The Heart of Business l Summer 2025

SUMMER 2025

THE WAKE FOREST SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

DEAN'S LETTER

At the Wake Forest University School of Business, our vision is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: business can—and should—create meaningful, positive change in the world. Inspired by our University’s motto, Pro Humanitate, we use our ideas, talents, and compassion to make a lasting impact—within organizations, communities, and society at large.

Over the past year, we’ve continued to build on this vision by advancing bold initiatives across four strategic areas: offering an innovative, values-based education; fostering interdisciplinary research with real-world relevance; building stronger connections with alumni and industry; and strengthening our own operations to support long-term excellence. These areas of focus aren’t just aspirational—they’re foundational to who we are and how we prepare business leaders to lead with integrity, think critically, and act decisively.

As we considered how best to share this work with you and celebrate the extraordinary momentum of our community, it became clear that we needed a name and a message that captures both the heart and purpose of our School. That’s why we’re introducing a new expression of our brand— At the Heart of Business — and renaming our alumni magazine to reflect it.

The phrase “At the Heart of Business” reflects the core of who we are. It speaks to our central role in shaping purpose-driven leaders. It reflects our dynamic connections—with our alumni, students, faculty, partners, and the ever-evolving market. And it reinforces the values that drive our innovation, research, and realworld impact.

Inside this inaugural issue of The Heart of Business, you’ll find stories that reflect the energy and direction of the past year—faculty insights tackling today’s most pressing challenges, alumni who are living their values and driving meaningful change, and strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of the School. The magazine offers a glimpse into how we’re bringing our vision to life and continuing to grow our impact.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Whether through your leadership, your engagement, or your example, you are helping us create a better world.

Annette L. Ranft Dean and F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair in Business Excellence Professor of Strategic Management

SINCERELY,

P.S.

I’ve enjoyed hearing so many wonderful Wake Forest stories from you—they truly reflect the spirit of our community. Please keep sharing them so we can celebrate and share these experiences with others.

“When we say we’re 'At the Heart of Business,' we’re affirming our commitment to lead with purpose, guided by the values of Wake Forest and the spirit of Pro Humanitate. Like the heart itself, our School connects, energizes, and responds— bringing people and ideas together to develop ethical, forward-thinking leaders and spark innovation that serves both business and society.

This work is both vital and deeply human.”

FEATURES

— Dean Annette L. Ranft

10 Student Life The Wake Forest School of Business Magazine

SPRING 2025

Get an inside look at the daily lives of students across different pathways at the School of Business

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Framing Our Future

Julie Wayne: Leading With Integrity

Exploring the new strategic framework and initiatives for the School of Business

Redefining the qualities that mark a successful leader in today’s business landscape

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Manufacturing Impact & Innovation

Stacie Petter: New Opportunities to Foster The Greater Good

Profiling Geoff Foster's (MBA '01) entrepreneurial spirit and how he found inspiration at Wake Forest

Empowering faculty to blaze their own path and create positive change in the world

18 Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Strategic Research Collaborations Wake Forest Researchers Bridge Business and Medicine to Deliver Real-World Impact

40 2025 Graduate Hooding Celebrating the journey and accomplishments of members from the Class of 2025

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Introducing the Strategic Initiatives Collaborative

School of Business Awards

Leveraging Global Community Engagement, Technology, and Sustainability to be a Catalyst for Good

Spotlighting School of Business alumni making a positive impact in their communities

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Beyond the Classroom

Alumni News

For Wake Forest MBA students, business education doesn’t stop at the classroom door—or even the border

Discover Alumni Spotlights and how our network is staying connected

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Hands-On Learning, Real-World Results

School of Business Rankings

Enhancing business education through meaningful experiential learning opportunities

Our world-class programs are routinely recognized in major national and international rankings

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Campus and Community

Discover More: Faculty Showcase

Setting the standard for developing analytical, ethical business leaders

The personal stories behind groundbreaking innovation in academia and research

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sylvia Green MANAGING EDITOR Michael Lamphier CONTRIBUTORS Justin Scism Julie Palm Jennifer Bringle DESIGN Alyson Gronewoller PHOTOGRAPHY Red Cardinal Studios Melanie Porter

We welcome feedback from readers: sbmarket@wfu.edu © 2025 Wake Forest University School of Business The School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

The School of Business’ Accountancy Program attained the supplemental accounting accreditation.

Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Wake Forest University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of Wake Forest University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

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FRAMING OUR FUTURE How does a school help businesses and organizations create a better world? At Wake Forest, this question goes well beyond a kind platitude or classroom credo. According to Annette L. Ranft, Dean of the School of Business, it’s all about leading by example and setting the standard for what business education can become.

These standards come to life in the School’s strategic framework, the aims of which are to build: A Community of Learning - Providing a values-grounded, cutting-edge business education that embraces broad disciplines and perspectives essential for navigating and leading enterprises in today’s complex global business environment.

A Community of Inquiry - Cultivating a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary and discipline-based research and thought leadership to address pressing business and organizational issues and key societal challenges.

A Community of Engaged Partnerships Nurturing strategic collaborations in both academia and practice to support our learning and inquiry communities and better serve the broader communities in which we live and work.

The Pursuit of Organizational Excellence & Continuous Improvement - Characterized by open communication, teamwork, collaboration, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

The School's complete Strategic Framework can be found here: These aims are more fully explored below.

Community of Learning Driven by Purposeful Values The School is more than just an educational institution—it’s a flourishing community of lifelong learners. For faculty and staff alike, the focus transcends traditional education, catering not only to academic achievement but to the holistic development of each

student.

“The first element of this mission is to attract, create, and promote the students, faculty, staff, and other resources necessary to offer an inclusive learning environment,” said Ranft. “This includes providing ample access and opportunities for all students to succeed and find belonging, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected global economy.”

There is also a dedicated commitment to transformational teaching, embodied through the mentorship and experiential learning that are cornerstones of the School’s academic vision. That shared focus empowers faculty, staff and students with a deepened connection to industry and the communities they serve.

“By inviting and incorporating new pedagogies, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required for personal and professional triumph in a dynamic business landscape,” Ranft explained. “And that can’t happen without being in an environment where new ideas are not only encouraged but consistently put into practice.”

When all community members are empowered to engage in meaningful dialogue across differences and to embody Pro Humanitate, imagination and innovation can thrive. And that’s exactly what is taking place on campus today.

“This interplay between ethics-based leadership and business acumen is what helps all of us realize our shared vision for educating leaders grounded in character and integrity, ready to be forces of positive change in the communities they serve.”

Community of Inquiry Innovative Thought Leaders Fostering a vibrant community of inquiry is realized by cultivating one that thrives on research, scholarship, and creative work that transcends traditional boundaries.

By addressing the pressing challenges that confront humanity and the world, the School is able to actualize its role as a leading institution for generating the knowledge and innovation necessary to tackle society's most complex problems.

“At Wake Forest, the culture of inquiry is not only an aspiration; it’s a lived reality. Here, BUSINESS.WFU.EDU

lines of inquiry are pursued with vigor and purpose, nurtured by an environment that values academic freedom and intellectual exploration,” said Ranft.

In pursuit of academic excellence, this commitment to an inclusive community of inquiry is focused on building new creative work, while strengthening that which already exists.

“These initiatives often cross academic and institutional boundaries, and whether it be a new research study or an opportunity to create new teaching opportunities in the classroom, this practice of crosscollaboration and cooperation is pivotal to the integrity and longevity of the thought leadership being cultivated by the faculty, staff and students alike.”

The School’s commitment to amplifying its scholarly excellence involves strategically leveraging both internal resources and external partnerships. By extending the impact of cutting-edge research beyond campus boundaries, faculty and staff are able to not only enhance the institution's reputation, but also extend its influence and impact across society.

“We’re all committed to impact,” said Ranft.

“Theories help us make sense of the world - enabling our research to be put into practice and change the world around us.”

Community of Partnerships Intrinsically Connected The School is committed to fostering meaningful, mutual partnerships, enriching local, regional, and global landscapes. Here, at the intersection of academia and industry, exists a vibrant and meaningful exchange of ideas, resources, and aspirations.

Locally, this mission serves to solidify Wake Forest's role as a leading collaborator within the Winston-Salem and Charlotte communities where our campuses are located, but also throughout the whole of North Carolina, the U.S., and globally.

“By becoming a stronger partner in economic development, the School of Business doesn't 5

just affirm its commitment to communities of which we are a part, but actively contributes to their growth and prosperity,” said Ranft.

For students, this marketplace connectedness provides a means to engage with actual retailers and corporations in real-world business situations that prepare them to make immediate impact at their future organizations. This experiential learning model is embodied perfectly by the Retail Learning Labs that are available through the Center for Analytics Impact.

“Our Retail Learning Labs—in partnership with Lowes Foods, WestRock, Inmar and Bellomy Research – provide real-time, real-world in-store insights on shopper behavior,” said Ranft.

“The Retail Learning Labs aren’t just an opportunity to identify shopper traffic patterns through the store, but also a new way for students and faculty to research behavior, gather real-time data and analyze the results to provide actionable consumer insights.”

By leveraging expertise and resources to promote a more engaged and educated society globally, these partnerships help align efforts and reinforce commitments to serving and bettering communities everywhere.

“Across the School, there is a shared vision that transcends 6

the conventional boundaries of business education. We believe that every student, every educator, and every alumnus carries within them the potential to be a spark for positive change – a true embodiment of the University's motto.”

- Dean Annette L. Ranft

“Pro Humanitate is not just a phrase; it is a call to action, a declaration of our commitment to cultivate leaders who are equipped not only with business acumen but also with a dedication to making a positive impact on society.”

As the School enters a new chapter, the reimagining of its brand identity afforded a pivotal opportunity to affirm the mission and vision that will serve as the guidepost towards that very directive—being a catalyst for good.

“Our aim is to develop analytical, ethical business leaders driven to achieve results through a dynamic combination of thought leadership, rigorous research, academic preparation, and an unrivaled connection to the market,” said Ranft. “Above all else, we strive to equip the members of

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our community with the tools they need to embody Pro Humanitate at home and in the world.” In our conversations about serving and bettering the world around us, a palpable theme exists, a thread that connects each of the core components of what ultimately became the newly realized School of Business strategic positioning.

“In Farrell Hall, across our campuses, and throughout our global community, these encapsulating phrases best describe the way we serve at the heart of business" said Ranft. “These are the principles we hope to inspire and instill in every future business leader that we nurture, as well as the foundation for every decision we make at an institutional level."

We invite you to discover how the School's refreshed strategic framework, centered on thematic goals like Community of Learning, Community of Inquiry, and Community of Partnerships, is bringing its vision of helping businesses and organizations create a better world to life. Embodying the spirit of Pro Humanitate, these stories explore how this vision is realized through a deepened commitment to fostering innovative learning, impactful research, and strategic partnerships. With these principles as our foundation, we are equipping analytical, ethical leaders to address key societal challenges and ultimately drive positive societal impact in the world.

BUSINESS THAT CREATES A BETTER WORLD

THINK ANALYTICALLY EXECUTE STRATEGICALLY LEAD ETHICALLY

At the Heart of Business John A. Byrne and Dean Annette L. Ranft explore her vision for the School, her expertise in strategic management and how it shapes her leadership approach, and how the University's motto, Pro Humanitate, influences the School’s approach to business education and its role in developing ethical and impactful leaders.

PROVIDING CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS PROSPER

EVOLVING WITH THE MARKET THROUGH ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT

WE ARE

At the Heart of Business

Driving Innovation and Excellence In this insightful conversation, Senior Associate Deans, Jeff Camm and Norma Ramirez Montague share with John A. Byrne their work in shaping the curriculum, driving innovation, and enhancing the faculty’s academic and professional development. They also cover the unique position Wake Forest School of Business holds in the analytics field, the School’s strategy for embedding analytics across all programs and its impact on student learning and career outcomes.

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MANUFACTURING IMPACT & INNOVATION With Geoff Foster, MBA '01, Member of the School of Business Board of Visitors Geoff Foster has always had a scientific mind. With two degrees in engineering from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University—a BS in industrial technology and an MS in applied engineering technology—he spent the early days of his career applying that technical and scientific know-how as an engineer at AMP, Inc., and Tyco Electronics.

“When we started, we were all automotive, but now we’re 65 percent biopharm and only 30 percent automotive,” Foster says. “During COVID, we saw 300 percent growth.”

But the automotive industry remains important for Core Technology. In 2015, the company achieved tier-one supplier status with BMW, which led to a major period of growth not only with automotive clients, but across a variety of industries, as well.

Though he found success in those roles—even earning a patent for a sealed electric “When we got that first opportunity, connector for Ford Motor Company—Foster knew he wanted more. So he enrolled it snowballed,” Foster says. “BMW recommended us to Merck, Pfizer in the MBA program at the Wake Forest School of Business, and found the and Mercedes. These guys share inspiration and encouragement to take his career to the next level. best practices, so when they identify “During my last semester at Wake Forest, I took an entrepreneurship course and someone as a world-class manufacturer, talked to my professor about the idea for Core Technology,” Foster says. “He’s the they share that with others.” one who really validated my plan, and I got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.”

Core Technology’s competitive In 2006, Foster founded Core Technology Molding Corporation in Greensboro. advantage lies in Foster’s ability to create The company specializes in injection molding, creating products for the medical an environment that leverages the latest device, automotive, aerospace, biological pharmaceutical, consumer goods and technology in automated machinery appliance markets. while also cultivating a diverse, highly skilled workforce. Foster calls this When it first launched, Core Technology mostly focused on automotive parts. But “advanced manufacturing,” and he says once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the company shifted and began producing biological pharmaceutical products such as vaccine apparatuses for industry giants it’s a model that allows Core Technology to stay on the cutting edge of production such as Pfizer, Merck and Lilly. Inside Core Technology’s pristine Greensboro while also creating a safe and equitable facility, massive glassed-in clean rooms house equipment and workers creating environment for employees. these products for medical use.

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“This is not the manufacturing of the1950's,” he says. “Our clean room is cleaner than a hospital operating room. We keep adding robotics. Even if you have a two-year degree, you can make a good living, and you get profit-sharing, 401K and medical benefits.”

Foster drives that message home to countless students who visit the Greensboro facility through Core Technology’s Molding Kids for Success program. The initiative works with local schools to bring in student groups and also hosts free STEM camps for children during the summer. Foster says he wants children to have a safe, inclusive place where they can learn about industries they might not ordinarily encounter.

“I always wanted to have a place where kids can feel safe to be smart without being bullied,” he says. “With Molding Kids for Success, they can learn and be engaged with technologies such as robotics. A lot of these kids come from underrepresented groups where their parents don’t have money to send them to camp. They can come here for free, eat breakfast, lunch and snacks, and get hands-on experience that will help mold them for a career.”

Soon, Foster will have a lot more room to accommodate those kids. Core Technology recently broke ground on a new facility slated to open in 2025. The building will be three times the size of Core Technology’s current location, at an investment of $28 million.

As he stands on the precipice of such a tremendous moment of growth for his company, Foster says he never would have been able to achieve all he has without his experience at Wake Forest.

“When I got my MBA, I was able to commercialize what I’d learned technically through my engineering degrees,” he says. “A lot of engineers can’t start their own company because they don’t understand the business side of it. Prior to the MBA program, I was just thinking about moving up as a manager, but I learned how to have a multimillion-dollar company shipping to 150 countries a year. That’s the missing piece I found at Wake.”

“During my last semester at Wake Forest, I took an entrepreneurship course and talked to my professor about the idea for Core Technology.

He’s the one who really validated my plan, and I got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug..”

Geoff Foster CEO/President, Core Technology Molding Corporation

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STUDENT LIFE

Step into the shoes of business students navigating life on and off campus

MASON GOODWYN

KRISTINA GRKOVIC

JADA KILPATRICK

TAYLOR MORIN

Mason Goodwyn, a Senior majoring in Business and Enterprise Management, takes us through a typical 'day in the life.' From study session to gym session, see how Mason is making the most of every moment as a Demon Deacon.

Master of Science in Business Analytics student and Middle Blocker for Wake Forest Volleyball, Kristina “Tina” Grkovic joind the Wake Forest University community after earning a Business Administration-Supply Chain Management degree at Rutgers. Born in Serbia and having lived around the globe, Tina was able to thrive in both her passions – volleyball and academic excellence.

A proud “Double Deac” and Master’s in Management student, Jada Kilpatrick didn't just come to learn about business -- she set out to grow her own. As founder of Hair League and an active member in her community, Jada's 'day in the life' is anything but typical.

Recipient of the 2024 Jim Tatum Award for the Top Senior Student-Athlete in the ACC, Wake Forest Football star Taylor Morin served as an outstanding athlete and student in our MBA program. Having already graduated with honors in engineering, Taylor is a four-time member of the All-ACC Academic Team and a fivetime member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

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CARAY BRANNON

DEEKSHANYA ROY

CHRISTOS KOUMPOTIS

TEAGAN KOCAJ

Caray Brannon, Master of Science in Accountancy student and member of the National Association of Black Accountants, took time to share their experience during Inclusion Weekend and how the event further solidified their passion for diversity and inclusion.

Meet Deekshanya Roy, a Master of Science in Business Analytics student originally from India. Having completed her undergraduate studies at Ashoka University, the Havells Family Scholarship helped bring her to the Wake Forest University School of Business where she served as as an Ambassador, Center for Analytics Impact Scholar and MSBA Student Engagement Council member.

MSM student and future MSA candidate Christos Koumpotis and other Biz Deacs led a session for teens in WinstonSalem focused on identifying and avoiding online scams.

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student (with a Minor in Statistics), Teagan Kocaj walks us through some of her favorite sights and studies as part of her semester in Florence, Italy.

Teagan is one of over 200 undergraduate business students broadening their horizons by studying abroad during their Junior year at Wake Forest University.

Think strategically, Act practically, Lead ethically.

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Evolving with the market through active engagement

Providing cuttingedge solutions to help organizations prosper 12

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GUIDING FUTURE LEADERS

Business that creates a better world BUSINESS.WFU.EDU

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JULIE WAYNE: LEADING WITH INTEGRITY As a Wake Forest School of Business professor, Julie Wayne has a “mission to prepare students to be the best professionals and leaders they can be.”

“But I also want them to be the best human beings they can be in their personal lives, too. It sounds corny, but I mean it sincerely,” says Wayne, who is the David C. Darnell Presidential Chair in Principled Leadership.

Whether through her research or her teaching, Wayne considers the whole person and how they can reach

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their full potential to live satisfying, productive and meaningful lives. Her groundbreaking research helped define the concept of work-family enrichment, and this summer, she received the Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research for her work examining the invisible family load in the paper “Who’s Remembering to Buy the Eggs?

The Meaning, Measurement and Implications of Invisible Family Load.”

The prestigious award is presented by the Center for Families at Purdue University and the Boston College Center for Work & Family. Wayne’s current research delves into several aspects of work and neurodiversity.

But this fall, Wayne’s focus is on teaching her favorite course, the Calloway Leadership Experience, a Business & Enterprise Management seminar for undergraduate seniors.

The seminar is named for the late Wayne Calloway, former chair and CEO of Pepsico, and former chair of BUSINESS.WFU.EDU

the Wake Forest University board of trustees.

“His definition of leadership was getting results with integrity,” Wayne says. “I would add that leadership is getting results through relationships with integrity because you can get results with integrity by yourself, but you cannot lead by yourself.”

During their undergraduate education, students naturally focus on building skills as individual contributors or team members. “In this course, we’re trying to shift their mindset and their skill set from ‘It’s all about my performance’ to ‘It’s all about the people I can have an impact on,’” Wayne says. “Leadership comes from looking around and saying, ‘Where can I make a difference?’ and accepting the responsibility to do that.”

In the course, Wayne uses selfassessments, as well as 360-degree feedback (including input from the students’ summer internship managers

and co-workers) to help students better understand “who they are and how that shapes how they lead.”

“Every (project) idea must serve humanity in some way,” such as focusing on food insecurity in Winston-Salem, Wayne says.

Open to all Business & Enterprise Management majors, the course is offered in “We pull this all together, getting small sections that allow Wayne to work closely with each student. students to think about, ‘As I wrap “It’s a very intensive, individualized pedagogy,” she says. “… If I can create an up my time at Wake Forest and I have environment where I’m excited and enthusiastic, I feel like it’s contagious for all these foundational pieces of my my students. I don’t want to be a ‘sage on the stage’ lecturing. I want a vibrant education in place, who do I want to classroom in terms of discussions that are practical, applied and inclusive.” be as a leader? What are my strengths, “As you can tell, I’m super excited about what we do in this course,” Wayne adds. my weaknesses, my shadows, my opportunities for development, my plan “… I hear from alums, ‘Your class is what I’ve ended up using and thinking about the most.’ That’s the best feedback you can get.” for development?”

With the knowledge gleaned from the assessments, students then work on developing their leadership skills.

“We talk about how leadership is fundamentally about influence. How do you have influence even when you don’t have formal authority? And leadership is about relationships,” Wayne says.

“So, we talk about building strong relationships through trust, crucial conversations, accountability and empathy. How do you empower, coach and develop others? We talk about leading people who are different from you.”

The course, which the School first offered about 15 years ago, continually evolves. Today, Wayne relies less on textbooks and instead carefully curates articles from academic journals and the business and popular press, as well as videos and podcasts. It’s a way of presenting the most-up-to-date research and data through media most engaging to college seniors.

At the end of the seminar, Wayne brings in a diverse range of leaders who share their own experiences communicating, inspiring and achieving a vision. An experiential final project allows students to display their leadership skills, from delegating to giving feedback. To encourage students to think broadly and practically while demonstrating their abilities, Wayne requires students to tie their final project to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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Farrell Hall. As the Peter C. Brockway STACIE PETTER: Chair and Professor of Management Information Systems, she continues NEW her research, which focuses on how use and manage information OPPORTUNITIES people technology in both organizations TO FOSTER THE and throughout the broader society, that’s utilizing IT to combat GREATER GOOD whether the horrors of human trafficking or A Wake Forest University School of Business professor, Stacie Petter has moved across campus to serve as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs.

As the first person in the newly created position, Petter is shaping the job, which she describes as being an “advocate responsible for all the aspects, policies and procedures related to the faculty life cycle, from recruitment to retirement and, hopefully, the many years in between.”

creating a framework for understanding why some groups are targeted on social media.

“I am still making time for research,” Petter says. “This morning, I devoted some time to it. I have a research writing group with some of our newer faculty, and we were all gathered in a room together, writing. It was fun!”

“I’m focused on how we, university-wide, support our faculty through recruiting, hiring and onboarding,” she says, “and how we create policies, whether for medical leave, workloads, promotion, tenure or faculty development, to give our faculty the opportunities to be the best teacher-scholars they can be.” The University has nearly 675 faculty.

Petter’s research topics may seem beyond the scope of typical business school scholarship but, she notes, they fit comfortably within the University’s motto: Pro Humanitate (“for humanity”).

“I’m focusing on the impact of technology, and we have a shared language across the School of Business, across the entire University: Let’s do things for the greater good and leave the world better than we found it,” Petter says.

And now, as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Petter has an opportunity to foster the greater good in new ways.

Her initial goals include identifying and enabling opportunities for crossschool collaboration among faculty.

“In university settings, it’s easy for us to be siloed and focused on the people we know in our buildings or departments or schools,” Petter says.

“One thing I’m enjoying about this job is getting a better understanding of how different schools and departments do things well. How can we learn and transfer those lessons across different units on campus? How can we open up opportunities where faculty can

The new role is a good fit for her, Petter says, because she’s long had an interest in helping and guiding others, such as doctoral candidates. Now, she says, she is “mentoring and helping to support faculty at different stages of their professional lives.”

Although Petter’s new office is in Reynolda Hall, she retains close ties to

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Her research, including early work in more traditional IT subjects, has been published in the European Journal of Information Systems, MIS Quarterly and the Journal of the Association for Information Systems. Much of her current research is funded by National Science Foundation grants.

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collaborate and work across schools, including teaching across schools?”

An overarching goal is to ensure that all of Petter’s efforts fit within the School’s vision and mission.

“Whenever I’m talking with folks, one of the things I’m always asking is, ‘How does this relate to our new framework?’ Some of that means leaning into our core ideals. … We’re sharing knowledge across schools that will help display core ideals and execute goals within the strategic framework.”

Petter says she’s enjoying her new role, “When I was Area Chair (at the School of Business), I always felt it was a good day when I was able to do something that helped a faculty member,” she says. “Hopefully, in this role, I can multiply that to support many more of our faculty. It’s a special thing to be able to do because our faculty are the heart and soul of how we help our students get where they want to go and become who they want to be.”

“I’m focusing on the impact of technology, and we have a shared language across the School of Business, across the entire University: Let’s do things for the greater good and leave the world better than we found it.”

— STACIE PETTER

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REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE THROUGH STRATEGIC RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS Wake Forest Researchers Bridge Business and Medicine to Deliver Real-World Impact The intersection of healthcare and business is a rapidly evolving frontier, where collaboration is unlocking groundbreaking advancements that address complex challenges. At Wake Forest University, this intersection isn’t just theoretical—it’s a thriving reality. Through a growing partnership between the School of Business and the School of Medicine, business acumen meets clinical expertise to cultivate cutting-edge research and drive real impact in how healthcare is delivered to patients across the country.

These collaborative, life-changing healthcare solutions stem from a recently assembled, multidisciplinary collective of faculty members spanning a variety of disciplines across medicine and business. The group is spearheading projects that draw on fields as diverse as operations, organizational behavior, information systems, strategic management, and more—working across a broad spectrum of healthcare domains to address some of today’s most pressing challenges.

“Collaborations between the School of Business and the School of Medicine create opportunities to bring complementary perspectives to complex healthcare challenges,” said Jennifer Claggett, AT&T Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor at the School of Business. “For example, in my discipline of Information Systems, we use systems thinking to better understand how technologies can be designed and implemented to support both clinicians and patients. These kinds of interdisciplinary efforts – like those fostered through this new initiative – are essential for driving meaningful healthcare innovation.”

Claggett is also an associate at the Wake Forest School of Medicine's Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) and the Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI), where she collaborates on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of technology, data analytics, and healthcare.

Another member of the collective is Amol Joshi, who serves as Thomas H. Davis Professor in Business and an Associate Professor of Strategic Management. He is also an Affiliate Faculty Member of the School of Medicine in the Centers for Healthcare Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Precision Medicine.

“One of the unique things about Wake Forest is that though we are perhaps a smaller institution, we have a lot under one roof,” he says. “I have a joint appointment on the faculty in the School of Medicine, and just yesterday I was on a call with folks from the School of Law and Engineering Department. We’re all working on the regulation of software as a medical device, which intersects all our areas of expertise.”

One example of this synergy is LAUNCH, hosted by the Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI). LAUNCH is an annual incubator, competition, and accelerator program that brings together experts from across the Atrium Health enterprise. Created in 2022, this weekend-long event provides a platform for trailblazers in medicine, business, and technology to showcase innovative ideas while competing for crucial funding and resources to bring their projects to life.

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we published developed a framework to highlight critical questions and interaction points that should be considered when implementing RPM in clinical settings.”

“While LAUNCH is structured as a competition, its real value lies in the collaboration it fosters,” said Claggett. “Many of us from the School of Business serve as mentors and consultants during the event, helping clinical teams shape their proposals, tell their stories more effectively, and present a compelling business case for their ideas.”

Through the impactful research these joint efforts are producing, faculty and students are not just observing healthcare challenges; they’re solving them.

Notably, there are several standout projects currently shaping the future of healthcare innovation at Wake Forest University.

Case in point, a collaborative study led by researchers from the Wake Forest School of Business (Jennifer Claggett, Amol Joshi and Stacie Petter, the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs), the School of Medicine (Eric Kirkendall), and the University of Tennessee’s Research Foundation (Todd Ponzio) proposes a comprehensive framework to strengthen the design and delivery of remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs – from secure data collection to producing actionable insights for clinicians.

While RPM is often seen as a key part of healthcare’s future, implementing it effectively remains complex. By addressing barriers to scale and sustainability, the project offers a path forward for expanding access and promoting equity in healthcare delivery.

“Current research on remote patient monitoring often highlights the results of single, small-scale interventions. It can be difficult to take lessons learned from these studies and apply them to new contexts or use these findings when trying to scale up RPM interventions in larger clinical settings,” said Petter. “The paper

In another new study, Claggett and Elena Karahanna (University of Georgia) identify specific ways hospital technologies can better support timely, effective teamwork, especially in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms. Electronic health records (EHRs) were created to store patient data, but how and when they’re accessed by healthcare professionals make them well-positioned to impact coordination.

By analyzing real-world episodes of clinical coordination, the researchers surfaced key features that may help teams share information when it matters most. They also discovered that the right combination of features depends on the type of task.

Catalyzed by a shared spirit of collaboration and striving to create a better world, these and other ongoing studies are offering a framework to address pressing issues impacting healthcare systems that will ultimately help enable safer, more efficient care today and in the future.

CONTRIBUTORS

Eric Park

Yeongin Kim

Zlatana Nenova

Pelin Pekgun

Utilizes data-driven methodologies to analyze how policy designs affect the operations of healthcare systems and studies how to improve the delivery of care.

Focuses on the intersection of information technology and decision-making in healthcare and digital platforms, with a growing emphasis on the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Specializes in healthcare analytics, with a particular emphasis on how machine learning, artificial intelligence, and dynamic programming models can enhance care for patients with chronic conditions.

Research interests include applications of management science and operations research in supply chain management, pricing and revenue management, marketing/operations interface, and humanitarian and nonprofit operations.

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“Our outlook is rooted in realizing the full potential of purposeful cross-collaboration across initiatives that drive real impact."

- Dean Annette L. Ranft

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INTRODUCING THE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COLLABORATIVE Driving transformative programs across key areas of focus at the School of Business.

A year ago, Dean Annette L. Ranft announced the formation of the Strategic Initiatives Collaborative during her annual State of the School address to faculty and staff. She explained that the team was established to concentrate on three specific areas critical to the alignment of the strategy of the School of Business with the University’s strategic framework. These areas are:

Global Community Engagement Emerging Technologies Sustainability Fast-forward to today, nearly a full calendar year later, and the Collaborative is actively preparing for its sophomore season. Following an inaugural term filled with several new programs and initiatives, one thing is certain – change is coming, but the mission remains the same.

“Our outlook is rooted in realizing the full potential of purposeful cross-collaboration across initiatives that drive real impact. We aim to further integrate new strategic services and offerings into the experience of our students and faculty, as well as our larger community,” said Ranft. “To help navigate this journey, the Strategic Initiatives Collaborative will continue to help us move towards stronger alignment with our legacy and mission to educate, inspire and help businesses and organizations create a better world.”

To better illustrate the impact of these new initiatives, we're highlighting the many great achievements from the past academic year while also looking ahead to upcoming programming that will continue to help fulfill the Collaborative's mission.

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Global Engagement & Community Impact With over two decades in both national and global education, Roderick Lewis, Executive Director, Global Engagement and Community Impact, understands what individuals need in order to get the most out of their time with an organization— and the need for that dynamic to be reciprocated.

“Strategic, focused, and innovative engagement practices have the potential to create competitive advantage for the Wake Forest School of Business in continuing to foster an ecosystem that graduates future global leaders who will in turn provide competitive advantage to organizations through their ability to identify, assess, and minimize barriers that negatively impact marginalized and underserved people internal to their organizations, and external to it.”

— Roderick Lewis 22

Bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge in higher education, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness, Lewis provides vision and leadership for initiatives that advance the School’s mission through global engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and strategic community partnerships to: Attract students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Foster awareness and appreciation of different worldviews and cultures.

Equip students with the skills to work across industries, borders, and teams.

Encourage adaptability, open-mindedness, and ethical decision-making.

These priorities serve as a baseline for gauging where the School sits with BUSINESS.WFU.EDU

students, faculty, and staff as part of its guidepost for Global Community Engagement.

“In alignment with the School of Business mission to develop passionate, ethical business leaders who achieve results with integrity via thought leadership, rigorous academic preparation, and unrivaled connection to the market, leadership is committed to pursuing an organizational environment of Global Community Engagement,” Lewis said. “Global Community Engagement at the School is our commitment to creating a welcoming, connected, and purposedriven community. We bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners to build meaningful relationships that enhance learning and

prepare our graduates for success in an interconnected world."

This vision for Global Community Engagement actively promotes and invests in activities that enhance the School's reputation as a school of choice, an employer of choice, and a community partner by preparing graduates to: Lead with integrity and character in global business settings.

Collaborate across cultures and organizational boundaries.

Communicate with clarity and curiosity, and solve complex problems with creativity and insight.

Highlights Black-owned Business Market and Women-owned Business Market In partnership with the Intercultural Center and Women's Center, these events provided new customers, financial benefits, and increased brand awareness for over 25 Women and Minority-Owned Businesses.

Campus Climate Survey In an effort to get high survey completion rates in the School of Business, key metrics for surveys completed by students (30%), faculty (88%), and staff (66%) were successfully delivered.

Call to Conversation Series This event was designed to improve the capacity of the School's Faculty and Staff to have open communications on challenging topics that included AntiDEI Legislation, international military conflicts, illegal immigration; and the intersection of race, gender, sexual orientation, and economics in sports, exemplified by professional basketball player Caitlin Clark.

Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program (Business Institute)

Priorities Contribute to Enhancing Global/Multicultural Mindsets that Enable Student Success in Complex Cultural Landscapes Classes, programs, and learning communities will be evaluated using the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Assessment tool and the Cultural Intelligence Assessment tool to measure efforts to enhance the intercultural competencies of students, faculty, and staff. In particular these competencies are strengthened through the undergraduate Organizational Behavior coursework and MBA Program Global Immersion Courses.

Cross-Cultural Business Talks Series and Navigating Global Cultures This platform helps students explore multicultural business topics using analytical frameworks. They analyze global business practices, cultural values, and solutions-oriented dialogue, all culminating in the completion of a related business case challenge.

Inclusive Pedagogy Learning Community Pilot (in partnership with the Center for Advanced Teaching) This pilot aims to develop teaching practices that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our domestic and international students. Faculty participants will implement an inclusive pedagogy activity within a two-semester learning community.

Community Service Impact Program (in collaboration with the Office of Civic & Community Engagement) Utilizing WFU’s GivePulse platform, a School of Business group was created to measure the socioeconomic impact our students, staff, and faculty have on the community through various community service initiatives, service-learning projects, consulting projects, and capstones.

Belonging & Inclusion Leadership Summit (in partnership with Inclusive Excellence, WFU Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and WillHouse Global Consulting) Co-founded with Dr. William Lewis of WillHouse Global, this inaugural Summit took place this Spring and was designed to empower leaders across industries to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and positioned to drive innovation and achieve high performance.

Workshops were presented to over 100 High School students where they analyzed international business cases using the research-based "10 Cultural Country Clusters" and "10 Cultural Behavior Preferences" frameworks.

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Online Strategy & Instructional Technology Innovation Established in January 2023, the Online Strategy and Instructional Technology team is committed to charting a course for technology-enhanced education at the Wake Forest University School of Business. In alignment with the Wake Forest University strategic framework and School of Business mission, the following four guiding principles were identified: Empower: We are committed to fostering a culture of collaborative learning and continuous technological enhancement, building on the strong knowledge base our community already possesses. Together, we will expand our technological capabilities and apply innovative solutions throughout our organization.

Innovate: We are committed to harnessing the transformative potential of emerging technologies. We will actively seek the integration of cuttingedge developments in technologies such as AI, Web3, and extended reality into the core of our mission.

Transform: We aspire to thoughtfully incorporate advanced technology into our existing transformational educational model—supercharging it to be immersive and inclusive, preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to address the world's most challenging problems.

Access: We will leverage the full spectrum of today's technological capabilities to guarantee that all aspiring students can access a business education at Wake Forest. Our commitment to inclusive excellence is matched by our dedication to providing a platform that makes higher learning in business both accessible and adaptable to everyone's needs.

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At the Wake Forest School of Business, our initiatives in Online Strategy and Instructional Technology Innovation are transforming education. By aligning our efforts with our strategic priorities, we're creating a vibrant, future-ready learning environment that prepares our students for success beyond the classroom.

Anchored in these themes, the team aims to contribute to a dynamic business education, one that is personal, flexible, and immersive.

This structure enhances the impact of experiential learning, bridging textbook and classroom experiences with real world application and ensuring students are well-equipped for their transition to the workplace.

Technology Enhanced Education Collaborations

Team Member Feedback Leadership Simulation In partnership with the Allegacy Center for Leadership & Character, Pat Sweeney, and Looking Glass XR, this virtual reality simulation allows students to use VR to hone their feedback skills. They are tasked with providing underperforming teammates feedback through the 'BIC' (Behavior, Impact, Change) model, an exercise which promotes effective communication and peer leadership.

AI for Good Conference School of Business AI-focused teammates presented a session called "AI Unboxed: Understanding the Technology and Its Human-Like Behavior" at this conference organized by the University.

Highlights Digital Twin Launched The Collaborative team and its partners launched a virtual reality copy or 'digital twin' of Farrell Hall, which serves myriad educational and engagement purposes and provides both undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience with the technology.

AI-driven Teaching Innovation The School of Business is invested in several key areas: • Content Creation: Utilizing platforms like Synthesia for AIgenerated videos in courses such as Finance and Accounting.

• Academic Support: Exploring generative AI applications to enhance academic support.

As the landscape of education is • Assessment Practices: Piloting AI-driven assessments to streamline undergoing a significant transformation, evaluation processes. the Wake Forest School of Business aims to be at the forefront of this evolution Priorities and is focused on carving out a robust technology-enhanced education strategy. Expanding Our XR Initiative This focus aligns seamlessly with the With plans to deepen XR explorations, the School is partnering with industry leaders like Lowes School’s strategic priorities and sets Foods and Westrock Packaging to bring retail merchandising into the virtual realm. students, faculty and staff up for success Launch 2.0 Version of Building AI Fluency Learning Series in today’s tech-driven world. Several Extends this 8-part learning series for faculty and staff into even deeper understanding of AI topics recent technology investments are and trends in order to inspire practical applications in their daily work. guided by this strategy, including many that are being implemented directly into Hyflex Learning Pilot course experiences: Retail Marketing & Merchandising in Virtual Reality (Extended Reality)

Hyflex learning is an innovative teaching approach the School is exploring that combines online and in-person instruction, and offers students greater flexibility.

This partnership with Lowes Foods, Smurfit/ Westrock Packaging, WFUSB Retail Learning Labs and the MS in Management program brings students directly into the merchandising decisionmaking process by using virtual, immersive technologies to allow students to experience the store environment from anywhere.

AI for Good Conference

Building AI Fluency Learning Series In collaboration with the Center for Analytics Impact and the Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Innovation, Shannon McKeen, this series helps School faculty and staff to develop a foundational understanding of advancements in AI through the growth and adoption of Generative AI.

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Sustainability Initiatives As Director of Sustainability Initiatives, Ashley Wilcox collaborates with the University’s Office of Sustainability and related academic centers and institutes to integrate a sustainability focus into key areas within the School of Business.

With Wilcox’s guidance, the School’s approach is driven by a commitment to prepare ethical leaders who understand the interconnectedness of economic success and the well-being of humanity. These efforts seek to embody the principles of "Pro Humanitate" and answer three core questions – how might the School: Equip and empower students to create positive change wherever they may go.

Engage and develop faculty to drive rigorous research and teaching excellence in sustainability and societal impact.

Collaborate with different communities (internal and external to WFUSB) to foster multidisciplinary approaches to address grand challenges.

“​​At the Wake Forest University School of Business, sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship,” said Wilcox. “It is an essential element for fostering societal well-being and creating a resilient, equitable future. We see sustainability as a driver of innovation, a means to mitigate risk, and a catalyst for creating long-term value for both organizations and society.”

To foster an educational environment that both teaches and practices sustainability and positive societal impact, new programming has been introduced at the School, including: ClimateCAP

The School of Business became an official ClimateCAP partner school. ClimateCAP is an initiative out of the Fuqua School of Business at Duke and is a convening group and resource for MBA programs and students across the country that focuses on how to be effective climate-conscious leaders and navigate the new climate economy.

professionals in a different way, through nature! From gardening in the Campus Garden, hiking at Hanging Rock, to kayaking the Yadkin River, students are able to learn how personal interests, like a love of nature, can positively influence professional and personal well-being.

“By embedding sustainability and its societal implications into curriculum, research initiatives, and community collaborations, the School of Business is not just reacting to current trends but actively participating in molding a future where business success is synonymous with positive societal impact,” said Wilcox.

Highlights Pioneering the Sustainability Roundtable The School sponsored the Piedmont Environmental Alliance's Sustainability Roundtable, which brought together leaders from diverse sectors and led to the creation of apprenticeship opportunities in the clean energy sector and to sustainability-focused municipal ordinance advocacy.

Priorities Expanding Sustainability Education The School of Business will enhance its sustainability-focused course offerings and develop a new resource hub to provide faculty with case studies, lesson plans, and research tools to integrate sustainability into their teaching.

Truist Futures Forward Sustainability Conference The School partnered with the Truist Foundation and the Andrew Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability in a two-day conference covering a wide range of sustainability topics, and which featured PulitzerPrize winning author of The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert.

Empowering Students through the Business Sustainability Student Advisory Council The newly established Business Sustainability Student Advisory Council serves students passionate about environmental stewardship. This group will advocate for sustainable practices within the School of Business, engage peers in sustainability initiatives, and provide feedback to faculty and administration.

Course Collaboration | Sustainability at Work

Creating a Business That Thinks Like a Tree (ENV 304) is a short course collaboration made possible by a partnership with the undergraduate Environment and Sustainabilities Program. Led by Elysa Hammond, former Senior VP of Environmental Stewardship at CLIF Bar, students gain insights on how to lead and implement sustainability efforts within an organization and career opportunities in sustainability across a variety of business sectors.

Career Exploration Through Nature

In partnership with Outdoor Pursuits, this new spin on career treks connects students with alumni and industry

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BEYOND THE

CLASSROOM

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Learn More: MBA Global Immersion Program

For Wake Forest MBA students, business education doesn’t stop at the classroom door—or even the border. Through the Global Immersion experience, students explore firsthand how international markets operate and how cultural context shapes business decisions. Whether walking the historic trading floors in Zurich, meeting tech entrepreneurs in Dubai, or learning from corporate leaders in Iceland and Morocco, students gain real-world insight into the global economy. Each destination—past trips have included Portugal, India, China, and more—offers a rich blend of business visits, cultural discovery, and shared experiences that expand worldviews and forge lifelong connections.

These immersive journeys bring classroom concepts to life on a global stage.

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HANDS-ON LEARNING, REALWORLD RESULTS How experiential learning is enhancing business education at Wake Forest by keeping students' fingers on the pulse of today’s marketplace.

How often does theory prove true when put into practice? At the Wake Forest School of Business, students are discovering exactly how their coursework can be taken from the classroom to the boardroom – all in real-time with real organizations.

According to Shannon McKeen, Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Innovation at the School, this methodology is becoming the rule, not the exception, when it comes to preparing students to take on the challenges they’ll surely face once they leave campus and enter their professions.

“In a world of smartphones, the internet and Generative AI, knowledge is increasingly easier to find; knowing what to trust and how to apply that knowledge in an impactful way may be getting harder. Experiential learning courses provide a medium to apply that knowledge and hopefully gain some wisdom and critical thinking that can only come through experience,” said McKeen.

Having previously taught at UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University and Dartmouth College, McKeen’s work focuses on data science, experiential learning and professional skills development. Prior to academia, he spent 30 years in industry as a consultant and executive in sales and 30

marketing, including roles at Price Waterhouse Coopers and Hanesbrands.

Associate Director of Experiential Learning Angie Lynde.

“At Wake Forest, this dynamic approach Spanning the 10 months that MSM is not just a supplementary component. students are enrolled, the summer and It’s a cornerstone of the University's fall experiential learning opportunities 10-year quality enhancement plan that’s build to the spring semester when designed to enrich the educational individual teams of 4-5 students are journey of our students,” said McKeen. paired with a company or organization “By integrating real-world projects to solve a real business problem. and hands-on opportunities into the “The Graduate Consulting Projects curriculum, we’re helping to ensure that provided invaluable experience that our graduates are not only well-versed I continually draw from in my role in business theories, but also adept at as a Planning Analyst at Qorvo,” said applying these concepts in practical Samantha Ashby, a 2023 graduate of settings.” the MSM program. “I gained a deep McKeen has taught the MSBA understanding of the strength that Practicum, a four-course sequence comes from effective teamwork and over 28 weeks as part of the Master how to adapt to unexpected challenges. of Science in Business Analytics Through these projects, I didn’t just (MSBA) program. It provides handslearn the importance of delivering on on experiential learning, where teams time for customers—I also developed of 4-5 students collaborate on projects the skills necessary to do so effectively. with corporate sponsors to deliver end- Undergraduates at Wake Forest to-end analytics solutions.

University also have the opportunity "Experiential learning has been a transformative part of my education, particularly through the Practicum,” said Shanay Sonawala, a recent MSBA graduate. “This program enabled me to develop both leadership and technical skills in a real-world context.

Our project with the Winston-Salem Fire Department, where we created a real-time data dashboard to improve emergency response times, involved direct collaboration with the Fire Department and other professionals.

This hands-on experience pushed us to apply our academic knowledge in ways that had tangible impacts.”

Engaging with real companies is helping teach students how to communicate effectively with professionals, manage expectations and navigate the complexities of realworld business challenges. For Master of Science in Management (MSM) students, that instruction takes place in the Graduate Consulting Project Program, coordinated by Senior

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to participate in experiential learning by enrolling in BEM 392: Seminar in Mathematical Business Analysis. Taught

by Associate Professor of Business Analytics Chris Smith, the main purpose of this seminar is to develop the capability to apply quantitative knowledge to real and ill-defined problems.

“The seminar tries to bridge the gap between the theory of quantitative decision approaches such as management science/operations research, information systems and statistics (now mainly collected in the Business Analytics field) and the application of these approaches to the solution of actual business problems,” said Smith.

With these three programs as the foundation, the future of experiential education at Wake Forest is—much like the world of business—constantly evolving and being shaped by the world around us. And for students, that’s exactly what it takes to drive change at

MSM students worked with Sunrise Technologies to help streamline their marketing and sales process as part of the Graduate Consulting Project.

Student engaging with a VR digital grocery store experience.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES MSBA Practicum A key, hands-on component of the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, where students work with real companies on real-world projects using actual data sets.

MSBA Draft Night As part of their year-long Business Practicum projects, MS in Business Analytics students “draft” their corporate partners with whom they collaborate with to tackle real-world challenges.

“One of the main reasons why I came to this program was the practicum project" - Ella Prince, MSBA Student

their future organizations.

“This kind of interaction goes beyond textbook learning; it equips us with the ability to leverage our knowledge to solve pressing real-world professional problems and make informed decisions,” said Trinity Elliott, another recent MSBA graduate. "By the time we graduate, we’re not just well-versed in analytical and technical knowledge—we’re fully prepared to step into the professional world and ready to make an immediate impact."

MBA Global Immersion Offers students the opportunity to gain insights into international business practices and cultural approaches, broaden their networks with Wake MBA peers and local leaders, and experience diverse global sites, meals, and entertainment.

Decision Analytics Capstone Provides Decision Analytics majors with a forum where they can actually see how the mathematical, statistical and computer techniques can be brought to bear on many business problems in a variety of business functions.

Graduate Consulting Project Designed to provide MSM students with a world-class experiential learning opportunity, these projects take place year-round and span all functional areas of business from marketing and human resources to finance and analytics.

MSA Internships Coinciding with the busy tax season, these optional nine-week paid internship positions provide MSA students with invaluable real-world experience prior to graduation.

BEM Internships Provides Business and Enterprise Management majors with unique career-related learning opportunities to gain valuable experience, apply their skills, and make business contacts in a variety of organizational settings.

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“The GCP truly integrated coursework with hands-on consulting experience in a way that was seamless and fulfilling.”

- Yamille Stanley Ruiz

Graduate Consulting Project: Winning Presentation Over 7 weeks during the Fall semester, MSM students were tasked with developing an innovative plan to bring a vibrant community space to Winston-Salem. After presenting their proposal to School of Business faculty and staff, students Yamille Stanley Ruiz, Kyndall Villareal, Jaime Santer, George Siemion and Hayley Tapp advanced to the final round and were selected for the winning presentation of the 2024 Graduate Consulting Project, delivered to project client Front Street Capital.

“I really appreciated those moments when I could pinpoint something I had learned in a lecture become a key focus point to take into a client meeting or presentation," reflected Ruiz "Creating our presentation was not only the culmination of our research and the execution of our vision, but a celebration of our teamwork,” Ruiz explained.

Their work will now be considered by Front Street Capital as part of their development of The Grounds - a fantastic opportunity for the team to see their ideas come to life.

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A 100-acre mixed use development in the Deacon Boulevard area that will be a year-round gathering place blending vibrant and unique retail, food and beverage options, entertainment, offices, activities, walking trails, and new styles of residential living all in one community hub.

The Future of Retail, Today VR/AR (virtual reality/augmented reality) has revolutionized marketing campaigns by creating space for interactive experiences at the touch of a button. Kash Walton, a senior XR Immersive Designer with Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging, recently inspired students by sharing a taste of the future of tech-driven branding.

Students didn’t just hear about the possibilities, they experienced them. With VR headsets on, they navigated a virtual grocery store, unlocking the endless potential of immersive tech.

Kash Walton, Smurfit Westrock

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Pre-Wall Street Career Track Travels to NY The Pre-Wall Street Career Track, launched in 2018 with donor support, provides targeted academic and career preparation for first-year Wake Forest University students intending to pursue careers in financial services, such as Investment Banking, Asset Management, Sales & Trading, and Private Equity.

Led by Program Director and Professor of the Practice in Finance Marty Malloy, who brings extensive Wall Street experience, the program has been completed by over 200 students who are now working at top firms across the country. As part of this year's trek to New York City, students experienced work and life in the fast-paced world of finance, and through the efforts of alumni at various firms were able to visit major companies like RBC, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Wells Fargo, Barclays, Bank of America, JPMorgan, and Jefferies, in addition to the New York Stock Exchange. During these visits, students connected with executives and alumni to explore career opportunities.

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“One of the most impactful moments of the trip was visiting the New York Stock Exchange and witnessing the opening bell. Standing on the historic trading floor, surrounded by the energy and urgency of the market in motion, brought everything I’ve learned about finance to life.

It was a powerful reminder of the scale and pace of the industry, and it deepened my motivation to pursue a career where those dynamics are part of everyday work. The experience made the abstract concepts I’ve studied feel tangible and reaffirmed my passion for this field.”

Charlotte Shebby, Pre-Wall Street Career Track Participant

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CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY A Bed and A Book Event In partnership with A Bed and A Book, students, faculty, staff and volunteers gathered to build beds for children across the Triad and Western North Carolina. Teams also built and decorated their beds before racing around Farrell Hall as part of the inaugural Bed Race, helping to raise thousands of dollars and provide nearly 100 children a cozy new bed to call their own.

On a mission to create safe and enriching environments where every child can dream, A Bed and A Book helps provide clean, comfortable, age appropriate beds and books to children ages up to age 18.

BED RACE HIGHLIGHTS

Accounting for the Future Sponsored by Deloitte.

The Wake Forest School of Business is strongly committed to supporting the University’s mission of creating a learning environment that fosters inclusive excellence. In the spirit of creating opportunities for qualified students who are dedicated to pursuing a career in public accounting, we are proud to continue the Accounting for the Future program, sponsored

by Deloitte.

Accepted Students demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for the challenges faced by members of demographic groups underrepresented in the field of public accounting. Students get to connect with the Wake Forest community, engage with students from across the country, and network with Deloitte professionals.

EVENT PHOTOS

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MSBA Center for Analytics Impact Nonprofit Clinic

“For me, the clinic demonstrated why Wake Forest is at the heart of business.

We went beyond teaching analytics to demonstrating how it can be used as a force for good."

Students and faculty turned classroom knowledge into real-world solutions during a data clinic organized by the Center for Analytics Impact. The initiative partnered with nonprofits to tackle pressing data challenges, fostering both learning and community impact.

“The clinic demonstrated what we mean by analytics impact,” said Shannon McKeen, Executive Director of the Center for Analytics Impact. “Our students weren't just applying skills, they were helping organizations solve real world problems. When you see a not for profit leave with a clear road map for using data to help their clients, that's analytics having an impact.”

- Shannon McKeen

Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Innovation

Justin Simpkins & Leigh Walters Selected as Class of 2025 Best Brightest by Poets & Quants Two Wake Forest School of Business students named among the 100 best and brightest business majors. The Poets & Quants for Undergrads feature highlights students from the top 50 undergraduate business schools who personify the best in business education.

Justin Simpkins l Business & Enterprise Management Major “I had the opportunity to work with Justin in our Principles of Marketing course here in the School of Business at Wake Forest. Justin applied—consistently—his business acumen to rigorous case analyses in which he and his team took part in the course.

Through his unwavering dedication and his relentless pursuit of excellence, he has set an inspiring example of leadership in both the School of Business and as the leader of our Undergraduate Business Student Council. Justin’s ability to unite diverse perspectives, to empower others, and to navigate challenges has left an indelible mark on our School," said Kenny Herbst, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Business Program.

Leigh Walters l Finance Major “Leigh’s contributions extended beyond technical expertise – she was a highly collaborative class member with her classmates, demonstrating strong leadership in team-based projects. Her combination of financial acumen and mathematical proficiency makes her a truly outstanding candidate for this recognition. I have no doubt that Leigh will make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry after graduating from Wake Forest University," said Mark Johnson, Faculty Fellow in Investments and Portfolio Management.

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Discover more in this Q&A with Kim McCaslin

The Hylton Lecture Series: Private Equity & Value Creation Kim McCaslin Partner and Head of the North America Portfolio Group at Bain Capital.

The Wake Forest School of Business recently had the privilege of hosting Kimberly McCaslin ('93), Partner and Head of the North America Portfolio Group at Bain Capital.

Prior to joining Bain Capital, McCaslin was a Vice President of M&A and Corporate Development for Capital One Financial. Before that, she was a Principal at Mercer Management Consulting, where she advised companies across a variety of industries. She started her career at Accenture, focusing primarily on business process redesign and financial systems development.

When discussing her full circle moment of returning to campus, McCaslin - a business major and music minor - explained that the distinctive part of her Wake Forest experience was how professors and the community worked together.

"The combination of the business school professors who moved exams so that I could do what I needed to do at the music school and the music school faculty that similarly were flexible with what I needed to accomplish so that I could participate fully in the business school activities was really a great example of how the Wake Forest community invests in our students."

She went on to advise students to take advantage of everything they can learn from any situation they are in as they step out into the world, as well as the importance of having a growth mindset and a learning orientation.

"If you take advantage of every opportunity that's given to you and figure out what you can learn from it, that will just allow you to step into that next opportunity even more prepared," McCaslin said. "Learning doesn't stop here, it continues throughout your entire career. We're always learning something new every day and to keep that mindset is really valuable."

The Hylton Lecture Series in Accountancy was established in 1980 to honor Delmar P. Hylton, who started Wake Forest’s accountancy program in 1949 and helped build it into one of the top accounting programs in the nation.

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Wake Forest School of Business Inclusion Weekend Open to college juniors and seniors from all undergraduate institutions to learn more about careers in business, Inclusion Weekend participants join faculty and current students to explore the School’s curriculum and admissions processes.

The two-day event featured keynote speakers, an alumni and student panel, and opportunities to engage in the student experience through team-building activities.

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“You are leaving an unforgettable legacy as leaders who have demonstrated grit and resilience, invested in your own learning and personal growth, and shared your diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives with all of us in impactful ways during your time here,” Ranft said. “The completion of your graduate program reflects a significant accomplishment and we are so pleased to see you reach this special milestone in your life’s journey.”

- Dean Annette L. Ranft 40

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2025 HOODING CEREMONY Carmine Di Sibio, former Global Chairman and CEO of EY, and Member of the School's Board of Visitors, delivered the keynote address. A first-generation college graduate originally from Italy, Di Sibio has a career spanning nearly four decades of global financial services, risk management and leadership. EY, one of the largest professional services firms globally, generates billions in revenue while serving clients in over 150 countries.

To honor his significant contributions to the business world and his commitment to modeling Pro Humanitate, the university awarded Di Sibio an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.

During his keynote, Di Sibio shared advice for achieving both personal and professional success. He asked graduates to consider critical values that challenge perceptions about younger generations. First, he encouraged them to be thoughtful, thankful, and express gratitude in their professional and personal lives.

"In almost every business people work in teams, and I think that's incredibly important" Di Sibio also spoke about patience, urging the new alumni to carefully weigh career decisions instead of moving quickly from one job to another in pursuit of higher salaries or perceived better opportunities. He highlighted that 77 percent of new CEOs promoted in 2024 came from within their organizations, and most of those leaders had over 15 years of experience with their current company. He emphasized that long-term commitment within a company often provides the foundation for steady growth and leadership opportunities.

Closing his address, Di Sibio underscored the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence, EQ, alongside intellectual intelligence, IQ. He encouraged students to focus on self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, describing these traits as crucial for building strong leadership and meaningful relationships among team members.

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Business Graduates Honored for Outstanding Leadership and Academic Success

Aashna Sandhya Kumar

Dylan Mini

Matthew Littrell

Academic Excellence in Mathematical Business

Delmer P. Hylton Accountancy Award

This award recognizes a student who has displayed courage in the pursuit of his or her degree.

This award recognizes outstanding academic performance in mathematical business, dedication, and talent.

This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement in accounting.

Nicole Sung

Paul Sposato

Patel Prize in Finance Award

Spirit of Wayne Calloway Award

Ruth Bezawit Kelley & Juan Martinez

This award recognizes a student who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in finance and outstanding contributions to the School of Business community.

This award recognizes a student who exemplifies high personal and professional integrity, a strong sense of personal responsibility, personal and professional growth, uncommon dedication, and talent.

Lura Baker Paden Award

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Scarritt Family Pro Humanitate Award

This award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to others as a student and emerging professional.

Program Leadership Awards Eleven graduate students were presented with the program-specific Student Leadership Award for outstanding leadership, scholastic performance, and integrity:

Beth Easter

Matt Donahue

Bikki Gautam

Winston-Salem Evening MBA (May)

Charlotte Evening MBA (May)

Online MBA (May)

Jonathan Graham

Cole McKibbin

Dane Thomas

Charlotte Hybrid (August)

Online MBA (August)

Online MBA (December)

Hudson Taylor

Allyssa Jane Utecht

Samuel Ross Cameron

MSA

MSBA (May)

Online MSBA (May)

Forrest Uden

Christos Koumpotis

Benjamin Andrew Markell

MSM

Outstanding Graduate Award in Tax Consulting

Online MSBA (August)

Melissa Carver Outstanding Graduate Award in Assurance Services

Grace E. Kleman Outstanding Graduate Award in Financial Markets and Transactions

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ALUMNI AWARDS Three School of Business alumni were recognized for outstanding leadership, service and impact at the annual Alumni Awards Reception.

Sebastian “Sebi” Santamaria (‘21, MSBA ‘22), associate, private equity, at Bain & Company, was named the 2025 winner of the Center for Analytics Impact Alumni Award. Formerly a senior analyst at Delta Air Lines, the project he was nominated for was a transformative analytics initiative that radically improved Delta’s Global Sales Division’s efficiency. By standardizing processes and codifying best practices, teams consolidated 70 dashboards into 12, introduced organization-wide data governance, and adopted a robust community-based intake process.

This strategy not only streamlined weekly executive reporting and cut response times to critical issues, but also saved the division an estimated $18.6 million per year by reducing manual work and empowering self-service analytics across 2.2 million annual dashboard views.

Kelly Smith (’86), recently retired senior vice president & chief financial officer at Replacements Ltd., was named the 2025 recipient of the Allegacy Center for Leadership & Character Excellence in Leadership Alumni Award. Kelly has long been known as a “fixer” or troubleshooter; he helped adjust the Replacements Ltd. business model which dynamically changed the business cash-flow, ushering in an era of prosperity for the business. As a WFU alumnus, he has served as a speaker for MSA Orientation, a judge for classroom projects, a panelist and a mentor for students. In 2009, Kelly was selected as the Triad Business Journal’s “CFO of the Year.” He has also lent his talents to various non-profits, serving as the treasurer of the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, the New Garden Friends School and most recently Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro.

Marc Villegas (MBA ‘05), senior brand director at Procter & Gamble, embodies the values of integrity, character and ethical decision-making, making him a deserving winner of the 2025 Judson D. DeRamus Distinguished Alumni Award. In his 20 years with P&G, Marc has consistently driven business growth, developed future leaders, and pioneered innovations that have created nearly $10 billion in value across multiple brands and business units in North America, Europe and Latin America. During his career, he has trained over 10,000 brand builders globally and mentored dozens of junior marketers. He championed P&G’s Hispanic efforts through leadership in programs including Capitanes del Futuro (a partnership with Major League Soccer) creating mentorship opportunities for Latino youth, and is the driving force behind P&G’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

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FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS & RECOGNITION 2025 Faculty Awards:

Teaching Awards

Deon Strickland, PhD

Justin Martin, PhD

Mark Johnson, PhD

Winston-Salem Evening MBA Teaching Award

Amy Wallis, PhD

Charlotte Hybrid MBA Teaching Award

Charlotte Evening MBA Teaching Award

Mark Johnson, PhD & Amy Wallis, PhD

Whitney Simpson & Jim Willis

Tonya Balan, PhD

MBA Online Teaching Award

MSA Class Teaching Award

Shannon McKeen

Ali Zeytoon-Nejad, PhD

Horace Kelly Alumni Teaching Award Based on nominations from the 10th Anniversary Class to recognize outstanding contribution to the education and personal development of our undergraduate and MSA alumni who graduated 10 years ago

Jenelle Conaway, PhD Spirit Award

Roger Beahm, Rob Nash, PhD, & Scott Shafer, PhD T.B. Rose Fellowship in Business Award Recognizes a notable innovation or initiative related to instruction in our undergraduate or graduate programs

Stephen Smulowitz, PhD Cowan Faculty Research Award

Recognizes a faculty member who displays good citizenship and a positive attitude and inspires other faculty to high achievement

Recognizes a faculty member who represents the highest standards of scholarship

Jennifer Hudson

Tonya Balan, PhD

Service MVP Award Recognizes outstanding service to the School, above and beyond administrative duties

Pelin Pekgün, PhD High Impact Scholarship Award Recognizes a faculty member for his or her significant influence on business practice or pedagogy

MSBA Online Teaching Award

Recognizing outstanding contributions to student education and personal development. (Based on a ballot of all graduating seniors)

MSM Class Teaching Award

MSBA Class Teaching Award (6-time recipient in only 8th year of program’s existence)

Mark Johnson, PhD Senior Class Teaching Award (Second Year in a Row)

Faculty Promotions & Tenure: Jia Li

Tom Canace

Emma Best

Justin Martin

Jennifer Hudson

Awarded Tenure

to Professor

to Associate Teaching Professor

to Associate Teaching Professor

to Senior Lecturer

Kienzle Alumni Teaching Award Voted upon by our MBA, MSM, MSBA and online alumni three years post graduation for outstanding contribution to the education and personal development of our graduate program alumni

Staff Employee of the Year Amanda Horton In recognition of outstanding service to the School

Honoring our Retirees

Gordon McCray Associate Professor of Management Information Systems

30 years of service

Roger Beahm Professor of the Practice for Marketing

20 years of service

Tom Aleman Professor of the Practice for Accounting

7 years of service

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Sharene Pierce (MBA ‘22)

Paul Griggs (’96, MSA ’97)

Madison Carroll Snyder (’14, MSBA ’18)

Lighting the Way for the Next Generation

Alumnus Paul Griggs Selected to Lead PwC US

Alumna Blends Hospitality & Community in Her Own Backyard

"Duke Energy is leading one of the largest clean energy transitions in the nation. As we strive towards our clean energy future, we aspire to reflect the communities we serve. Each day, my team shares rewarding career opportunities with our communities and invests time in nurturing a workplace where everyone can thrive."

Paul Griggs has been elected by PwC’s more than 4,000 US and Mexico partners and principals to serve as the firm’s newest senior partner. His four-year term began on July 1, 2024.

"I’m extremely proud of bringing the management of our first hotel in-house.

When we opened Hyatt Place in downtown Greensboro in 2019, we had never built a hotel, let alone operate one. So, the Hyatt brand required us to have a third-party management company. After about two years I noticed that they really didn’t have a finger on the pulse of our community, and I thought we knew our backyard better than they did."

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

LEARN MORE HERE

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Shaowei Tu (MSM ‘15)

Shana Gregory (MBA ‘22)

Russ Kratzer (MBA ’18)

Alumnus Keeps an Open Mind to Opportunities

Alumna Encourages: “There is Never Just One Path.”

Wake Forest Network Helps Alumnus Connect with Business Partner

"Once the pandemic happened, everything went virtual, and my team went through an international expansion. I took a leap of faith and relocated to London to help grow our EMEA footprint. I ended up calling London home for two years and really got to explore Europe. it was an unbelievable adventure. Last year, I moved back to the States to join my current team, where I am working with one of the largest ISV customer/partners at AWS."

"We had to do a lot of introspection and really think about “who do I want to be as a leader?”

At the time, within my own organization, I was being looked at for progressively larger roles.

So as a part of that process, when I came to my team and said, “I’ve done some thinking and here is who I want to be as a leader – here is the philosophy that I am bringing forward,” it really helped the organization invest in me."

"Strategy professor Ben King introduced me to Retired Vice Admiral John Morgan (CEO of a defense-related company). John needed assistance with an academic analysis for a business proposal, and a WFU business school classmate and I helped him with the project, which included presenting our analysis to potential investors. After the project, John and I stayed in touch to discuss supply chain issues, ideas on how we could help the military and the defense industry in general."

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

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A nearly 30-year PwC veteran, Griggs served on the US Leadership Team as Vice Chair of US Markets, overseeing the strategy and execution of the commercial, people, community and quality efforts across 90+ offices.

LEARN MORE HERE

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READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

More Event Photos

An Evening with the School of Business Alumni Connect in New York Hosted by the Wake Forest School of Business, this annual reception offers prime opportunities for networking, conversation, and community building. This year, attendees were able to connect with School of Business alumni and parents in the NYC area, meet undergraduate students participating in the Pre-Wall Street Career Trek, and chat with faculty and staff from the School including Dean Annette Ranft, who shared brief remarks during the evening's festivities.

Upcoming Events!

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Join thousands of alumni as they return to Mother So Dear for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2025. Class years ending in 0s and 5s will hold reunion events.

Alumni Event Calendar See our full list of events and local alumni meetups here!

You can view and register to attend via this QR Code.

OCT 24th - 26th

STAY CONNECTED! Join the School of Business LinkedIn Group go.wfu.edu/WFUSBConnect Read the latest news and network with School of business alumni, students, faculty, and staff BUSINESS.WFU.EDU

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FEATURED FACULTY RESEARCH John Sumanth, James Farr Faculty Fellow, Sean Hannah, Tylee Wilson Chair in Business Ethics & Sherry Moss, Associate Dean for MBA Programs

Frederick H. Harris, Emeritus Professor of Economics & Finance Does maker-taker limit order subsidy improve market outcomes? Quasi-natural experimental evidence

Jekyll and Hyde leadership: Examining the direct and vicarious experiences of abusive and ethical leadership through a justice variability lens Journal of Applied Psychology

Examining employees’ direct and vicarious experiences of abusive supervision and ethical leadership, this research advances the theories of justice variability and vicarious leadership and (in)justice while also offering practical insights for managing “Jekyll and Hyde” leadership across organizational hierarchies.

Xu, H. H., Hannah, S. T., Wang, Z., Moss, S. E., Sumanth, J. J., & Song, M. (2024). Jekyll and Hyde leadership: Examining the direct and vicarious experiences of abusive and ethical leadership through a justice variability lens. Journal of Applied Psychology.

Journal of Banking & Finance

When NASDAQ slashed trading fees across fourteen stocks, worth US $1.9 trillion in trading volume during the 2015 Fee Pilot experiment, this largest ever controlled market experiment revealed insights about how exchange access fees affect market behaviour, even though the SEC requires that all U.S. trades take place at raw displayed prices.

Lin, Y., Swan, P. L., & Harris, F. H. de B. (2025). Does maker-taker limit order subsidy improve market outcomes? Quasi-natural experimental evidence. Journal of Banking & Finance, 170.

Stephen Smulowitz, Assistant Professor, Strategic Management

Matthew Phillips, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives

The High Cost of Cheap Talk: How Disingenuous Ethical Language Can Reflect Agency Costs

Purpose and the Professions Amplify

Journal of Management

This paper encourages purpose-driven professionals to reimagine themselves at the center of circles opening up to progressively widening communities, so they can ask how to take setbacks seriously, defy indifference, and reify the joy of tackling what matters most.

Al Ramiah, A., Reydams Schils, G., & Phillips, M. (2024). Purpose and the Professions.

Amplify, 37(9), 32–39

Does the use of a certain type of ethical language indicate that managers are failing to behave in a socially responsible manner? This paper explores the prediction that “cheap talk” reflects managers being disingenuous with stakeholders about their ethical intentions in order to reduce pressure on corporate social performance (CSP).

Smulowitz, S. J., Pfarrer, M. D., Cossin, D., & Lu, H. (Abraham). (2025). The High Cost of Cheap Talk: How Disingenuous Ethical Language Can Reflect Agency Costs. Journal of Management.

Ajay Patel, Area Chair; Professor in Business Thomas S. Goho Chair in Finance; Professor

Jennifer Claggett, AT&T Faculty Fellow; Associate Professor

Effects of Bank Capital and Lending on Leverage, Risk and Growth of Non-Financial Firms

Identifying the Peripheral Cues in the Credibility Assessment of Online Health Information

Financial Management

This paper examines the impact of bank capital on the capital structure of nonfinancial firms, focusing on lenders and commercial borrowers from 2000 to 2019, finding a positive relationship between firm leverage and bank capital with lending serving as a key channel for this effect.

Baran, L., A. Patel and N. Sorokina, 2024, “Effects of Bank Capital and Lending on Leverage, Risk and Growth of Non-Financial Firms,” Financial Management, forthcoming.

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Information & Management

This mixed-method study, which combines an online experiment and qualitative analysis, explores how source, tone, and format affect credibility perceptions in health contexts, offering insights that could inform the design of future online health resources.

Claggett, J. L., Kitchens, B., & Paino, M. (2024). Identifying the Peripheral Cues in the Credibility Assessment of Online Health Information. Information & Management.

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Ali Zeytoon-Nejad, Iglehart-Lightcap Faculty Fellow, Associate Teaching Professor

Yeongin Kim, Assistant Professor

The Big Tradeoff averted: five avenues to promote efficiency and equality simultaneously

Mass Shooting and Startup Entrepreneurs’ Overconfidence: Evidence from Kickstarter Information & Management

International Economics and Economic Policy

Examining special circumstances in which efficiency equality tradeoff can be avoided, this paper identifies five such avenues and elaborates on why and how the tradeoff between these two somewhat contradictory societal goals—efficiency and equality—can be deftly averted under the mentioned circumstances.

Zeytoon-Nejad, A. The Big Tradeoff averted: five avenues to promote efficiency and equality simultaneously. International Economics and Economic Policy 21, 933–968 (2024).

Using data from a leading crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, this study examines the impact of emotional bias on entrepreneurial decisions in such platforms, specifically considering the impact of mass shootings as exogenous emotional shocks.

Hyejin Mun, Yeongin Kim, Yasin Ceran, Chulho Lee, “Mass Shooting and Startup Entrepreneurs’ Overconfidence: Evidence from Kickstarter.” Forthcoming at Information & Management.

Pelin Pekgün, Thomas H. Davis Professor in Business

Philip Howard, Joseph M. Bryan Fellow in Banking and Finance

Robust Demand Estimation with Customer Choice-Based Models for Sales Transaction Data

The Review of Financial Studies

Crowded Trades and Tail Risk

Production and Operations Management

Prevalent in many industries such as hotels, airlines, and retail, this research develops a novel statistical method to estimate customer choice among a firm's portfolio of offerings when the firm cannot directly observe customers who choose not to purchase any product.

S. Cho, J. Im, M. Ferguson and P. Pekgün, “Robust Demand Estimation with Customer Choice-Based Models for Sales Transaction Data.” Production and Operations Management.

This paper measures the degree of security-level crowdedness, finding the difference between the average returns on portfolios sorted by high versus low crowdedness portfolios is sizable and the variation in the realized portfolio returns is distinct from other traditional risk factors.

Brown, G., Howard, P., & Lundblad, C. (2022). Crowded Trades and Tail Risk. The Review of Financial Studies.

"We foster a Community of Inquiry, cultivating a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary and discipline-based research to address pressing business and organizational issues and key societal challenges."

- Greg Stewart Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Development & Research; Professor, Department Chair - MGT

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

285

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Premier Journal Articles

84

5 YEAR WINDOW

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Named Professorships & Honorary Titles: F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair in Business Excellence J. Tylee Wilson Chair in Business Ethics Thomas S. Goho Chair in Finance Thomas W. Smith Presidential Chair David C. Darnell Presidential Chair in Principled Leadership Peter C. Brockway Chair of Strategic Management Inmar Presidential Chair in Analytics Thomas H. Davis Professor in Business Thomas K. Hearn, Jr. Professor Delmer P. Hylton Accounting Professor D. Wayne Calloway Professor Dale K. Cline Department Chair for Accountancy John B. McKinnon Professor Dale and Karen Sisel Professor Kemper Professor of Business Benson Pruitt Professor in Business Joseph M. Bryan, Jr. Faculty Fellow in Banking and Finance Board of Visitors Faculty Fellow in Marketing L. Glenn Orr Faculty Fellow of Financial Services Lambert Family Accounting Faculty Fellow PWC Faculty Fellow for Teaching Excellence James Farr Faculty Fellow in Leadership and Organizational Development Wall Street Partners Faculty Fellow Faculty Fellow in Investments and Portfolio Management AT&T Faculty Fellow Thomas C. Taylor Faculty Fellow Exxon-Calloway Faculty Fellow Dr. Dale Martin Faculty Fellow Caron-Lightcap Faculty Fellow Robinson-Lightcap Faculty Fellow Nunnenkamp-Cinelli Faculty Fellow Coca-Cola Faculty Fellow Citibank/Calloway Faculty Fellow Hendley-Lightcap Faculty Fellow in Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship McNicholas-Lightcap Faculty Fellow Iglehart-Lightcap Faculty Fellow

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Annette L. Ranft Sean Hannah Ajay Patel Rob Nash Julie Wayne Stacie Petter Jeff Camm Pelin Pekgun & Amol Joshi Greg Stewart Jon Duchac Tom Canace Mark Evans Norma Montague Pat Dickson Kline Harrison Sherry Moss Philip Howard Kenny Herbst Deon Strickland Lauren Reid Whitney Simpson John Sumanth Bill Marcum Mark Johnson Jennifer Claggett Anna Cianci & Ya-wen Yang Matthew Phillips Jim Willis Lisa Dragoni Jia Li Tilan Tang Justin Martin Phil Anderson Michelle Steward Stephen Smulowitz Ali Zeytoon-Nejad

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"I'm convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere."

- MAYA ANGELOU

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS RANKINGS Our world-class programs are routinely recognized in major national and international rankings.

#2 #1 & TOP 20 #1 Part-time MBA Program in NC. Top 20 in the U.S.

MSM Program for Career Opportunities The Economist, 2021

#13 Best Private School for Internships The Princeton Review, 2025

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

TOP 20

#5 MSM Program in the U.S. The Economist, 2021

Undergraduate Business Program Poets & Quants, 2025

TOP 25 Online MBA Program in the U.S. Poets & Quants, 2025

Highest percentage of graduates in the Big 4

#5 School of Business Program for Business Degree Value

Accounting Today

Poets & Quants, 2025

#1 CPA PASS RATE

TOP 10

MSBA Program in the U.S.

More often than any other school in the past 25 years

Undergraduate Business Career Outcomes

Tech Guide, 2025

NASBA Uniform CPA Examination

QS World University Rankings, 2024

#3

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#1 IN BIG 4 RECRUITING

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EXPLORE THE PERSONAL STORIES BEHIND OUR AWARD-WINNING FACULTY

go.wfu.edu/FacultyFocus

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PO Box 7897 Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7897

HELPING BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS CREATE A BETTER WORLD

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