excellence.
MOBTS is a well-respected academic society focused on advancing innovative, effective, and inclusive teaching in business and management education. Over three days, attendees engaged in a rich program of interactive workshops, research presentations, roundtable discussions, and community-building events which were all centered around the themes of teaching innovation, student engagement, and community impact.
The energy on campus was palpable, with attendees frequently remarking on the warm hospitality and smooth operations throughout the event. Prof. Mullane noted that this was “the largest conference ever hosted at Salem State,” and many participants expressed that it was also one of the most engaging and wellrun MOBTS gatherings they had ever attended. Beyond the academic sessions, attendees enjoyed local culture, lively social events, and the natural beauty of the North Shore.
The event’s success was made possible by the tireless efforts of faculty, staff, and campus partners across numerous departments. From classroom support and facilities logistics to meal service and tech support, it was a campus-wide endeavor marked by professionalism, adaptability, and a deep sense of pride.
INTERNATIONALIZATION EFFORTS
1-2-1 China Program
Prof. Zaiyong Tang presented ‘Using AI in Teaching and Academic Research’ to the School of Accountancy in Nanfang university in addition to incorporating AI tools into his ‘Introduction to Information Systems’ course that he taught at the university in Spring 2025.
Prof. Hongtao Guo presented ‘Differences Between U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)’ and ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Accounting Profession’ to the graduate students in addition to teaching ‘Financial Accounting’ to the cohort of 1-2-1 students who will join our community in Fall 2025.
The first cohort of 1-2-1 students from Nanfang University graduated in May 2025 and Xixuan Zhu, a student from that cohort and the third cohort will be joining us in Fall 2025.
Study Abroad Trip to China
During spring break 2025, Associate Professor Xu “Cissy” Hartling led a group of Salem State students on an unforgettable academic and cultural journey to China as part of a facultyled international learning program. Designed to deepen students’ understanding of global business and supply chain management, the trip featured a robust schedule of university and company visits, alongside cultural excursions that brought the classroom to life.
During their time in Beijing, the group visited Beijing Wuzi University, toured cuttingedge logistics labs and engaged in lively discussions with local students. Beyond academics, the group explored some of China’s most iconic cultural sites, including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Olympic Stadium, and the Great Wall. The combination of professional insights and cultural immersion made the trip eyeopening for many students, expanding their global perspective and offering a rich, real-world context for their studies.
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
Prof. Zlatinka Blaber won $14,000 HIVER grant sponsored by the Stevens Initiative for COIL project with Egypt and multiple faculty members participated in COIL.
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
Internships
This year sixty-two students completed internships for credit. This represents 50% of the juniors and seniors who were eligible and met the GPA and earned credit hours in their area of concentration.
Microinternships
Prof. Zlatinka Blaber and Prof. Youqin Pan received $25,000 in strategic planning grants for expanding and implementing Riipen projects in their courses.
SMIF
The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) experienced significant growth over the 2024–2025 academic year, increasing from $433,275 at the start of Fall 2024 to $538,797.51 by the end of Spring 2025. Of the total portfolio, 57.71% was actively invested in 59 securities across all eleven sectors of the S&P 500, reflecting a diversified and strategic approach.
Under the guidance of Faculty Fellow Prof. Sanjay Kudrimoti, students in the Cabot Wealth Management Lab delivered compelling stock pitch presentations. These efforts earned praise from both SSU benefactors and members of the SSU Foundation’s Investment Committee.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Many students passed the IRS exam to be certified to become volunteer tax preparers and participated in VITA program led by Prof. George Gray. The program helped more than 220 taxpayers file tax returns and get more than $100,000 in tax refunds. They provided services on campus and at two off-campus locations –Salem Public Library and the Northshore CDC.
Speaker Series
In March, Secretary Lauren Jones joined us as a featured speaker, sharing her insights on workforce development with over 90 students in attendance. With nearly 20 years of experience across local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, Secretary Jones has dedicated her career to building strong, inclusive talent pipelines across Massachusetts.
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
More than 70 students attended North Shore Chamber Breakfast forums and other events in AY 2024-25 with tickets paid for by local businesses. Students participating in these events were a good representation of our student population.
External Event Engagement
In Spring 2025, student leaders of the Finance Association collaborated with Salem State University Advancement to organize the trip to New York to visit NASDAQ and Global X ETFs and learn about financial markets and ETFs.
CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Viking Business Pitch Competition
One of the highlights of this academic year was the fifth anniversary of the Viking Business Pitch Competition—an exciting tradition that continues to grow in popularity and impact. This year, the competition saw a record-tying 42 registered teams, matching last year’s all-time high. Of those, 35 teams submitted their presentations and pitched their innovative ideas live in front of a panel of four judges.
The presenting teams represented a diverse cross-section of Salem State students: 18 teams from the Bertolon School of Business (BSB), 17 from other majors and one dual-enrolled high school student. Nonbusiness disciplines represented included fire science, computer science, media communication, music, theatre, criminal justice, higher education, healthcare studies, psychology, geology, political science, mathematics, English, and art and design.
Thanks to the leadership of Dean Luther, Assistant Dean White, and Faculty Fellow Prof. Jain (James) Gu this year’s competition awarded over $10,000 in cash prizes: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, and $250 each for five additional finalist teams. The competition received strong support from the local business community, raising over $30,000 in sponsorships.
Entrepreneurship Panel
This spring, the Center hosted a dynamic panel discussion featuring three successful entrepreneurs—all recent graduates of the Bertolon School of Business. With over 70 attendees registered, the event drew strong student interest and engagement. Each panelist shared their unique journey—from idea to business launch—and offered insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Their diverse backgrounds and career paths resonated with students, demonstrating that success is not only possible, but achievable.
AWARDS NIGHT
On May 1st, the Bertolon School of Business hosted its 31st Annual Awards Night at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. The event was an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our students, highlighting academics, leadership skills, and societal engagement.
The evening featured the presentation of five Dean’s Awards and 15 Chair Awards across Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing and Decision Sciences. The event also celebrated student engagement in experiential learning and societal impact, including over 60 students recognized for their contributions to internships, the Peer Mentor and Peer Tutor Programs, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and leadership in student associations such as the Accounting Association, the Student Management Investment Fund, and the Finance Association. A special highlight of the evening was the induction of 13 students into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society. This prestigious recognition
is reserved for the top business students worldwide and reflects the high caliber of academic achievement within the BSB community.
Advisory Board
We are excited to welcome Brent Wilkinson to the Advisory Board. Brent brings a wealth of experience as a successful entrepreneur and transformational corporate leader. Over the course of his impressive career, he has led four successful entrepreneurial exits, including the $2 billion acquisition of Turbonomic by IBM, where he held multiple executive roles.
He currently serves as a growth advisor to several AI-driven entrepreneurial ventures and is also an Executive-inResidence and Adjunct Professor at the Bertolon School of Business, where he teaches courses on entrepreneurship.
We are thrilled to have Mr. Wilkinson’s insight, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit contributing to our board and community.
ALUMNI NEWS
Our alumni continue to thrive on their professional fronts, elevating the reputation of our school while playing an active role in shaping the future of Massachusetts and beyond. In this issue, we are proud to feature just a few of them, and we look forward to celebrating even more in the years to come.
• Kim Gasset-Schiller ’83 joined us as we inducted our new Gasset-Schiller ’83 endowed chair Prog. Hongtao Guo.
• Ruthanne Russell ’82, was named the recipient of Salem State University’s 2025 Elizabeth Williams Wade Award for longstanding commitment to service to Salem State.
• Tina (Giarla) Baptista ’15 is now the Program Director at A Bed for Every Child
• Thomas Forbush ’07, ‘10G is now the Associate Director of Government Accounting at RTX
• Michael Mason ’10 is now the Deputy City Manager-Finance for the city of Chelsea
• Matthew Dineen is the Corporate Controller for Consolidated Boring, Inc.
• Frank Sorrenti ’11 is the vice president, compliance at Northern Trust Asset Management
• Janelle (Benyue) White is the Director of Development at Northwestern Mutual Boston
• Sharon Cadavid ’22 is the Benefits Administrator at Berkshire Residential Investments
• Julio Hernandez ’22 is the senior housing and development manager in the city of Chelsea
We congratulate the following eight BSB alumni who were among the 40 under 40 recipients in 2025:
• Chris Gomez-Farewell ’15, ‘20G
• Julio Hernandez ‘23
• Qingzhi James Li ‘15
• Virginia Lyons ‘16
• Michael Mulkern ‘17
• Brenda Ortiz-Peral ‘15
• Alexander Tilkens ’20, ‘24G
• Yaqin (Liz) Zhu ’12, ‘13
We wish a smooth and pleasant growth trajectory to all our alumni and look forward to continued updates at salemstate.edu/alumni/update, that allow us to bask in the glory of their achievements.
